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The 1970s was an era of Studio 54, CBGB's, and a place called Platos' Retreat, where couple came to swap partners.

Located most famously in the Ansonia Hotel on Upper West Side and founded by Larry Levinson, the self-proclaimed King of Swing, this entertaining and fascinating film combines interviews with former patrons, employees, and celebrities who spent one or more nights there.

Some of the former attendees are now senior citizens and they speak fondly of their time there.

They're many celebrities, like Buck Henry, who are interviewed for the film, and share their views on the place.

But, it's the stories and recollections of regular folks, who somehow wound up there, which makes the film captivating.

Even more interesting is the story of Levinson, whose rise and fall paralleled the fate of the club. Levinson served time in jail for tax evasion as the club got shut down when the AIDS crisis hit.

For those who've lived in New York for many years and are old enough to remember this era, the movie makes you reflect on how different a place the city is today. For those who are too young and didn't live through this time, it's an eye opener.

"American Swing" is a excellent story, well told by filmmakers Matthew Kaufman and Jon Hart, and well worth seeing for New Yorkers who can appreciate its history, even its seamy side.

Neil Rosen's Big Apple Rating: 3.5 Apples