WRANGLER: ANATOMY OF AN ICON

“Could Jack Wrangler be considered a role model for men exploring their newfound sexual freedom in the 1970s? After reading his book and seeing his films, it became clear that he both reflected the macho gay culture, and helped to define it. ” — Jeffrey Schwarz

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

At a used bookstore in San Francisco in the early 90s, I picked up a volume called What’s a Nice Boy Like You Doing? by somebody named Jack Wrangler. On the front page, the author had signed his name boldly and confidently. Who was this Jack Wrangler, and what sordid tales might I find inside this book?

At that time, I was trotting gaily out of the closet, living in San Francisco and reading everything I could get my hands on about gay history. The 1970s was of particular interest, since that’s when the party was in full swing, and gay men were finally liberating themselves from thousands of years of oppression. I found inspiration from people like Harvey Milk, Vito Russo, and the countless brave and defiant activists who spearheaded the revolution.

I was also watching a lot of porn.

Luckily, living in San Francisco, the well-stocked video stores provided a crash course in the history of gay pornography, and I studied diligently. I saw everything from the Athletic Model Guild films of the 1950s through the glossy, straight to video productions of the 90s and everything in between. Aside from the obvious prurient outlet they provided, the films also seemed to be a reflection of concurrent gay history.

In the 1970s, as more graphic and confident portrayals of gay sexuality began to appear on screen, there was an explosion of gay visibility in the real world. Were films like Kansas City Trucking Company a reflection of the sexual revolution, or did they help fuel it? The men on screen were not swishy stereotypes, but were masculine, confident, and completely unapologetic about their sexuality. Could these new porn stars be considered role models for men exploring their newfound sexual freedom in the 1970s? Jack Wrangler certainly was. After reading his book and seeing his films, it became clear that he both reflected the macho gay culture, and helped to define it.

Years later, I was having breakfast with the playwright Robert Patrick, who had written and starred with Jack in a play called T-Shirts. I expressed my fascination and desire to produce a documentary on Jack’s life. He put me in touch with the man himself and we developed a friendship. Although he accepts the fact that he can’t escape his porn past, he has carved out a successful career as a “legit” theatrical artist, and was hesitant to revisit those years in a documentary.

I’m not sure if it was my persistence or Jack’s healthy ego and desire to be center stage, but he finally agreed to be the subject of this film. Jack Wrangler’s story is an inspiration to anyone who’s ever wanted to reinvent themselves. Jack held a picture in his mind of the man he wanted to be, and set about living that identity. He shows how one can deliberately redefine oneself and step forward confidently and fearlessly in the world. I hope this film can inspire audiences to do the same.

— Jeffrey Schwarz

From the dawn of the sexual revolution comes the outrageous true story of 1970s gay porn icon Jack Wrangler, who became a major brand name in adult entertainment, as well as a hero to the newly liberated gay population.

Jack Stillman grew up in Beverly Hills, a child of privilege with a decidedly sensitive nature. Jack wanted to be in show business from an early age, wowing audiences with song and dance routines, and becoming a child star on the Sunday morning religious drama Faith of Our Children. His father was a producer of Bonanza, and Jack’s budding sexuality was piqued by the sight of a young Michael Landon.

He honed his acting and directing talents, but when show business success eluded him, he turned to bartending and go-go dancing in the burgeoning gay community of West Hollywood. When he was asked to be part of a gay male strip revue called “Hot Jocks,” he decided to change his name to something more memorable. Glancing down at his plaid work shirt’s label, he christened himself Jack Wrangler, and the name stuck. He was soon cast in a play in San Francisco called Special Friends, where he took his clothes off and became the talk of the town. Wrangler became a sensation, doing nude modeling and appearing on the cover of the first issue of Mandate. He soon made his first X-rated appearance, and almost overnight a star was born. A cavalcade of movie roles followed — sailors, cowboys, and construction workers — Jack Wrangler played them all.

In the 1970s, gay men trying to overcome the stigma of homosexuality saw in Jack a new butch role model. The Jack Wrangler character was a deliberate construction — a rough and tumble, beer drinking drifter who dug guys in a macho kind of way. Jack made some of the era’s most memorable films, did personal appearances, and even had a line of official merchandise. Anybody remember the Accu-Jack?

Not content to be a big fish in a small pond, he decided to cross over into the more lucrative straight porn world and became an even bigger success. In fact, Jack Wrangler lost his (straight) virginity on camera in a film called The China Sisters. Although avowedly gay the entire time, Jack managed to create sizzling sex scenes with a bevy of beautiful female co-stars.

While in New York doing a live one-man show, Jack met legendary vocalist Margaret Whiting, and much to their surprise, they fell head over heels for each other. Although their relationship confounded their friends, as well as Jack’s gay audience, the couple have weathered the storm and remained together for 30 years.

Jack Wrangler’s story is one of self-invention and determination, and although he has gone on to an accomplished career in legitimate theater, he knows he will always be Jack Wrangler, former porn star.

In the 1970s, gay men trying to overcome the stigma of homosexuality saw in Jack a new butch role model. The Jack Wrangler character was a deliberate construction — a rough and tumble, beer drinking drifter who dug guys in a macho kind of way. Jack made some of the era’s most memorable films, did personal appearances, and even had a line of official merchandise. Anybody remember the Accu-Jack?

Not content to be a big fish in a small pond, he decided to cross over into the more lucrative straight porn world and became an even bigger success. In fact, Jack Wrangler lost his (straight) virginity on camera in a film called The China Sisters. Although avowedly gay the entire time, Jack managed to create sizzling sex scenes with a bevy of beautiful female co-stars.

While in New York doing a live one-man show, Jack met legendary vocalist Margaret Whiting, and much to their surprise, they fell head over heels for each other. Although their relationship confounded their friends, as well as Jack’s gay audience, the couple have weathered the storm and remained together for 30 years.

Jack Wrangler’s story is one of self-invention and determination, and although he has gone on to an accomplished career in legitimate theater, he knows he will always be Jack Wrangler, former porn star.

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER
Jeffrey Schwarz

SUPERVISING PRODUCER
Sonja Nelson

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Taryn Teigue

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Jack Mulligan

EDITOR
Jaime Meyers Schlenck

COMPOSER
Michael “The Millionaire” Cudahy

DESIGN & ANIMATION
Grant Nellessen and Jeff Nemetz

“A blazingly-paced injection of information and retro sensations.”
— DVD Talk

“Immensely entertaining…”
— Bay Area Reporter

“Gripping, funny, and heartbreaking and ultimately inspiring.”
— Gay.com

For public screening inquiries:
jeffrey (at) automatpictures.com