Episode 18: Fred Halsted's L.A. PLAYS ITSELF (1972)

<p class="" data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This week on the podcast, we’re finally taking a look at the film that set the gay world on fire: Fred Halsted’s <em>L.A. PLAYS ITSELF</em>. Described by its creator as a sort of ‘confessional yin-and-yang,’ the film’s highly controversial emphasis on sadomasochism and ambivalent tone drew as much condemnation as it did applause, making Halsted a legitimate gay icon virtually overnight.</p> <p class="">Over the course of our discussion we’ll dive into Halsted’s backstory, the role that astrology had in the film’s production, and its incendiary New York premiere.</p>