What is it: Sanduskian Todd Stephens’ 2021 film
Swan Song has taken flight and landed on the streaming service Disney+.
The third film in the Sandusky trilogy (Stephens’ “
Edge of Seventeen” and “
Gypsy 83” were released in 1998 and 2001, respectively) is a coming-of-age story set in Stephens’ hometown of Sandusky. The film stars Udo Kier, Jennifer Coolidge, Linda Evans, Michael Urie, and Ira Hawkins.
![]()
Photo courtesy of Magnolia PicturesUdo Kier in Swan SongThe movie premiered in select theaters–including Cinemark Sandusky Mall–in August 2021.
According to
Rotten Tomatoes, “Kier stars as retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger, who escapes the confines of his small-town Sandusky, Ohio nursing home after learning of his former client's dying wish for him to style her final hairdo. Soon, Pat embarks on an odyssey to confront the ghosts of his past -- and collect the beauty supplies necessary for the job. Swan Song is a comical and bittersweet journey about rediscovering one's sparkle, and looking gorgeous while doing so.”
Stephens, a 1985 Sandusky High School graduate, learned of his movie’s inclusion on Disney+ at the same time it hit the streaming service.
“I just found out about the Disney release today and am thrilled to have our love letter to Sandusky reach a whole new audience,” Stephens said via email on Monday.
How to get involved: Stream Swan Song on
Disney+ now.