SWAMP DOGG GETS HIS POOL PAINTED

(director/writer: Ryan Olson, Isaac Gale; screenwriter: Paul Lovelace; cinematographers: David McMurry, Ryan Kron Thompson; editors: Ryan Olson, Isaac Gale, David McMurry; music: Swamp Dogg; cast: Swamp Dogg, Moogstar, Moogstar, Alex Epton,Ryan Olson; Runtime: 95; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Paul Lovelace, Ryan Olson, Isaac Gale, David McMurry; Magnolia Pictures/VOD; 2024)

“Entertaining pic.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Ryan Olson (Musician/producer) and Isaac Gale (director of musical videos) co-direct and Paul Lovelace writes this humorous off-beat musical bio-pic documentary on Jerry Williams, a.k.a. Swamp Dogg. He was an R&B singer in 1954, who at 82 is still performing under his stage name of Swamp Dogg. He’s become a legendary cult underground singer/songwriter, who defies classification and has an ‘I don’t care attitude’ about life. He never became a household name despite appearing with luminaries such as Jane Fonda on her 1971 anti-Vietnam War Army tour and collaborating with Patti Labelle.
 
Dogg is a widower, with five grown daughters. He resides with fellow aging musical eccentric roommates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty (died during filming) in a house in California’s San Fernando Valley. The singer has successfully dealt with mental health issues, and has also formed his own record company.

The entertaining pic takes place at Dogg’s swimming pool as it’s being painted. This scenario gives the viewer a chance to experience the singer/songwriter freely expressing himself with his roomies and friends.

It played at the SXSW Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 9/11/2025  GRADE: B
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