During the 1940s and '50s, while working at a Los Angeles gas station, he claims to have orchestrated encounters for a cohort that included Cary Grant, Randolph Scott, Katharine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracy.
In the documentary “Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood” by Matt Tyrnauer, Bowers emerges as more than just a name-dropping personality, but as a trailblazing pioneer with a captivatingly contradictory life.
The film, inspired by Bowers' 2012 memoir “Full Service,” follows him through various book signings and social gatherings, blending heartwarming moments with stunning glimpses of old Hollywood.
It portrays an era when dominant studios, relentless vice officers, and intrusive tabloids forced LGBTQ individuals in the industry to conceal their identities.
Bowers, a charming WWII veteran, formed close bonds with stars like Walter Pidgeon and seamlessly arranged liaisons, some of which took place in a trailer behind the gas station.
According to Bowers, these encounters were not merely scandalous but enjoyable for all participants, offering a liberating escape for those oppressed by societal prejudices and the celebrity-driven culture.
As much of the documentary focuses on Bowers navigating his cluttered home alongside his devoted wife of 35 years, a sense of paradox emerges.
Despite his troubled past in Illinois, where he faced what many would deem as abuse, Bowers has a different perspective on those experiences.
While Bowers' present may be quieter, his recollections remain vivid, drawing viewers into a voyeuristic journey through his sensational escapades, including encounters with notable figures, even from British royalty.
However, director Tyrnauer skillfully places Bowers' audacious tales within a broader context, emphasizing the reality behind the glamorous façade of Hollywood stars.
As actor Stephen Fry notes, Bowers' revelations simply humanize these enigmatic personalities.
“Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood,” a three-star documentary running for 1 hour and 37 minutes, delves into themes of obscenity, graphic nudity, and adult content, shedding light on a hidden chapter of Hollywood's past.
Through Bowers' unconventional life story, the film challenges conventional perceptions of fame, relationships, and identity in the Golden Age of cinema.
