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This film had mostly positive reviews by the major critics, and having some interest in the subject matter, I decided to give it a viewing. The film is basically a one act play, and very little happens that is not predictable from watching the trailer or reading previous reviews. Most of the plot line will appeal mainly to vengeful child sex abuse activists, who only wish such actions could be legally replicated in real life.

If viewed strictly as a piece of propaganda to deter sexual predators, the film serves it purpose. NBC's Chris Hanson, can only wish he had this impact in the "To Catch a Predator" TV series. Having said that, the film lacks a storyline to maintain anything beyond a passing interest. The girl is far from the type that most men are going to choose in an internet liason. She's far too intelligent, and her physical appearance has a Lyndie England persona, that is both violently aggressive and sexually unappealing. Most men would seek a subject more easily manipulated, and possessing a higher level of nymphet sexuality. Casting an Olson twin type, and adding some sexual foreplay into the plot, would have made the film much more interesting. As is, the film consist primarily of contrived dialog, with the two characters trying to prove their intellectual prowess to one another. Than there's the extended medical procedure, that is telegraphed throughout the early parts of the movie. The scene does little to hold interest, other than to make the viewer grit their teeth.

This film does not contain the substance to make it either a good grade B horror or sex flick. And the lack of character development does not give it a true art/indie type quality. The sole purpose seems to be the hope that it will scare potential sex predators.

The previous reviewer apparently thinks The Swinger is intended to be a social commentary on the 1960's. This is not that deep of a film. I would say that since the film was produced in 1966, it is reflective of the times. The fashion and music of the movie is indicative of what people were wearing and listening to in 1966. The Woodstock era and the follow on Easy Rider type films were several years away. In 1966, psychedelic was a term more associated with loud colored fashion, and also alluded to a promiscuous lifestyle, rather than LSD. This film is in touch with the lifestyle of the majority of young people in 1966.

The Swinger was a daring film for 1966, as far as innuendo and scanty clothing are concerned. The nudity portrayed later in the decade and on into the 70's, was not present in American film yet. By today's standards for mainstream film, the clothing (or lack there of) of Ann-Margret is far more daring than what you would see a female star do today. This is a very sexy movie for the period, with Miss Margret performing two elongated song and dance numbers (one as a stripper) in which she gets down to bare essentials. This probably had a lot to do with the films box office, as it was probably a bit too risqué for middle America at the time.

This film is shown often on AMC, but the version shown now is an edited one, in which a couple of the dance scenes have been cut short. I have not seen the unedited version for more than 30 years, and doubt that copies of it still exist.