In 2018, South Carolina ETV (SCETV) and PBS aired a powerful half-hour documentary as part of its award-winning Carolina Stories series. Titled simply Charlie’s Place, the episode brings the history of the legendary Myrtle Beach nightclub to life through archival photos, expert commentary, and first-person interviews with those who knew it best.
Directed by Betsy Newman and narrated by singer Marlena Smalls, the documentary explores how Charlie and Sarah Fitzgerald created a rare integrated space in the Jim Crow South—where Black and white patrons came together to enjoy music, dance the shag, and push back (sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly) against the forces of segregation.
It also dives into the violent 1950 KKK raid that marked a turning point in the club’s history—and in Myrtle Beach itself.
Many of the voices featured in the podcast also appear in the film, including local historian Roddy Brown and community icon Leroy Brunson, giving new dimension and visual context to their memories.
The episode is a vivid, accessible primer on the story behind the podcast, and a great companion for anyone who wants to see the people and places they’ve heard about in action.
Original Air Date: 2018
Runtime: 26 minutes
Produced by: Betsy Newman for SCETV
Narrated by: Marlena Smalls
Featured In: Carolina Stories series
Available on: PBS.org and SCETV
Charlie's Place is a podcast series co-produced by Atlas Obscura and Rococo Punch in partnership with Pushkin Industries and Visit Myrtle Beach. Hosted by filmmaker Rhym Guissé, the show uncovers the hidden history of a legendary Black nightclub in Jim Crow-era South Carolina—and the people who made it a symbol of culture, resistance, and community. Starting July 21st, binge the entire season early and ad-free by subscribing to Pushkin+. Sign up on the Charlie's Place show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.
