Happy 41st to actor Joe Manganiello!
Check out more of Joe and more of today's Birthdays,
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Happy Birthday today December 28th
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Favorite Pic of the Day for December 28th
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12 Days: Eric Shea in The Poseidon Adventure
'Shove it. Shove it. Shove it!'
Robin Shelby
When it comes to New Year's Eve themed movies, the pickings are pretty slim. Most are romances, with New Year's occupying just a scene or two. There is one film however, a movie that made quite an impression on me, and may others, where most of the main action takes place just after the stroke of midnight. It was the mid-eighties, about 12 or 13 years after 1972's The Poseidon Adventure was released in theatres.
I was about 8 or 9 and the movie was playing on the late show on TV. On that first viewing, I only got to watch about a quarter of the film. I was sent to bed by my parents just after the SS Poseidon had it's run in with a 99-foot tsunami formed tidal wave.
There was something the film that fascinated me, and as I have learned, many others. The 70's disaster film has become a cult favorite, a campy flick full of memorable, and often laughable scenes and plot devices. From Shelley Winters famous underwater swim through Stella Stevens shirt dress, everything was a bit over the top. Speaking of over the top, even as a 9 year old (still not out) gay kid, Stella Stevens breasts, were immensely fascinating.
5,4,3,2,1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
One of the movie's 'hooks' was seeing which of the famous cast members were going to make it to safety at the bottom of the ship. One by one, celebrity after celebrity fell, drowned or, in the films most famous scene, crushed by a giant Christmas tree. One of the mystery's for me about the cast, is why after the success of this film, we didn't see more of actor Eric Shea.
On deck with The Captain (Leslie Nielsen) and crew
Shea played Robin Shelby, who was traveling with is sister Susan. (Pamela Sue Martin) Shea was great in the role it surprised he didn't go on to more success in the business. Shea has a strong early resume, movies along side Lucille Ball and James Garner and TV guest shots on some of the 70's most popular shows. Shea had a unique quality, earnest and likable, and worked steadily in his short time in the lime light.
Gene Hackman sporting an 'off the shoulder' look for New Years
Shea had family in the business, both of his brothers were actors, his brother Christopher voiced the role of Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas.' Shea tells HollywoodChicago.com that when his older brother got an agent, they signed all three brother up, and all began to get regular work. At 18 however, Shea decided that show business, was not where he wanted to be.
The Castaway Cowboy (1974)
In Disney's 1974 flick, The Castaway Cowboy, Shea played 'Little Mac' who rescues Texas Cowboy James Garner out the Pacific ocean when he washes ashore in Hawaii.
HollywoodChicago.com:You abruptly left the business in 1978, right as you were transitioning into adulthood. What was behind that decision, had you just had enough?
Shea:It was a little bit of that, but also I just didn’t make the transition. At the same time, I was losing interest. I moved to St. Louis and learned the electrical trade, and I’ve been doing that ever since.
Little House on the Prairie (1976)
Reunited with movie sister Pamela Sue Martin
The Cast of The Poseidon Adventure
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Notables: Nick Ayler by Hans Fahrmeyer
Notable: Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable
The end of a year is a time for reflection, even when it's forced. I try to resist this forced upon custom, but with a new year on the horizon, it is almost impossible to think about what's ahead, without a least a passing nod to what was behind. One behind worthy of many backward glances is that of model, actor and musician Nick Ayler, especially when so unforgettably captured by photographer Hans Fahrmeyer
I think every model and artist I feature on FH is worthy of attention, I wouldn't put time into featuring them if I didn't love and want to share their work. There are some artists, some models and some worth that have had an enduring impact and influence on my passion for images of the male form. Although Nick has been photographed by many talented photographers, I often tend to associate their work with the image, and the artist in the first image of them that caught my eye and held my attention.
Back in 2009, I saw Nick's images for the first time in a series featured on Oh La La Magazine. I immediately put together a piece (HERE:) for Sunday's With Hans, a regular FH feature which had just began a few months earlier. Nick's body was a work of art, and Hans perfectly captured his potent masculinity blended with the then 22 year old's boyish face and sexy blue yes.
Those eyes may have had a glint of boyish innocence, but there was nothing naive about Nick. I have had the opportunity to interview Nick and have featured his work in close to 25 pieces since that first appearance. The two words that always come to mind are passion and drive, especially when it came to his career. I remember the first time Nick contacted me, he was without an agent or manager, and was doing his own promotion. He goals were big, modeling, acting and his first love music. Nick was making the most of his recent success with modeling, to get his name out there and to use the opportunities to talk about to promote his music and acting work.
Nick's hard work clearly paid off with acting roles both on television and in movies, and a hugely successful career as a DJ, something Nick has been doing close to 15 years now. Nick is well known for his frequent appearances throughout California and Las Vegas and just came off a hugely successful night at Snowchella in Denver. I had been thinking for awhile about returning in 2018 to update FH readers about some of notable artists who I have featured over the last 10 years and I got a couple of signs that Nick's work with Hans would make the perfect first subject for the theme.
First off, if you check out my recent post spotlighting Hans' new book, The Cover-Up, you noticed that images of Nick, and his white jock strap, are featured prominently in the book. Then...after Hans posted the incredible shot of Nick (my POTD shot) on his Twitter, the decision was made. Thanks to Hans, for sending on some of my favorite shots. Undoubtedly, many are familiar to some of you, but hopefully there are one or two you haven't seen before.
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In the Midnight Hour
'I'm gonna wait 'till the midnight hour
When there' no one else around'
The New Year's celebrating began a little early for these two party goers. TR Pic's Tom remember this New Year's Eve shoot a crazy ride. Both frenetic, and a little strange with the champagne flowing even before he could even get his camera out. The focus was initially going to be on Jake, (above) the model Tom had arranged to shoot, and his sexy blonde roommate, (below) jumped in on the action.
Despite the chaos, or maybe because of it, intense energy between the two models came through like those fireworks that go off at midnight. Although it wasn't what he planned, Tom ended up loving the shots. He does't often work with masks, and images ended up being unique, and a little different that his usual visual style.
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Happy Birthday today December 31st
Happy 58th to actor Val Kilmer!
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Favorite Pic of the Day for December 31st
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A Stroke of Fortune: Donovan by The Third Eye
'Immediately my Third Eye fluttered open which allows me to view a person through a camera lens.'
Richard, The Third Eye
For many, luck is about destiny. As i some all knowing force or being is guiding the lives of some, but not of others. I don't really believe this way of thinking, that some people are just more 'lucky' than others. I do though, believe that luck, fate and coincidence exist, moments of fortune that occur due to time and place, important moments only possible by the split second blending of decision with situation.
If you have read and have enjoyed my previous pieces featuring the work of The Third Eye, you know that fate and circumstance are often central to story. Richard's skill as an artist of course completes the story, but the beginning, is all about the third eye. Today, most model/artist connections occur first on-line. Before deciding to shoot, both can view, and judge the work of the other. There is usually the opportunity to ask any questions, set any conditions or boundaries and discuss the creative vision (if there is one) for the shoot.
I always ask photographers and models I feature how they connected. I am always interested in what exactly it was about the other, the led to a decision to work together. Although connecting through Model Mayhem or other social media sites is usually the nexus, sometimes the meetings are not as predictable, and come as an unexpected stroke of fortune. Richard's introduction to Donovan certainly fits into this category. Richard considers himself lucky as photographer to have encountered Donovan, and I consider myself lucky to have connected with The Third Eye, and be able to share the images, and Richard's story of their creation, with readers of FH.
'As I grow older, I find it more and more difficult to manage my yard without help. For the last three years I would find a helper through Craigslist. That method has always been hit or miss. I made my annual attempt last month. I always expect the worst so I am not too disappointed. I contacted a young man in a nearby town looking for weekend work. We sat it up for the following Saturday. We sat the time for 1:pm for him to just come and look at the job.'
'As the time grew near, I perched myself in front of the window to wait. I told myself that if he looked “ strung out “ that I was not going to open the door. When I saw the car approaching I couldn't help but notice that it was a newer model car in good condition, not at all what I am accustomed to. It took a moment for my helper to get out of his car. Once the door opened I realized that this was like no helper I had ever had before.'
'Immediately my Third Eye fluttered open which allows me to view a person through a camera lens. I said to myself, Good God Richard this is a potential model approaching. It didn't take long to realize that he was a genuinely nice person besides his physical attributes. Once we examined the yard, it didn't take me long to bring up that I was a photographer always looking for new talent. He was excited to tell me that he has considered modeling and has been encouraged by a number of people in that direction.'
'Donovan had just been discharged from the Army and admitted he is not at all inhibited. He is very well spoken and very easy to talk to. If he were somehow affected by his good looks, then I probably would not have asked him to do a photo shoot. I did ask Donovan to shoot which we did the next day before our yard activities. We all know that not everyone is cut out to be a model. Donovan is not in that category. He found that he enjoyed being in front of the camera. He really does come to life. We have done two successful photo shoots. We have a wonderful working relationship built on trust and respect. I can't help but think, how lucky can one photographer get. The photos speak for themselves. The kid has got it!'
The Third Eye on FH:
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Young Prince Phillip
No this post isn't about a young Prince Philip, (with one 1) it's about Aurora's Prince Phillip from Sleeping Beauty. Both Phil's however, made pop-up cameo's during my Christmas. It began Christmas morning with my parents ritual of watching the Queen's message on TV. Every years since I was kid, they like to listen to Elizabeth speak about the year that was, and her wishes for the year that's to be.
During this year's message, there was a throw away line about Philip now taking it easy. I don't think she mentioned retirement, (I only have listened) but did say that at age 96, it was time to slow down the pace. The other Prince Phillip showed up briefly on the 26th. One of my nieces favorite gifts was her collection of Disney movies.
Although Frozen is now a few years old, it, as well as The Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo seem on constant repeat at my brothers house. Despite buying her many new DVD's to try, nothing else matches their appeal, and I know his hope is to lose (hide) a certain movie about two Disney sisters, as soon as the coast is clear.
Below: Artwork by ADQuatt
A third sign that a piece on the dashing Phillip was due came last night. I was researching images for another piece when an image of Phillip appeared in my search. Many a Disney princess has required the aid of the animals of the forest, to clean a house, pick a dress, or get to them to a ball on time. This image, (by theredbones) switched up the gender roles, with a naked Prince Phillip being assisted dressing (or maybe undressing) by cute little creatures from the woods
Above: Phillip by the-red-bones
Disney Princess's have always been sexualized, but over the last decade or so, their male counterparts are getting equal treatment. Although historically, many Princes were very Ken Doll like as far as look and sex appeal, but in recent years, they have been given... well let's just say, a bit more muscle. Although Phillip was long ago, thanks to artists, Phillip and the other classic princes have been given a long deserved sexual edge.
Below: Phillip by Nippy13
Below: Phillip by Kim-Possible
Below: Artwork by theprincecharming
Below: Phillip & Prince Charming by Kim-Possible
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Resolute
Expected, yet uninvited
Anticipated, but with suspicion
Both hopeful and cautious
Welcome 2018
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Happy Birthday today January 1st
Happy 53rd to model and athlete Beiron Andersson!
The image above is one of Beiron's first nude shoots in the 90's, the image below, self shot from this past summer.
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Favorite Pic of the Day for January 1st
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Sans Sax: Andrew by Gordon Nebeker
'I don’t usually like instruments as props in a shoot but if the model really knows how to play them, it makes a big difference in the authenticity of the photograph. Andrew is a talented saxophone player and he requested that we take some of those which I was happy to do. Andrew actually played small snippets of songs while I was shooting him with his saxophone so it was all quite real.'
Last month I featured 20 year old model and sax player Andrew, and his work with Unlimited Male. (The Cusp of Cool) I knew instantly from the feedback and post count that Andrew, as well as his instrument, were a hit with readers of FH. I was eager to feature more of Andrew's imagery, and fortunately, knew just where to start.
I am fortunate to live very close to some woods so we were able to drive there, shoot for a while, and be back to the house within an hour. Out timetable put us in the woods right at the “golden hour” so the light was warm. We were finishing up and heading back to the car when we came to a clearing where the sun was shining perfectly. I told him this was too good to pass up and he immediately removed his clothes without complaint and we were able to get some shots where he appears to be edged with sunlight
When I was putting together the links for the Andrew piece I noticed an image of Andrew that I immediately recognized. The image, (HERE:) was a beautiful shot of a naked Andrew curled around a flower arrangement atop a wooden table. I recognized the table right away, I have been fortunate to have featured several models adorning that particular piece of furniture before. Even if I didn't recognize the table, I did instantly recognized the visual style. I think few so beautifully blend the male form with furniture and architectural lines and design as photographer Gordon Nebeker.
I had seen images of Andrew on Gordon's Instagram in November, but didn't connect initially that he was the same model in the images from Unlimited Male. As incredibly stunning as Andrew is, he is also a bit of a chameleon, whose appearance morphs with each photographer he works with and theme and concept being captured. Given this, Gordon was the perfect photographer to capture so many looks and locations. although they only had one day together, but Gordon managed to shoot Andrew in studio, outside, in the shower and with the white fabric that Gordon so beautifully uses with many of his models.
I call this series, The Andrew Sessions, due to the creative abundance of looks and themes that Gordon captured. Although Gordon did take a few shots of Andrew and his instrument, the focus of the shoot was more extensive, with the goal to capture as many themes, looks and locations as they could fit into their time together. Although I love Gordon's location and studio work, his 'upon the furniture' theme has become a favorite. I love how creatively the models pose with each piece of furniture, the colors, shapes and lines. I especially love the contrast between warm bodies connecting physically with cold surfaces, a model's energy with an inanimate object, and soft skin against hard wood.
The Andrew Sessions
'I was contacted by a photographer friend of mine in Fort Lauderdale early this past Fall to see if I would be interested in participating with them in working with Andrew when he plans to come to Florida later this Spring. I didn’t recognize his name until I looked him up on Model Mayhem and then I recognized his face. Andrew is a college student and, in an effort to help with his education expenses, he has been actively promoting himself as a model in the New England/Southern Canada area and has worked with many photographers in the area. I decided to engage him for a shoot this past October. I also made a mental note that since a lot of his work is now viewable, I would try to capture some not so typical shots to keep things fresh and different. In the end, I think I was partially successful in doing that.'
When I try to be more creative, I will often pose the model on top of or under a piece of furniture where you wouldn’t expect to find them. Andrew ended up on our front hall table and looked rather good there!.
'On a first shoot, I will often have the model work with a long white transparent cloth in the studio. Some models have no idea what to do with it and others, including Andrew, take to it immediately. At one point he said, “how about a David?” and it wasn’t immediately clear to me what he meant but when I was processing his photos and came to a certain picture/pose, it was immediately clear to me: he was talking about Michelangelo’s famous statue of David in Florence and he had the pose down just about perfectly. I was quite impressed that he had studied the pose so carefully.'
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12 Days: Travis Van Winkle in Christmas Getaway
I first remember seeing actor and model Travis Van Winkle back when he was making regular appearances on a number of teen dramas including 90210, Greek, 7th Heaven and The OC. Although always a talented actor, Travis' face and body got most of the attention. Beautiful blonde curly hair, he was perfect for blonde California Adonis role required on most of the shows on The CW at the time.
Still blonde and beautiful, Travis has is even hotter in his late 30's and still works steadily, including his regular role on The Last Ship. With a few more years, as well as experience with a more roles under his belt, Travis Van Winkle has moved from supporting player to lead without missing a beat. With this being my last 12 Days piece of the season, glad I decided to watch that one last Christmas movie on my DVR.
When I saw his credit on the recently aired Christmas Getaway, I was curious to check in on an actor I'd not seen in a few years Christmas Getaway was your typical holiday fluff with all the trimmings that usually surround a Hallmark Christmas movie. From the second our leading lady, and everyone watching I'm sure, saw Mr. Van Winkle, (and his sexy scruff...) we were all dreaming of how things would end.
Next 4 images, Travis in Flaunt Magazine
Meet the Spartans (2008)
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Aleksander Melgalvis: Trophied
I know it's now 2018, but with all of the sexy Santa's and holidays hunks I posted in December, I didn't want to miss out featuring one of my favorite 'naked highlights' from last last year. Many of you may have already have seen the images, and the video of Nrwegian footballer Aleksander Melgalvis stripping down, but if you haven't enjoy.
Defender Aleksander Melgalvis, 28, helped Lillestrom win the King's Cup with a 3-2 win over Sarpsborg in the first week of December. As part of the celebration, Aleksander stipped down, putting his own crown jewels into the Kings Cup, something that angered a few followers of Normway's Royal Family. Regardless, the images and video went viral, giving both Aleksander, and his team's win, more publicity than they could have ever have expected!
Thanks to reks for the hot gif!
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Hardpacked
Gus Kenworthy celebrated the New Year by sharing this outtake from his ESPN Body Issue shoot with Benjamin Lowy on his Instagram.
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Favorite Pic of the Day for January 4th
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Many More Mr Sloane's
Since that first performance was produced in London at the New Arts Theatre in 1964, there have been thousands of productions staged of Entertaining Mr Sloane. In addition to hundreds staged in the UK, the play moved to the US, playing on Broadway at The Lyceum Theatre in 1965. This production closed however, after just 13 performances. The show has since been revived all over the UK and America. Beryl Reid (Kath in the film) joined Malcolm McDowell as Sloane in a 1975 production for a Joe Orton Festival at the Royal Court Theatre in London.
With all of those thousand of productions, there were thousands of actors seducing thousands of Kath's and Ed's as well. In the film, and in many of the stage versions, this seducing occurs with Mr Sloan only wearing his tighty whities. Although some productions had Mr Sloan in boxers, most stuck with the white briefs. Ina ddition to Malcolm McDowell, many well known actors took on the role, as well as many actors in local and smaller productions. I tried to hunt down as many productions as I could find, and below are some of my favorite (image wise) Mr Sloane's.
Adam Ant
Adam as Mr Sloane
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester (1984/1985)
Malcolm McDowell
Malcolm McDowell as Mr. Sloane
Beryl Reid as Kath
The Royal Court Theatre, London (1975)
Maxwell Caulfield
Maxwell Caulfield as Mr Sloane
Cherry Lane Theatre, New York (1981/82)
Sadly, I couldn't find a shot of Maxwell in his tighy whities, but anyone knows if there are production images form this production, please let me know.
Brad Davis
Brad Davis as Mr Sloane (Replacement for Maxwell Caulfield)
Barbara Bryne as Kath
Cherry Lane Theatre, New York (1982)
John Henry
John Henry as Mr Sloane
Chester Little Theatre, Chester UK 2015
Paul Cereghino
Paul Cereghino as Mr Sloane
Stage Door St. Louis, 2013
Alex Felton
Alex Felton as Mr Sloane
Julia Hills as Kath
Curve Theatre, Leicester, England, 2012
'I’ve just been naked today. We took some photos for a video montage at the beginning to place the characters and the history and the setting of 1964. The photographer said “It’d be quite good if you were naked at this point.” It’s good for the character. Sloane uses his body as his card, his weapon. So, there’ll definitely be some kind of action I’m sure. Well, Sloane should be a real gay icon, the stuff of gay fantasy. That’s what Joe Orton wanted. He said as much in his diaries.'
3 images above by Pamela Raith
Emrhys Cooper
Emrhys Cooper as Mr Sloane
Olivia d’Abo as Kath
Ian Buchanan as Ed
The Actors Company Theatre, West Hollywood, 2011
'Entertaining Mr. Sloane” boasts impressive performances from it’s fine cast. Emrhys Cooper shines as Sloane in a sexually charged, nuanced portrayal. Ian Buchanan grounds the piece with a sharp and impressive turn as Ed. Olivia d’Abo is solid as the horny Kath, decked out in a fine wig and fat suit. Robin Gammell excels as the nearly blind old man whose subtle understanding of human nature proves to be his undoing.'
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Phoenix Theatre Ensemble's Entertaining Mr Sloane
'How can an audience in the era of naked First Ladies and transgendered decathlon athletes can still be shocked by a 53-year old British play? It’s because director Craig Smith, the play’s creative team, and the cast expertly transport us back to not-so-jolly old England in the 60’s, an era where the country was slowly coming into its sexual revolution— albeit with a gun to its head.'
Entertaining Mr. Sloane
Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, New York, New York
Playwright: Joe Orton
Director: Craig Smith
Cast:
Antonio Edwards Suarez (Ed)
Elise Stone (Kath)
Matt Baguth (Sloane)
John Lenartz (Kemp a.k.a. Dadda)
I enjoyed learning more about Joe Orton, his works and especially some of the history behind Entertaining Mr Sloane. I had heard or Orton before, but hadn't seen any of his work, nor did I know much about his short life, and his tragic death at the hands of his partner. It is always morbidly fascinating when an authors life and death are far more dramatic than the drama created on the page.
Orton's Entertaining Mr Sloane was first produced in London at the New Arts Theatre on 6 May 1964 and transferred to the West End's Wyndham's Theatre on 29 June 1964. In researching stage revivals of the play, one of the productions that came up most frequently was also one of the most recent. Last springs production by the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble received universally outstanding reviews. For the production, and for actor Matt Baguth, the show's incredibly talented and hot Mr Sloane.
As Sloane, the handsome Matt Baguth instead builds up momentum very slowly before finally revealing the “real” man who’s the center of all the attention. And just like with the rest of this twisted tale, it’s not quite what it seems.
Matt Baguth, who plays Mr. Sloane, is a delight to see in his undies onstage, as he has an amazing body and very good acting skills.
'With his sculpted physique, prevalent musculature and chiseled features that recall the young Malcolm MacDowell (who played the role in a 1975 London revival), Matt Baguth is mesmerizing. Speaking in a whispery, low, lightly accented voice, Mr. Baguth commands attention. Whether wearing Mod clothing or encased in black leather, and a tight white T-shirt, Baguth vividly captures the predatory nature of this youthful interloper with sly conviction.'
Above images from Gerry Goodstein photography
Entertaining Mr. Sloan wasn't Matt's first (or last) shirtless stage appearance. Matt was also shirtless as Hal in Picnic (below) and last Autumn's production of Tartuff.
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Entertaining Mr Sloane: The film 1970
Sloane, a young, good-looking psychopath
Entertaining Mr Sloane
Canterbury Film Productions, 1970
Directed by Douglas Hickox
Written by Joe Orton (play)
Clive Exton (screenplay)
Cast:
Beryl Reid: Kath
Peter McEnery: Sloane
Harry Andrews: Ed
Alan Webb: Kemp
A salute to Joe Orton's Entertaining Mr Sloane wouldn't be complete without a nod to the 1970 film adaptation. I initially wasn't really expecting much, especially from actor Peter McEnery as Mr Sloane. I really didn't know much about the English actor, but in the promotional photos I saw, he looked too me almost too blonde and Ken doll like, I didn't visually get the edge I expected from the character.
I was wrong. McEnery, who trained with the Royal Shakespeare Company was perfect as Mr Sloane. I enjoyed all of the performance, with Beryl Reid as Kath an enjoyable standout. Reid's Kath can barely contain her lust for Sloane, wasting no time in getting his pants off and herself turned on. Andrew's Ed is equally drawn to Mr Sloane, especially after their first meeting, with Sloane only in his tighty whities. Andrew's lust is equal to his sister, but he works a little harder to keep it in check.
'The "Entertaining Mr. Sloane" I have read (I did not see the short-lived New York production) is a somewhat more brittle, surfacy affair than the movie I have seen—and I think that the play's real interest lies precisely in its grotesque avoidance of the depths with which the movie is so vividly familiar.'
'But in most of its particulars the film succeeds—with a superb cast, Douglas Hickox's inventive and generally restrained direction, and a screenplay by Clive Exton that (apart from the matters I have mentioned) opens up the action mainly to enlarge the characterization of Ed, a real virtue if only for allowing more time and scope to the wonderful Harry Andrews.'
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