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"vintage" porn stars

Joe Markham

AKA Joe Markhum, Joe Markum

Damn this man is handsome! and his cock ain’t so bad, either. (just ask the this other stud enjoying it here!) You may remember him from such films as First Time Round, Tuesday Morning Workout, Male Stampede, Four, More Than Money, and Round Up (where these shots are from); someone really needs to put together a good webpage/filmography on him, eh?

5 replies on “Joe Markham”

Fabulous! I was looking for an empty Joe Markham post! You know how selfish I can be! This is perfect! Especially when reading this fateful suggestion:

“…someone really needs to put together a good webpage / filmography on him, eh?”

I keep telling zephyr, that you and I; are connected by psychic energy. Once again, is this not proof?

This is a tribute to not just Joe Markham, but to you too, BJ, honey! : )

I especially credit you; for helping me re-discover him, because of your wonderful website! I rented a number of VHS tapes of him in the ‘80s; but I did a lot of fast-forwarding then, because I was impatient, and very horny. : P

I wanted to see lots of tapes, in so little time. Especially on weekends; off from work. I didn’t really savor, how wonderful, he really was – a Porn Divo! You were my teacher! I’m certain; you have other students, as well. His popularity must have really grown, because of the internet!

I’ve also learned of other vintage stars like Dick Trask, Tom (Colt), and Kurt Williams (‘70s), because of you! So many discoveries!

I sure many couldn’t have foreseen, that they would become icons. How could they, in hindsight? Who knew of videotape and the internet, back then?

This is also a tribute to Jeff Satkin, the owner of Atkol Forums. He died in early March 2017. R.I.P. : (

I discovered “AF” about 2009, while doing an internet search on Ledermeister – glorious! That’s where I discovered his real name, and that he was still alive! : 0

I officially joined in 2011. Of course, my first meme was about Gordon Grant – nine long pages! I was even more self-indulgent, than I am here! My title was “And God Created Gordon Grant” – mushy and gushy, with endless links!

Like you, Jeff was very gracious and generous! I actually talked to him on the phone, before I joined. I was scared to death, that he wouldn’t let me be so extravagant! But that was not the case!

I’m an idiot, with anything technical. But I got pretty adept, at posting pictures from Tumblr sites. Back then, you didn’t need to sign in to “appropriate” (i.e. steal) images. I was happy as a pig in slop – so many posts and ideas! But of course, the party had to end. I was heartbroken.

Below is one of the last memes I did, before “AF” closed down – three pages. I don’t know why I saved this. My title was, “Yo, Joe! Markham? Markhum? Markum?” Out of the 20 pictures I used, only four links broke. I would post two pictures on a single line – same size, picture box. Hope they work here!

In hindsight, I really should have credited you by name. Please forgive me. : (

Hope you don’t mind this. Hope also, that you and your readers enjoy this. Thanks! : )

; )

TO BE CONTINUED:

CONTINUED:

Yo, Joe! Markham? Markhum? Markum?

“Joe Markham, who has worked with Falcon and Brentwood, is a good example. He really is a film-loop star. One of my all-time favorites. We balled one night at Dave’s Baths and I asked him to play in my new film. He said he was too old.”

Wakefield Poole, director of “Boys in the Sand”. Drummer Magazine # 27 interview – February 1979.
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Casey Donovan, Jack Wrangler, and Al Parker, are generally touted as the most famous, vintage porn stars, discovered throughout the era of the 70’s. Each icon chronologically, reigned during the beginning, middle, and end, of that porn decade, respectively.

The groundbreaking, “Boys in the Sand”, made quite a splash in 1971. For that reason, Donovan is generally considered the first superstar, though he certainly wasn’t the first or only performer. Others were also able to make a name in all-male porn, predating Jack Wrangler. There actually, were quite a few.

Ledermeister, Bert Edwards, Duke Benson, Jim Cassidy, Dakota, Bill Eld, Ray Fuller, Dean Chasson, George Payne, Bill Harrison, Jimmy Hughes, Val Martin, Fred Halsted, Steve Boyd, and Ray Todd, were all either colleagues of Casey Donovan, or appeared on the scene, before or after, he did.

Evidently, even John Holmes, made a few gay porn appearances, before Wrangler became famous.

Joe Markham aka Joe Markhum/Markum, was a little before my time. As with Jim Cassidy, he retired from porn, before I could legally see his work in a theater. I’m guessing he got out of porn, after about 1976. It wasn’t until the advent of VHS in the 80’s, that I was able appreciate some of his films and loops. He was a distinctly masculine and enthusiastic performer.

Eventually, I hope to possibly see more of his films. Within the last few years, he’s really piqued my curiosity and interest, thanks to the internet and of course, Tumblr. : )

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I’ve since come to learn that he was quite a veteran. He goes WAY back.

Woody is wonderful. According to his GEVI, the first film of Joe Markham was a soft-core, gay feature directed by Richard Fontaine called, “12 Faces of Love”. This was released in 1966! He was only listed in the credits as “Joe”.

His second feature, “Opus One”, was also soft-core. This was directed by J. Brian and released in 1969. Has anyone seen, either of these two, soft-core features? This time he was listed in the credits as “Joe Maggio”.

I’m always fascinated by early, vintage porn stars that started out as “physique” models. They carry historical significance because you see the progression of one medium, evolving into the other.

During either the mid or late 60’s, he posed for Champion Studio. Incrementally, Champion Studio would push the envelope throughout the years. Like AMG and Kensington Road, they would eventually show erections.

I would describe these Champion photos below with Bo Branden, to be more “suggestive”, rather than “intimate”. They don’t exactly raise my peter-meter.

Not only that, I can’t really say I liked the way Markham looks in this early porn phase. His facial features aren’t as defined as they later would be, and he wears his curly, unruly mane, in a modified afro – not exactly flattering.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love curly/wavy hair. But it needs to be cut short and brushed back, on top, neatly in place. Otherwise, one tends to look like either a vagrant, or an anarchist.

Here, I think he looks uncannily like 80’s porn star, Tom/Tony Mitchell.

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A lot of the early performers in all-male porn, were rather generic looking, if not, downright plain. He was among the first few, ruggedly handsome ones, which managed to stand out. It wasn’t necessarily that he was older than his colleagues, but that he often seemed, more experienced and mature.

Below is a porn publication of one of his 1973 loops, “Call-Boy”. It’s a perfect illustration, of what I’m talking about. His partners aren’t identified, and I can’t really say, that bothers me.

Evidently, Markham does some fisting in this loop.

Wow, I have to say the close-up, portrait image in the second photo, is quite impressive! Once again, his hair looks pretty ghastly, but his beauty still shines through. Despite the excess hair, I still think his sideburns are endearing.

He’s really come into his own, in this second phase of his porn career. He’s darkly handsome, with his soulful eyes, high cheekbones; slightly-dimpled, strong chin, and a small, sensual, slightly puckered mouth.

I can’t help being Queer Eye for the Porn Guy. Aside from cutting and brushing his hair, I think he would visually benefit by a little waxing between the eyes. That way his bushy hairs don’t form a unibrow.

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I could be wrong, but I believe he might have been one of the first porn stars, that were noticeably, ethnic looking. He wasn’t until the latter part of the decade, that dark, rugged, swarthy types like Bruno, Roger, Malo, Kyle Hazard, Dan Pace, and Paul Barresi, would become popular.

I’m guessing his ancestry must have been either Spanish or Italian. His big, brown, uncut dick, excludes the possibility that he was Jewish. : )

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Normally a guy, who has such a lean, tight body, wouldn’t appeal to me. But he’s so sensual and handsome, that I still find him desirable. Still, some serious working out, can only help.

Below on the left, is a picture from a 1971 loop called “Jail House Rock” with Steve Ahern. Markham also made another prison cell loop called “Come Gentle Savage” in 1972 with Dusty Hoffman.

It’s rather a shame, that so many of his partners weren’t that attractive. He also had the disadvantage, that a number of his loops were not well photographed. It’s a testament to his appeal, that he was still able to make such a strong impression.

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Wow, I found these two glamour shots below of him on Tumblr, a few years ago. I have to say, I’m VERY impressed, especially with the one on the right. I think this is his most flattering portrait.

He looks so handsome and hip – like he’s ready to join “The Mod Squad”. This picture is the main reason for this post. His curly black hair is under control.

I detect a subtle contrast between the colors of his eyes, with that of his dark hair. I wonder if his eyes were brown, green or hazel.

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I find his regular dude’s confidence and casualness, to be very appealing. He also has that masculine reserve, grace, and innate dignity, which you would later find with such porn stars as Richard Locke, Steve Taylor, Arpad Miklos, and Eric Stone.

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Below are intimate pictures, from a Magnum-Griffin International loop, released in 1975. It’s appropriately titled, “Joe Markum and Jim Wilson”. For some reason, in the second image, I find the sight of Joe’s feet and hairy leg, plus the shine on his shoulder, to be inexplicably sexy.

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One of his most famous roles was that of a hustler, in the movie, “Four More than Money” released in 1973. Aside from being one of his rare, full feature films, it also has the distinction, of being one of his rare talkies. It’s quite a starring showcase for him. He’s in every scene.

You can’t deny he’s very sensual and uninhibited. In this film, he even has an interracial sex scene with Ray Jackson.

Actually, he’s a little too uninhibited, for my taste. It creeps me out, that he did an incest porn loop with the Christy Twins, Chris and Tim. “Pleasure Point” was released in 1975. (“Eww!”)

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Identifying his films can be rather confusing, because the same loop may have alternate titles, or be assembled for different collections. Some viewers may think this loop below is titled, “Male Stampede”, but the actual name is “Round-Up” released in 1975.

I really like this extended loop. It’s such a frenzied, frantic, erotic dog pile. Bert Edwards is sucking Markham. The beefy guy holding him from behind is unidentified. David Price is on the left.

I really think Joe Markham, looks like Richard Locke here.

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Now don’t get me wrong. I still think he looks handsome with a moustache, but I prefer him clean-shaven.

These two pictures below are from “Stud Brothers” released in 1976, from Falcon Studios. I’m pretty sure; this was Joe Markham’s last movie.

His sucking partner is Tony Markum. I’m certain, they’re not related. It’s the same marketing ploy, they used with J.W. King and Jon King, as well as Justin Cade and Joe Cade. Why is incest, such a fetish in gay porn? : /

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These are the rest of his films, in chronological order:

Come in the Glory Hole (1971) His co-star is Russ Kelly.

The Longest Day (1971) His co-star is Ray Fuller.

Big Ones (1972)

First Time Around (1972)

Love Match (1972)

Nude Reflections (1972) His co-star is Don Tracy.

Share My Feeling (1974) His co-star is only identified as “Tony”. Both of them, only do solos.

Wild in the Woods (1974)

Tuesday Morning Workout (1975)

Joe Angelo (Undated) In this solo loop released by Maverick Studios, he’s identified as “Joe Angelo”.
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Masculine porn stars, never go out of style. : P

http://www.gayeroticvideoindex.com/S/1/11861.html

Thank you for this vintage indulgence. ; )

Dear sweet and perpetually horny Obsessed, I’m glad I remembered to find this post while it was still on the recent comments queue! When I first saw it over the weekend I was in a rush and came here to BJ’s blog specifically to search for a porn actor’s name, and wound up skimming it. I made a mental note to revisit it when I had more time, and I’m so glad I did. First of all, Joe is worthy of a deeper dive, even moreso when you wrote this eloquent discourse on what you learned about him for the atkol forums.

I do remember atkol though I was a late visitor to that site, and never created an account to contribute myself. Just a lookie-loo. I had gotten into the habit of checking it alongside the different iterations of BJ Land and a few others I had bookmarked, so I remember seeing when it bit the dust. Some sites still have functional elements on the internet archive but atkol’s is mostly wiped clean :/

As an aside this specific post you chose to share your write-up about Joe, is curious in the lore of our buddy and eternal horndog BJ’s blog. He made the switch over here to wordpress in 2010, and hadn’t yet completely committed to turning on the comment section, which version 1.0 of his blog lacked. If you check out his links to the posts just before and after this one from April 2010, both “←sleeping beauty” and “→original music and score by garth evans??”, the comments are disabled! So he must have still been flipping a coin as to whether or not he gave a damn what we had to say to, and about, him ;)

But I mostly wanted to commend you, mister obsessed, for the incredibly detailed and informative summary you provided about Joe. You, sir, are a man after my own heart! I’d even give you temporary access to my ass, flat as it may be, or my cock should you promise to be gentle with them. Well not *too* gentle ;)

The reviews of films from the 70s through the 90s (for themost part) I’ve been writing over on reddit these past few years are what many people would describe as ‘walls of text’, I provide links to the films themselves, gevi and some blogs (frequently this one, esp. for the earlier films) so people can get a primer about the films, look at pics of some of the guys and read up about it.

Then (usually after toking some pot, which is what makes it super fun for me lol) I just go on stream of consciousness mods, and type a bunch of sentences that I hope can be tied together into something meaningful. This is not what a lot of people are into, especially now that all our attention spans are so shot to hell. But for those of us who appreciate words, and like to express ourselves in that more traditional way, it’s an attempt at giving more of a complete picture about something worthwhile.

You clearly share this mindset, which I already knew from reading your previous comments here. Combining facts and opinion along the way, even if the reader disagrees with the latter it makes the text more compelling and vibrant, a window inside the author’s brain and soul.

Along with Parisian I’d say we’re the 3 musketeers of wordiness, not on every comment but often enough to resemble that comparison. You have the psychic friends network with BJ, but I’d like to think our enjoyment of discussion and commentary binds us in some ways as well.

And this comment (complete with pics) that you posted on atkol, you thought enough of it to save it as well, so that you could share it again! Or else you managed to find it somewhere, either way bravo sir. Joe is someone who was before my time of seeing porn in bookstores or theatres too, and I only discovered him from some of the collections of (what were already considered) older loops by the 80s and beyond. And of course, all the magazine scans that are (thankfully) floating around the net now.

If I don’t stop typing I’m afraid it will tell me ‘too many words’ and I’ll have to divide this up as you did with your atkol post, suffice it to say thanks for this gift from the internet days gone by, about a guy from the even earlier period of hunky and fine men. Well done :)

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