What a WONDERFUL picture! Thank you my sweet! Fred is dead. But his legacy will live on, forever!
Ah, BJ! Please have mercy! How dare you make me swoon, so early in the morning! : 0
You’ve posted this photo before. But seeing it enlarged; makes the viewer appreciate the close-up of Mr. Halsted’s face, even more! I love seeing him look so solemn and pensive – gravitas! : |
Is it any wonder, why I’m a “face” guy? I’ve always said, he looks like a Tom of Finland cartoon, come to life! Especially with his leering smile – a handsome horn dog! : )
What depth and beauty – the eyes, forehead, jaw line, cheekbones, nose, tousled hair, brows; and of course, that MOUTH! It’s so generously sensual – full, wide, slightly sneering; with a marginal, pulpy, upper-lip edge!
“Your girlfriend’s crazy. She doesn’t know how to treat a dick.” SWALLOW ME! LOL! : P
I admit. There are images of him, which are less than flattering. I hate him with a mustache! But at his best, he was divine! How I wish, Jim French would have photographed him!
Wow, he truly had a movie star presence! He looks uncannily, like Charlton Heston here!
From certain angles, he also suggests Guy Madison. In looks, voice, and manner; it’s amazing – his resemblance to actor, Philip Carey! They could pass as brothers!
Now, this is what you call a MAN! As I’ve said ad nauseam, from about 1975 to the early, or mid ‘80s; truly was a golden period for macho porn – so many unforgettable icons!
How wonderfully reassuring it was, to celebrate such beasts like Halsted, Ledermeister, Gordon Grant, Dakota, Ed Dinakos, Jim Cassidy, Dan Pace, etc. during this time!
As far as role models, you certainly weren’t getting such gods, in the mainstream media! These porn kings, totally shattered the effete, weak stereotype, of homosexual men! I’m forever grateful to them!
You can only lose your virginity, only once; both literally and figuratively. : )
Nothing will compare to the experience I had, when I first discovered Gordon Grant, in 1977.
It was pretty earth-shattering. I’ve never had such primal, visceral reaction to a porn star, before or since. I was so overwhelmed, that I almost couldn’t process it. For that specific moment in my life, he really rocked my world – unforgettable! : 0
That being said, I would say that discovering Fred Halsted in 1978; comes in as a distant second. It also was so powerful and revealing! Both of them were very pivotal, in my evolution as a “pornoisseur”! : )
I use the comparison that experiencing Gordon Grant, was like a full-blown earthquake! I would say that Fred Halsted; was more like an earth tremor! Both very exciting, scary, and powerful! : D
BJ, remember when they would actually advertise porn films, in newspapers and mainstream publications, back in the day? Ah, what your young readers missed out on! You actually had to search porn out – spoiled brats! ; )
TO BE CONTINUED:
CONTINUED:
In 1978, I was in the Santa Monica library; browsing through the daily and monthly show-biz publications, like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Imagine my surprise, upon seeing this publicity photo, for a newly released movie – amazing! At first glance, I thought it was a standard, “buddy” action film. It took me a second, to realize it was a porn film (X) – GASP!
During the ‘70s, because of the success of Redford and Newman, a number of films would pair off male actors, as the main stars.
It was pretty endless: “The Man Who Would King (1975)”, “Papillon (1973)”, “Scarecrow (1973)”, “Frebbie and The Bean (1973)”, “Silver Streak (1976)”, “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)”, “Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid (1973)”, “Busting (1974)”, “Wild Rovers (1971)”, “Semi-Tough (1977)”, “The Super Cops (1974)”, “Cops and Robbers (1973)”, “The Hot Rock (1972)”, “Pocket Money (1972)”, etc. etc.
On ABC T.V., you also had the series, “Starsky and Hutch (1975-1979)”.
It’s pretty ironic, that at the same time you had so many “buddy” films; Hollywood was at its most bigoted. (I don’t like using the word “homophobic”.) With the relaxation of the former, film code taboos, they could afford to be this way openly, with freedom. : (
For example, the recently deceased director, William Friedkin, made “Boys in the Band”, in 1970. He made “Cruising”, in 1980. That’s hardly, representative progress for gays, in his decade of filmmaking! : /
I can now tell that director, Joe Gage, was simultaneously parodying and celebrating, this masculine theme – ASK ANY BUDDY! He was pretty subversive, “Male bonding with a vengeance.” – INDEED!
(I hope these links work! Please God!)
This is easily, my favorite porn poster, of all time – so masculine and aggressive! At first glance, once again; I thought it was Charlton Heston, on the left! It’s still pretty revelatory and powerful!
I wonder if it would strike young kids today, with as much resonance, as it did with my generation – empowering! YOWZA! Richard Locke was also a sex icon!
I can’t resist. Here’s another abbreviated version, of the same image. It’s just the two men; and the title. It’s a little bit more vivid. It shows Halsted looking so swinishly sexy, in his dirty shirt!
It brings out the pig, in me! Oink! Oink! (You can enlarge both links!)
In 1979, I summoned up the courage, to actually go to a gay porn theater. It initially scared me to death! I felt compelled! I guess that’s why they call it a “sex drive”.
Both “El Paso Wrecking Corp.” and “Kansas City Trucking Co. (1976)”, returned to the Century Theater, as a double feature! I couldn’t resist! Taking the bus all the way to Hollywood Blvd. was quite an endeavor! And it was all because of Fred Halsted! I needed to see him – flagrante delicto!
A couple of months later, “L.A. Tool & Die” would premiere there. I was able to see Joe Gage’s “Working Man Trilogy”, in pretty close succession. : )
I have a sad feeling that Joe Gage, may no longer be with us. His former website is now defunct. : (
It was such an honor to converse with him, online. He was very impressed with my porn knowledge! (“You know everything!”) He said I was a treasure! I’m forever grateful, that I had the opportunity to thank him for all his work! : )
I told you before, that he considered Gordon Grant for the role of Gene, ultimately played by Fred Halsted. I’ve heard two conflicting reasons, why he didn’t use Mr. Grant. In a magazine interview, he said that G.G. was apprehensive, about reciting spoken dialogue. But he told me online, that it was a dispute over money. Like you, I take anything involving porn, with a grain of salt. : )
This may surprise you and your readers. Much as I worship His Majesty, Sir Gordon, I DO think he went with the better choice! This proves I can be somewhat objective, about My Beloved, Gordon. LOL!
Despite his enjoyment of fetish and S & M, Halsted comes across as more personable and friendly.
He genuinely shows a warm camaraderie, with Richard Locke. With his brown hair, he contrasts beautifully with Richard. At one point Hank (Richard Locke), says that Gene is like Will Rogers. He never met a man he didn’t like (famous quote). I can’t really describe Gordon Grant that way.
Gordon Grant is more of a loner, and a bad-ass. That’s a main part of his appeal – guarded. That’s why I compare him to Greta Garbo – “I want to be alone.” They share some of the same qualities, aside from their initials – proud, exotic, mysterious, worldly, aloof, and regal!
I later came to learn, that Fred Halsted had quite a legacy with gay porn. But only “EPWC” and “Pieces of Eight (Raging Glory) (1980)” really resonates with me. He sizzles!
His other films, I respect with an abstract admiration. : |
I know that many will disagree, but I only wish that he made more films, that were more “vanilla”. He’s capable of showing affection. His pairing with Melchor Diaz, was just wonderful!
Halsted was notoriously difficult to work with. But the results in “EPWC” were totally worth it! His performance is filled with delights – so sensual and hedonistic! I love the way he blinks, after a sexual conquest in the basement. “Oooh boy, back already!” – Charming and wicked!
At one point, he says he’s going to give up guys. The audience knows not to take him seriously. : )
It’s very sad and tragic, how he ultimately ended up. His life swirled out of control, once Joey Yale died. You wouldn’t think that such an unapologetic and confident man; would commit suicide. : (
It truly broke my heart. It was the same deal when Arpad Miklos, did the same thing – “How, why?”
I learned the tragic 1989 news, reading one of those free fag-rags, in a bath house – ironic and appropriate. He was only 47!
“El Paso Wrecking Corp.” ends with a freeze-frame close-up, of him smiling bashfully. In hindsight, it makes the movie more poignant and haunting. This is the way I want to remember him. Always smiling, and planning his next conquest! : )
I hope you don’t mind that I re-posted your opening picture. I want to completely see Fred Halsted, in a single glance – no scrolling. I find his appendectomy scar, to be oddly sexy! He doesn’t need to be naked, in order to sexually burn! : P
Once again, thanks BJ! You can bet, this won’t be the last time, I mention Fred Halsted! He’ll never be forgotten!
Ah, BJ! So many great, iconic, and reverent posts! : )
So little time! : (
; )
From the April 1979 issue of Honcho, yes?
Well, I don’t what else can be said, that hasn’t already been said, except that this portrait reminds me of the one where he’s standing outside with the whip around his neck. His hair is longer and that whip looked so much like a snake and he’s staring down the camera, like he did in so many other photos. Sex God.
Thanks BJ!
I took this one from the book, Halsted Plays Himself – something I am meaning to re-read. It may well have also appeared in Honcho
5 replies on “plays himself”
*SWOON!*
What a WONDERFUL picture! Thank you my sweet! Fred is dead. But his legacy will live on, forever!
Ah, BJ! Please have mercy! How dare you make me swoon, so early in the morning! : 0
You’ve posted this photo before. But seeing it enlarged; makes the viewer appreciate the close-up of Mr. Halsted’s face, even more! I love seeing him look so solemn and pensive – gravitas! : |
Is it any wonder, why I’m a “face” guy? I’ve always said, he looks like a Tom of Finland cartoon, come to life! Especially with his leering smile – a handsome horn dog! : )
What depth and beauty – the eyes, forehead, jaw line, cheekbones, nose, tousled hair, brows; and of course, that MOUTH! It’s so generously sensual – full, wide, slightly sneering; with a marginal, pulpy, upper-lip edge!
“Your girlfriend’s crazy. She doesn’t know how to treat a dick.” SWALLOW ME! LOL! : P
I admit. There are images of him, which are less than flattering. I hate him with a mustache! But at his best, he was divine! How I wish, Jim French would have photographed him!
Wow, he truly had a movie star presence! He looks uncannily, like Charlton Heston here!
From certain angles, he also suggests Guy Madison. In looks, voice, and manner; it’s amazing – his resemblance to actor, Philip Carey! They could pass as brothers!
Now, this is what you call a MAN! As I’ve said ad nauseam, from about 1975 to the early, or mid ‘80s; truly was a golden period for macho porn – so many unforgettable icons!
How wonderfully reassuring it was, to celebrate such beasts like Halsted, Ledermeister, Gordon Grant, Dakota, Ed Dinakos, Jim Cassidy, Dan Pace, etc. during this time!
As far as role models, you certainly weren’t getting such gods, in the mainstream media! These porn kings, totally shattered the effete, weak stereotype, of homosexual men! I’m forever grateful to them!
You can only lose your virginity, only once; both literally and figuratively. : )
Nothing will compare to the experience I had, when I first discovered Gordon Grant, in 1977.
It was pretty earth-shattering. I’ve never had such primal, visceral reaction to a porn star, before or since. I was so overwhelmed, that I almost couldn’t process it. For that specific moment in my life, he really rocked my world – unforgettable! : 0
That being said, I would say that discovering Fred Halsted in 1978; comes in as a distant second. It also was so powerful and revealing! Both of them were very pivotal, in my evolution as a “pornoisseur”! : )
I use the comparison that experiencing Gordon Grant, was like a full-blown earthquake! I would say that Fred Halsted; was more like an earth tremor! Both very exciting, scary, and powerful! : D
BJ, remember when they would actually advertise porn films, in newspapers and mainstream publications, back in the day? Ah, what your young readers missed out on! You actually had to search porn out – spoiled brats! ; )
TO BE CONTINUED:
CONTINUED:
In 1978, I was in the Santa Monica library; browsing through the daily and monthly show-biz publications, like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Imagine my surprise, upon seeing this publicity photo, for a newly released movie – amazing! At first glance, I thought it was a standard, “buddy” action film. It took me a second, to realize it was a porn film (X) – GASP!
During the ‘70s, because of the success of Redford and Newman, a number of films would pair off male actors, as the main stars.
It was pretty endless: “The Man Who Would King (1975)”, “Papillon (1973)”, “Scarecrow (1973)”, “Frebbie and The Bean (1973)”, “Silver Streak (1976)”, “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)”, “Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid (1973)”, “Busting (1974)”, “Wild Rovers (1971)”, “Semi-Tough (1977)”, “The Super Cops (1974)”, “Cops and Robbers (1973)”, “The Hot Rock (1972)”, “Pocket Money (1972)”, etc. etc.
On ABC T.V., you also had the series, “Starsky and Hutch (1975-1979)”.
It’s pretty ironic, that at the same time you had so many “buddy” films; Hollywood was at its most bigoted. (I don’t like using the word “homophobic”.) With the relaxation of the former, film code taboos, they could afford to be this way openly, with freedom. : (
For example, the recently deceased director, William Friedkin, made “Boys in the Band”, in 1970. He made “Cruising”, in 1980. That’s hardly, representative progress for gays, in his decade of filmmaking! : /
I can now tell that director, Joe Gage, was simultaneously parodying and celebrating, this masculine theme – ASK ANY BUDDY! He was pretty subversive, “Male bonding with a vengeance.” – INDEED!
(I hope these links work! Please God!)
This is easily, my favorite porn poster, of all time – so masculine and aggressive! At first glance, once again; I thought it was Charlton Heston, on the left! It’s still pretty revelatory and powerful!
I wonder if it would strike young kids today, with as much resonance, as it did with my generation – empowering! YOWZA! Richard Locke was also a sex icon!
https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/w600_and_h900_bestv2/lMww8wb2Z8KqmK9FRz0I7DBMX3u.jpg
I can’t resist. Here’s another abbreviated version, of the same image. It’s just the two men; and the title. It’s a little bit more vivid. It shows Halsted looking so swinishly sexy, in his dirty shirt!
It brings out the pig, in me! Oink! Oink! (You can enlarge both links!)
https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w500/wW1qbnldDOKBTxcQu9xuLze0N94.jpg
In 1979, I summoned up the courage, to actually go to a gay porn theater. It initially scared me to death! I felt compelled! I guess that’s why they call it a “sex drive”.
Both “El Paso Wrecking Corp.” and “Kansas City Trucking Co. (1976)”, returned to the Century Theater, as a double feature! I couldn’t resist! Taking the bus all the way to Hollywood Blvd. was quite an endeavor! And it was all because of Fred Halsted! I needed to see him – flagrante delicto!
A couple of months later, “L.A. Tool & Die” would premiere there. I was able to see Joe Gage’s “Working Man Trilogy”, in pretty close succession. : )
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCLLYajPeXk/XPLP6y9C9wI/AAAAAAAAQ2o/c_0bYgzBSX8pN0v-q4AHcnb-JJQmPoEdQCLcBGAs/s1600/Century-AmClassic-CA1330.jpg
TO BE CONTINUED:
CONTINUED:
I have a sad feeling that Joe Gage, may no longer be with us. His former website is now defunct. : (
It was such an honor to converse with him, online. He was very impressed with my porn knowledge! (“You know everything!”) He said I was a treasure! I’m forever grateful, that I had the opportunity to thank him for all his work! : )
I told you before, that he considered Gordon Grant for the role of Gene, ultimately played by Fred Halsted. I’ve heard two conflicting reasons, why he didn’t use Mr. Grant. In a magazine interview, he said that G.G. was apprehensive, about reciting spoken dialogue. But he told me online, that it was a dispute over money. Like you, I take anything involving porn, with a grain of salt. : )
This may surprise you and your readers. Much as I worship His Majesty, Sir Gordon, I DO think he went with the better choice! This proves I can be somewhat objective, about My Beloved, Gordon. LOL!
Despite his enjoyment of fetish and S & M, Halsted comes across as more personable and friendly.
He genuinely shows a warm camaraderie, with Richard Locke. With his brown hair, he contrasts beautifully with Richard. At one point Hank (Richard Locke), says that Gene is like Will Rogers. He never met a man he didn’t like (famous quote). I can’t really describe Gordon Grant that way.
Gordon Grant is more of a loner, and a bad-ass. That’s a main part of his appeal – guarded. That’s why I compare him to Greta Garbo – “I want to be alone.” They share some of the same qualities, aside from their initials – proud, exotic, mysterious, worldly, aloof, and regal!
I later came to learn, that Fred Halsted had quite a legacy with gay porn. But only “EPWC” and “Pieces of Eight (Raging Glory) (1980)” really resonates with me. He sizzles!
His other films, I respect with an abstract admiration. : |
I know that many will disagree, but I only wish that he made more films, that were more “vanilla”. He’s capable of showing affection. His pairing with Melchor Diaz, was just wonderful!
https://i0.wp.com/vint70s-lvr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FHalsted-Melchor2.jpg
Halsted was notoriously difficult to work with. But the results in “EPWC” were totally worth it! His performance is filled with delights – so sensual and hedonistic! I love the way he blinks, after a sexual conquest in the basement. “Oooh boy, back already!” – Charming and wicked!
At one point, he says he’s going to give up guys. The audience knows not to take him seriously. : )
It’s very sad and tragic, how he ultimately ended up. His life swirled out of control, once Joey Yale died. You wouldn’t think that such an unapologetic and confident man; would commit suicide. : (
It truly broke my heart. It was the same deal when Arpad Miklos, did the same thing – “How, why?”
I learned the tragic 1989 news, reading one of those free fag-rags, in a bath house – ironic and appropriate. He was only 47!
“El Paso Wrecking Corp.” ends with a freeze-frame close-up, of him smiling bashfully. In hindsight, it makes the movie more poignant and haunting. This is the way I want to remember him. Always smiling, and planning his next conquest! : )
I hope you don’t mind that I re-posted your opening picture. I want to completely see Fred Halsted, in a single glance – no scrolling. I find his appendectomy scar, to be oddly sexy! He doesn’t need to be naked, in order to sexually burn! : P
http://files.bjland.ws/blog/HALSTED_Plays_Himself_164.jpg
Once again, thanks BJ! You can bet, this won’t be the last time, I mention Fred Halsted! He’ll never be forgotten!
Ah, BJ! So many great, iconic, and reverent posts! : )
So little time! : (
; )
From the April 1979 issue of Honcho, yes?
Well, I don’t what else can be said, that hasn’t already been said, except that this portrait reminds me of the one where he’s standing outside with the whip around his neck. His hair is longer and that whip looked so much like a snake and he’s staring down the camera, like he did in so many other photos. Sex God.
Thanks BJ!
I took this one from the book, Halsted Plays Himself – something I am meaning to re-read. It may well have also appeared in Honcho