Cast List

Jim Cuitanich; and others uncredited.

Review

Male Entertainment Network (MEN) was founded in 1983 and lasted for 10 years as a media company for the gay community. During that time, they produced 40 videos - including all of the official Gay Games. MEN documented gay history in a unique fashion - capturing, in words and images, gay life in the '80s.

In 1983 a bartender named Jim Cuitanich conceived an AIDS fundraiser stage show featuring bartenders and Men Behind Bars was born.  What follows is a rare archival video of this historic show.

This non-sexual revue was taped live at the Victoria Theater in San Francisco in 1984. As the benefit begins, the San Francisco Tap Troupe performs in formal wear and white gloves. Their elaborate tap dancing performance is followed by Mr. Marcus (the M.C.) introducing the next act.

Here, a male singer dressed in naught but a towel sings an original song about the Holiday Baths. Next, another singer performs, dressed in streetwear, accompanied by a piano player. Four men in Middle Eastern garb, dressed as women, dance, sing and tell jokes to the audience.

Several female impersonators follow and perform either solo lip syncs or group shows with backup dancers. A muscular and mature leatherman (dressed in only a jockstrap) performs an artistic, interpretive dance to a classical music score.

Two real-life singers and tap dancers act as bartenders in a bar setting and performs for customers. This variety-filled video continues with such performances as: comedians telling jokes about bars, a female impersonator doing Swan Lake, a Bette Midler imitation, country music dancers, a singer performing You Gotta Have A Gimmick from Gypsy, plus a stage-full of men exercising, a performance of Ascot Gavotte from My Fair Lady and much, much more.

The finale includes all of the cast taking a curtain call and a bow for the audience. Jim Cuitanich, the producer of the show, is introduced at video's end wearing leather. He gives thanks to his crew and the production staff also. A very good video capturing the efforts of talented San Franciscans working in the fight against AIDS.

Non-sexual.

1984; 90 minutes.

Key Words 

Bodybuilder?Muscle | Jockstrap/Underwear | Leather