Oh, my. This one shocked me. Yesterday, an icon died. Someone who pushed the envelope in the 1970's. Someone that helped define the 1970's. Someone who's name was on everyone's lips in the 1970's. The first performer in history to be taken to court by the Feds. Convicted and facing at least 5 years in prison Hollywood rallied around him, supported him and helped him hire Alan Dershowitz for his appeal. It worked. Aah, yes, Herbert Streicher.
You may recall him better as Harry Reems. Can you say "Deep Throat"??? Think the movie, not the informant. Yes, porn. Oh my word, did that movie cause a stink!!! I saw it three times. Just to see Harry. I was in college. He was smoking hot and I was on the cusp of going gay. It was a match made in heaven.
He was buffed, furry, funny, hung and had a mustache that just screamed stud.. OK, it was 1972. What can I say, he just rang my bell back then. It was a simpler time...
"Deep Throat" cost him dearly. Prior to that he had actually acted in legitimate theater. He worked in the porn industry on the side to pay the bills. He was originally hired as the lighting director on that film and then got cast as the "doctor" at the last minute. He was paid $250 for a day's work in the filming. The rest is history. The film became a hit. It made over $600 million. Hell, Jackie O even went to see it. His career in the adult industry took off. He was the first male porn superstar. He was such a little stud-puppy.
Two years later he was behind bars. On Federal charges involving 3 states for distribution of obscene materials. Kentucky, Tennessee and New York went ape shit!!! Harry and 7 big time mobsters went down on multiple charges. Was Linda Lovelace indicted? No. Was the studio that did the film indicted? No. Just Harry and 7 crime bosses. His legal bills were fucking astronomical!!! Six months after his conviction of interstate transportation of obscene materials (huh???) his conviction was overturned and he got a new trial. Charges were dropped. Free man!!! But he was still toast.
Remember the movie "Grease"? Harry was originally cast as the coach. Two weeks before filming started he was replaced with Syd Ceasar. Seems the studio thought that his "notoriety" could be a bit more than they wanted to bite off. He was sacked.
He spent the next 15 years drinking himself into oblivion. Can you say half a gallon of vodka a day??? Not pretty. Amazingly, of all places, he finds himself in Park City, Utah. He goes through spin dry and cleans up his act. He gets a real estate license. He gets married. He turns his life around. And he still keeps the name Harry Reems. Head back, shoulders high he flips the world the bird, says yes, I was the guy who throat fucked Linda Lovelace in "Deep Throat" and then, looking you directly in the eye asks you if you would like to buy a house. I LOVE THAT!!!! Cupcake, you had some stones...
Late last night he left us. At the age of 65. Pancreatic cancer. I honestly can't think of a worse cancer. But at least it's quick. Hell, most of the time you don't even know that you have it until you're already half dead. Enough on that...
Harry. Oh, god,,, Harry... You were cute as hell. And furry. And Jewish. You were my own personal PowerBall!!! You helped open my eyes. You helped change the world. You took on the Federal Government and WON!!! You made the Supreme Court redefine "obscenity".
I salute you. I mourn your passing. I remember you young, hung and studly. Of course, I remember myself the same way. But it's been so long ago I'm sure I've forgotten. Who are you??? Pickle??? Anyway...
Harry, travel safe. And tap dance on the stars...
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