VOLUME 5 Number

PHYSIQUE PICTORIAL

FALL 1955 .....SUBSCRIPTION DATA: Physique Pictorial is published quarterly. Send all subscriptions and correspondence to Physique Pictorial, 1834 W 11th Street, Los Angeles 6, Calif. (Mailing address only) Subscription rates are $1.25 1 yr 3rd class, $2.50 two yrs third closs anywhere in the world. First class sealed rates are $1.50 one yr U.S. or $1.75 foreign; $3 two yrs U.S., or $3.50 two yrs foreign. BACK ISSUES: JUNE 54, FALL 54, WNTR 54, SPRING 55, SUMMER 55 @ 41c ea 1st class. Stocks limited. Other issues sold out.. FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES: GREAT BRITAIN: John Valentine, 23 Deanswood Drive Moortown, Leeds 17. Lon Agency 157 High Holborn, London W.C. 1, England. FRANCE: E. Silvien 39 Rue Sainte Anne, Paris 1. DENMARK: Bladcentralen Fiolstrade 28, Copenhagen. BELGIUM: Muscles 17 rue Haute, Andrimont. GERMANY: Gerhard Prescha Bottgerstrasse 14, Hamburg 13.

OBSCENITY AND POLITICS

Several friends have written to ask if we might not be overly pre-occupied with the minority criticizms which have been levelled against bodybuilding and its pictoral representation. The problem is that the "obscene" label is attached to any presentation with which the would-be censor is not in sympathy regardless of its noble intent. One high federal official told the writer he felt mailing photos showing the male pectorals uncovered might be considered a violation of the Anti-obscenity statutes. Another photographer was told that exposure of the gluteus maximus muscles would make his pictures unmaillable though such fine family magazines as Life quite often show such pictures. Still another was informed that black posing garments must be avoided since their obvious intent was to imply hair. On being shown a picture of Michael-Angelo's David, a high postal official in Washington D. C. declared "There's no reason the artist couldnt have put a pair of trunks on him. That would have made it a much better statue".

We should remember there is no universally accepted definition for what is obscene, rather the individual's own experience will dictate his interpretation, but even this will vary from year to year, even day to day, and in some cases from one hour to another according to his surroundings. New legal tests are constantly being formulated, but in the lower courts at least judges and juries usually fall back on their own "moral conscience" fearful of being considered libertines if they fail to condemn.

It is unfortunate that obscenity accusations and prosecutions are often used as a tool by grafting officials and petty politicians, who are not a whit concerned with the actual moral issues involved but will play on the taboos and prejudices of the populice for personal gain or perhaps to cover-up for their own scandalous behaviour. Readers of ancient history are familiar with many instances of such chicanery, as prevalent then as today. History's greatest teacher, Socrates, was tried before the Athentan court and sentenced to die by poison, for the crime of "Corrupting the morals of the youth of Athens". Juvenile Delinquency was a political football as early as 399BC 1.

When Michael-Angelo created the magnificent ceiling of the Sistine chapel in Rome, a certain jealous cardinal did all in his power to discredit and bring unpleasantness to the great master, reviling the "immorality" of the paintings. He was partially successful and the Pope forced Michaelangelo to adorn a revenge was classic, for the cardinal like many self-appointed moral critics of today was quite ahyp-

he wished to create. Michaelangelets figures with ridiculous ribbons and coverings which the artist felt was ruinous to the true harmony

ocrite, so the artist drew him in the form of Satan directly above the door where the other cardinals would pass through each day on their way to prayer. A serpent encircles his body andon it were inscribed the names of the carinal's illicit lovers and illigitiment children. Early this year in a Northern California city, a famous physique photographer was the victim of an elaborate robbery scheme and subsequent investigation disclosed members of the city's police force actually involved in the plot--a scandal ensued which shook city hall-But a little more than a month after, the photographer was arrested, charged with distributing obscene photos(though he had been quite openly offering these same photos for five years, and many irrefutable witnesses such as college professors testified to their non-obscenity.) In the same city a fire lieutenant with a perfect record who was slated for a high position was suspended because he had posed for life art classes and nude art photos, which were in no sense pornographic but which "displeased" his superiors.

In another Western city, a socialogical magazine which had been ruthlessly baited by a sensation-seeking reporter, disclosed a reported conversation about the reporter's interest in allegedly unethical oil deals. Backed by one of the most powerful political machines which has ever existed, the reporter lashed back with unbridled fury. He mistakenly assumed a connection between this socialogical magazine and a physique magazine which happened to be the same size and printed on the same type paper stock. On television and in the newspaper he made unbelievable fantastic insinuations and thru powerful legal connections harrassed the editor of the physique magazine in every possible way. Immediately following his attack were goon-squad visits to newstands carrying the magazine, fire hazard inspection and building condemnation of the publication's plant--even the editor's pet monkies were subjected to "investigation" by the health department, and many other petty harrassments. All of these factors happening in just a few day's time could not have been considered mere coincidence. Several high city officials including a legally stupid but particularly vicious municipal judge joined in this corrupt scheme of personal revenge. But lining up on the side of the editor were ministers, educators, an attorney of the American Civil Liberties Union and many other good people unwilling to see justice perverted, and in this case at least, RIGHT WAS DONE.

During this last summer, a one-man Senate investigating committee delving into the causes of juvenile delinquency, declared motion pictures and nude and nearly-nude photography were prime offenders. Time Magazine suggested these investigations might be a means of keeping the Senator before the public to further his political ambition to one day be president of the United States. We are not qualified to speculate as to whether this is so or not. The Senator did state that he was diligently opposed to any form of censorship, and that he hoped the industry would discipline itself sufficiently that "the public would not demand government intervention".....What did Shakespeare say about "A rose by any other name......" But we too firmly echo the spirit of the Senator's statement, and pray that those in physique photography will apply necessary disciplines to avoid unnecessary antagonism, and work for the peaceful education of the cultural infidel--whose own soul secretly hungers for beauty though he may be ashamed to admit this longing.

TAWDRY, DIRECT MAIL ADVERTISING. Because Physique Pictorial has so often plead the cause of those photographers who have been persecuted for classical nude studies, created in the great traditions of the ancient masters, it should not be assumed that we approve of many of the cheap and common direct mail ad appeals of certain greedy and irresponsible models and photographers. Some of these have obtained names through legitimate ads by falsely promising editors their work and literature was of a wholesome nature, and in some cases their names have been obtained from stolen mailing lists. Wording in their mailling pieces is often about as subtle as a blow with a sledge hammer, and many collectors are strongly offended with such phrases as "Pictures too torrid for the magazines to print", "Exciting studies for just very broad-minded people", and many others of similar nature. Usually the actual pictures sent out by such advertisers are not nearly as suggestive as their description and high price would lead customers to believe, and therefore the Post Office department has successfully prosecuted many for fraudulent mail order practices. While we consider ourselves just as poorly qualified as many of the others now assuming the role to act as censors of what should and should not be permitted, it is our desire to restrict the offerings made thru Physique Pictorial to work which emphasizes the highest physical culture and aesthetic aims, and we wish to be informed immediately if any reader receives an undersirable mailing piece either directly or indirectly from any firm or person represented in this magazine. Your cooperation is certainly appreciated.

NUDE ART PHOTOS (i.e. photos in which the parts are not hidden) are not available from any firm represented in Physique Pictorial. Selling and even purchasing such studies, regardless of the legitimacy of the purpose has resulted in prosecutions in many parts of the U.S., Canada & England, and while some have pursued and established their rights thru appeals to high federal courts, the struggle is greater than most feel inclined to get involved in. Financial support in such legal battles is sought by American Sunbathing Association, Mays Landing, New Jersey. PHYSIQUE FIRMS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS Because competition is so keen that it is difficult to survive, many hundreds of firms enter & leave the physique photography and art field every year. The following firms and individuals whose names have been listed in past issues of Physique Pictorial no longer offer material: Dave Martin, Douglas, Kovert, Lyle, Richard Roscoe, Andy Kozak, Bob Del Monteque, Sam Hunter, Hank Evans, Ray Cox, Bob Mc Clellan, Joe Ward, Keith Stephan, Warren of NY, Keith Ziegler, Russ Warner, Riskin, Coombs, Adonis. FRONT COVER: Detail from new Art-Bob drawing "Wash Day in the Navy", posed by popular AMG model Jack Muma. An 8x10 double-wt matte print of this cover (without printing of course) available at $1.50 from Art Bob 1611 North Avenue 56 Los Angeles 42, California. BACK COVER: a special effects photo loaned us by Artreflex Limited 245 Tottenham Court Road, London W1 England.

YOUR REACTIONS TO THIS ISSUE OF PHYSIQUE PICTORIAL SOUGHT! If you are willing to take the time to do so, we would very much appreciate your evaluating this entire issue page by page, and let us know what is good and what is bad about it. These letters help us immensely in preparing future issues, and of course we're always glad to know when we're doing a good job. Criticizms in good spirit please us too and will help us to correct errors and form new and better policies. Your letters are permanently filed and often reread many times by the staff. HAVE YOU ANY QUESTION TO ASK US? Whenever we are able to we will be glad to give an answer--just include a self addressed, stampd envelope (in foreign lands send postal reply coupon or equivalent in coin). Put the question on a separate paper from commentaries order. Letters to models will be forwarded them, or held for them at this office. Page 2

BUD COUNTS at age 20 5'8" Biceps 18" (they have since built up to 19 1/2") waist 30, chest 48" expanded, thigh 24.5, calf 15.25. All time favorite exercise is the concentration curl. One of the most friendly easy-going fellows we know. This pose has often been criticized as being too ape-like, but others have been most impressed by Bud's bulk & thickness. AMG has taken over 400 shots of Bud which are offered in miniature for $1.30. 12 4x5 prints $2.50.

6 35mm slides $3. 12 35mm

$5.

1834 W 11 Street

Los Angeles 6, Col,