After years of producing the official videos for International Mr. Leather, we have received word that this will be the last one from Catalina Video. From what we hear, the company will discontinue any new production activity but is to stay in business to distribute completed projects. So it is not too late for you to order your IML video collection. But do it soon, lest there are further changes at Catalina.
Over the years, their coverage of the awards as been varied, as Catalina has experimented with different things every year. Some of you may recall the first year, when they pretty much showed the contest straight through. The video was received with a collective yawn. Then they became good at using editing, to improve the pace and make the proceedings more exciting. Then there was the year of the "crotch cam" (my favorite year). While one camera did the wide coverage shot, another one shamelessly cruised contestants' baskets and kept putting them in your face. Come on, admit it- we all look.
For the 21st Annual IML, held last year in 1999, Catalina has come up with yet another winning formula: Recruiting Cole Tucker to act as guest host. Those of you who have seen Cole will know that he can be the sweetest guy you can meet or the roughest, nastiest top daddy you'd ever want to play with. But put a mic in Tucker's hand, and he becomes an on-air personality that put many hosts on E! Entertainment to shame. He is like the buddy who is there to show you IML.
First, Tucker takes us to the Leather Market and does interviews with some of the participants, including a tattoo man, an iron lady, a boot black and client, and the folks at the booths for Tom of Finland and Catalina Video. The host enjoys a nice chemistry with the interviewees.
We meet the 1999 IML Contestants for the first time when Tucker attends the Saturday night Physique Competition. It is a good-looking group of guys from all over the world, cute butts and great personalities to match. Tucker has the chance to do more interviews with International Mr. Drummer and Drummer Boy, Ms. Leather Louisiana 1999 and even Mr. Marcus. He also talks to Mr. IML '98 Tony Mills and '98 Runner-up, turned porn star Andrew Lennox. Coincidentally, Tucker and Lennox will meet on stage again, cohosting the Grabbys with Chi Chi LaRue and Honey West.
Finally, we go to the actual IML Contest, where contestants start to hit the stage in their formal leather ensembles. A far cry from the Miss America pageant, these are real, hot men of various types, ages and from varying backgrounds.
During the speeches, IML founder Chuck Renslow makes an insightful observation: "If you can't have fun in Chicago, there is something drastically wrong with you." Touche. Next, Mr. Marcus names the 20 semifinalists. Of course I liked them all, but if I had to choose I did pick out some favorites. I won't divulge them here, but I will add (read:brag) that of the 20 semi-finalists, 15 were on my list. Watch the video and see how you do.
The contestant speeches are broken up by showing segments of the Physique (Jockstrap) competition. This definitely keeps thing interesting, seeing everything from hot daddies to young hunks. And those bulging codpieces... A contestant pulls a stunt, carrying a sign saying "Lost My Jockstrap" and gets a good laugh from the audience.
During his speech, Mr. IML 1998 Tony Mills says, "After 12 years of battling HIV, I may actually survive. I could love again. I could fly again. Come sit by me." Not missing a chance to do some commentary on Mills, video host Tucker winks to the camera, observing, "Hung like a horse... And smart too!"
Right before the winners are announced, there is an entertainment interlude featuring singer Erin Hamilton - better known as the daughter of Carol Burnett. Hamilton's performance is nice, but unfortunately her "hit song" never seemed to hit the popular music charts. IML founder Chuck Renslow returns to announce the winners. Those who were there or who have read the leather press should know the results. For the sake of those who will be seeing the contest for the first time on tape, I will not spoil the surprise. I will say congratulations to Mr. IML 1999 and his Runner-up. I hope you have both had great years and look forward to seeing you Sunday night. Also, congratulations to the show's producers for a job well done.
As for Catalina Video, we at Gay Chicago wish them much success in their future endeavors. We'll keep you posted if we hear any further updates on the company or any of their talented staff. In the meantime, get the video of The 21st Annual International Mr. Leather Contest, it is an excellent one to start or complete your IML tape collection.
- Hank Ferguson