For leather communities across the country, the annual International Mr. Leather contest is a major event. Held here in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend, the event attracts thousands of people. As the official videographers, Catalina Video has improved each year. Its coverage of last year's event is the best yet.
The footage takes us to the leather market, then there is a sexy montage of scenes from Friday's opening ceremonies. The men are looking quite hot. Then Saturday, we go to the contest's (heretofore) unseen Physique pre-competition. Yes! Of the 62 contestants, some guys are wearing less than others depending on their builds. The music is nice, but perhaps a brief voice-over would be helpful in explaining the finer points of judging this part of the event.
Then on Sunday it's showtime! After a montage of attendees and judges credits, all of the contestants strut the stage. They wear mostly traditional leather ensembles, with a couple of surprises. Contestant #36, Mr. Australia, Andrew Lennox, storms in wearing tight leather pants that reveal his massive dong. He is definitely worth several rewinds. I have picked an early favorite.
But then comes fellow back section columnist Jack Rinella. As a contestant, he is looking really good. I have to throw my support behind him. After a speech by founder Chuck Renslow, there is an erotic Batman and Robin-themed dance performance. Then finalists are singled out. Their brief speeches are edited in with the bikini competition. A special "crotch cam" actutely gets close-ups of all the bulge that contests are willing to show. When #52, Tony Mills, gives his speech, he is upstaged a bit by a visible third leg snaking halfway down to his knees. Hello! There are a couple of special appearances, including a performance by Linda Clifford (the diva's still got it).
At the exciting conclusion, Mills (the snake charmer) gets first place, and Lennox (he of big stick) takes second. Congrats to Catalina Video for its coverage and editing and to the producers for a great show. And, of course, to the winners as well. Though there is much more to being Mr. IML than showing a nice basket, I hope last year's winners have set an aesthetic trend for this year, when I plan to attend. I also hope to meet many of our readers at our first ever live Grabby Awards show, to the held the same weekend. Oops, Big Daddy, did I let the cat out of the bag?
- Hank Ferguson