Jack Lalanne famously went around to all the physique photographers for whom he had posed nude and asked them to hand over their negatives when he launched his TV show. Russ Warner famously refused, and thanks to him, we have some great frontals of this model. I have mixed opinions on Mr. Lalanne's character. He was quoted during and after his lifetime as having made some pretty strongly homophobic remarks. That lifetime was 96 years, so he must have been doing something right when it came to fitness, a concept he introduced to millions of Americans.
An amazing physique, and a great poser. Solo and duo. I assume he thought that viewers would think the nude work might signal that he is homosexual. Homophobia was normal at the time. Maybe his comments were to further his hetro credentials. Such a pity full frontal images were lost. And huge thanks to the bravery of Russ Warner for saving them for us to admire.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about the homophobic comments.
DeleteBut there ARE full frontals w/ the duos w/Jack Thomas. Perhaps you're referring to the solo ones that may've been lost.
DeleteThere is a widely held opinion among collectors that some, but not all, frontals were lost. One otherwise well researched article I read said that some photographers complied with Lalanne's request, but it did not name them.
Delete"Methinks he doth protest too much!"
ReplyDeleteMy mom and I used to watch his excersice show when I was 5 (in '69-'70). Mr. Warner is HEROIC, if you ask me! Wasn't it technically his property? There's nothing shameful about the human body, but yes, the '50s were a different time. Btw, Schwarzenegger recently indicated he had NO problem with his own nude photos.
Although I have not seen one for the Warner-Lalanne photos, there were standard release forms that most of the classic era physique photographers used assigning rights to the photographer. So the photos were likely Mr. Warner's property, assuming there was a release signed.
DeleteMost likely the first bodybuilder to fully brand his name and image. I remember watching The Jack Lalanne Show back in the 70's and 80's, older but still in peak shape. I always looked at him as the epitome of all around fitness.
ReplyDeleteHis system was remarkable in that he showed ordinary people how they could achieve fitness without paying for gym memberships or expensive equipment. For that alone, he deserves respect.
DeleteI'm very glad these pictures have been preserved so everyone can see his penis!
ReplyDelete