Male Entertainment Network (MEN)

Male Entertainment Network (MEN) was founded in 1983 and lasted for 10 years as a media company for the gay community. During that time, they produced 40 videos - including all of the official Gay Games.

The Best of Chilli Pepper -1988

Here, the transvestite Chilli Pepper is captured from 1980 to 1988, performing at the Miss Continental Pageants of each year. Lip-synching a total of 13 songs, Chilli performs, poses, dances and struts the stuff that has made her famous today. From a saucy redhead to a blue-haired bimbette, Chilli gyrates to a vast array of material, including funk, torch songs, country and disco. Specifically, the music includes songs from Sade, The Pointer Sisters, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and more. Her diverse collection of sassy wigs and bold clothing, along with excellent portrayals, have made her one of the foremost entertainers in the world of drag.

Jack Wrangler Presents His Own Story - 1987

For his legions of fans, this Jack Wrangler performance film will be essential. As a stand-alone piece of entertainment it's not all that compelling. Combining stand-up comedy, a few songs and a strip show was probably more than anyone expected at this Saugatuck Michigan resort appearance, but the audience seemed to love it, and we found it strangely appealing. Bijou Classics of Chicago has dug out these "Male Entertainment Network" cable TV shows from the '80s and our history has been preserved for your delectation.

Men Behind Bars 1: San Francisco - 1984

In 1983, a bartender named Jim Cuitanich conceived of an AIDS fundraiser/stage show featuring bartenders - and Men Behind Bars was born. What follows is a rare archival video of this historic show. This non-sexual revue was taped live at the Victoria Theater in San Francisco in 1984.

Miss Continental 1990

Showcasing the best in female impersonation, this video features the talent portions of the Miss Continental Pageant contest for 1990. Thirteen finalists perform live on stage in this non-stop collection of stunning beauty, glamour and creativity. The glitzy production numbers celebrate the '80s music scene. For instance, Madonna's impact as an entertainer and Janet Jackson's dynamic dancing as well as song. These are just a few of the performances in this video.

Sylvester Celebrates -1985

Join drag legend Sylvester on his 40th birthday as he sings torch songs in a club in this essential film.

International Mr. Leather 1985

Fat Chicagoan Jim Flint emcees this contest judged by Mr. Marcus (of San Francisco), Etienne, the 1983 and 1984 winners Colt Thomas and Ron Moore along with others. Comedian Judy Tenuta (the Goddess herself) and Robert Gruenberg - who juggles three fourteen-pound bowling balls and finishes by juggling an apple, an egg and a chainsaw with its motor running - entertain.Unlike a lot of other year's contests, this one, at least judged from the tape, is pretty cut and dry - with the line-up of contestants, performances, selection of the finalists and then the announcement of the winners.

The First Annual Gay Finals Rodeo - 1976

Here are various scenes from the competitions in the First Annual Gay Rodeo, sponsored by the International Gay Rodeo Association. This action-packed video begins with three female competitors on bulls. From there on out, it's the men who dominate the show. They come from all over the Midwest, South and West. The competitors can be seen bronco busting, bull riding, barrel racing (on horseback), calf roping (on foot), break-away calf roping (on horseback), wild cow riding, chute doggin' (in which they wrestle a steer), pole mending (on horseback), team roping, sharing in the wild drag race and more.

Physique '87: San Francisco

Physique '87 focuses on a gay body-building competition held in San Francisco, hosted by Dick Ferris and Betty Doza and sponsored by the San Francisco Eagle and Rawhide. Men pose and flex, competing in categories of master (over 40), middle-weight, bantam and light-weight. The men are not absurdly overbuilt, but well-defined and pose with a minimum of finery that is usually limited to a tight speedo and, occasionally, an earring or a well-trimmed mustache. Some are definitely better than others, but all exhibit their special charm - and especially their muscles.

1984 Gay Wrestling: SF vs. LA

In 1984 Gay Wrestling, the 1984 Golden Gate Wrestling Club competes against wrestlers from Los Angeles. Every man, from the portly to the flamboyant, to the studly, to the bearded, wrestle in a unitard in a match regulated by a referee. The men use every trick they learned on the college wrestling team: headlocks, leg locks, flips and throws. No dirty tricks at all - just good, clean, fierce competition. A good sports video with a gay angle and a decent '80s soundtrack.