I wasn’t planning on a 2nd, er 3rd post on same guy in one week, but something about this film – Come ‘n Take It, If Ya Can! (1978) – made me realize I must. Sure, the decent resolution pics of Joe’s plaid shirt (and his other stuff) – and I could’ve just tossed those into the videography, but. Take a look at the first pic, something that in the film isn’t so clear, literally and figuratively. The other men at the beginning… at some sort of abandoned sex warehouse, and yet, no one takes an interest in Joe? Willing suspension of disbelief much?
Could become a subcategory of “porno pet peeves” – men introduced in a film who we don’t see having sex – most famously Johnny Kovacs in Pier Groups. Re-rewatching the film, I think I like it the way it is; the print is a bit dark, but that reflects what sexwarehouse cruising was like (I hear, ahem!); and he does seem to be showing off to someone, off camera. Sure, it’s us – but there, it’s one of those men. The film, dark and real, the top photo here – I appreciate seeing the scene more clearly, but it’s kinda overdone with the retouched lighting. Good to have both!
One reply on “If Ya Can!”
I completely agree, well mostly. It requires suspension of disbelief. I’d be on my knees in a second. In fact, I would’ve done one of those euro football knee slides across the room (I’d have knee pads of course for protections) to get to him first. In actual fact, I used to keep a gardener’s foam knee pad in my trunk as to be ready at any time. But back to the film.
I think I remember the first time I saw this I felt the same disappointment, and had a similar thought. Something like, “Oh, so it’s just a solo. Too bad.” Also, “I wish he’d take his shirt off.” But I still think it’s one of my all-time favorite solos. If they hadn’t shown the other men in the beginning, I think we wouldn’t even be remarking on it.
Also, it’s almost like it’s a “part I” loop to the “part II” of “Help Wanted,” which as we know picks up right where this one leaves off. I first watched these on VHS, so that’s exactly how I got to see them. The two scenes belong together. To me, it’s surprising that they didn’t title them that way.
Calling it the film “Come N Take It, if Ya’ Can!” was kind of a mistake, because when you see that he’s in a cruising area with other guys…the viewer is left wondering “why didn’t any of those guys come n take it?” as you’ve pointed out. I think it was intended to be a solo and Joe is meant to be showing off for the camera, or the other men like you said, while he quickly gets his nut and moves on. That wide shot from the promo, showing all the men, maybe just shouldn’t have been used. BTW, I wonder who the other guys were?!
This is from one of my absolute favorite Falcon tapes, all the loops included being so, so hot.
Another great solo that comes to mind, also one of my favorites, is the Lee Ryder film, “The Big Surprise,” where he’s talking to the camera as he strokes. It’s a mind blowing scene.
Thanks for including this clip, BJ (as well the whole Joe Andrews profile!) The film is not so much a peeve for me, but I totally see your point.