ONE LOVE vs. TOPS, BOTTOMS AND SIDEPOCKETS

My literary habit of late is reading two books at the same time.  Typically, this involves two very different books, such as one from an indie author and one of the generally tepid and often hetero-centric New York Times bestsellers from the lunchtime book group.  However, in this hot month of July, fate sandwiched me between two queer books.  

The interesting thing is the two books were published 60 years apart.  What are the differences?  Are there similarities?  Let’s find out…

ONE LOVE by Matt Cain(2025) 

Danny and Guy have been best friends since meeting at uni.  Now, a couple of decades later, these two men, who have drifted in and out of each other’s lives over the years, have reunited for the Manchester Pride celebration, but Danny has a mission.  He wants to confess his decades long love for Guy and hopefully transform their friendship into a deeper emotional and physical connection.  Will these friends become lovers or will the past bubbling up around them tear the two apart? 

Author Matt Cain cuts & pastes Danny and Guy’s story together by bouncing the reader back and forth through their present and past.  This plot device started out interesting, but I struggled to finish ONE LOVE.  I found it difficult to embrace the characters and the plot became rather repetitive.  Then the ultimate message of loving yourself is bashed into our brains again and again and again.  By the end, it just made me want to scream, “Ok, I f***ing get it already !” 

TOPS, BOTTOMS AND SIDEPOCKETS by Robin Versage and Leland Garner(1965) 

This is an allegedly true account of one gay man’s life from mid-teens to early thirties.  Robin learns at a young age that he might be homosexual, struggling and exploring this possibility in his final years of high school.  As soon as he graduates, Robin skips college and leaves Portland for Los Angeles.  There he meets a $5 hooker named Sandy.  She and Robin form a curious bond.  Sandy pimps Robin out to men at first, but then, after Robin finds more socially acceptable work, they get married.  All the while, Robin is searching for the man of his dreams.  Sandy is fully aware, but perhaps wishes she could be enough for him.  Eventually, Robin’s growing success as an art dealer allows Sandy to give up her sex work and this unconventional duo can finally live comfortably in a classy neighborhood.  In this top shelf suburbia, Robin meets Joseph, a married psychologist.  Has Robin found the man of his dreams?  Will Sandy’s past and Robin’s sexuality destroy their fancy tea party life?  Are Robin & Sandy the Will & Grace of the ‘60’s? 

I guess that explains sidepockets.

I’ve read enough Vintage Gay Pulp Fiction to question whether or not this is a true story.  Robin’s life contains all the scandalous elements to cause a reader to devour each sordid page.  However, it does have an unapologetic attitude by the end.  Robin looks back on his life up to that point without making excuses or having regrets.  He also points out his life doesn’t represent every gay man’s experience and even touches upon how homosexuals are just as emotionally and physically diverse as heterosexuals.  So, maybe TOPS, BOTTOMS AND SIDEPOCKETS is a true story or at least the author is queer or an open-minded ally. 

While these two books have differences, I was struck by their similarities.  For starters, they both explore a functionally dysfunctional relationship over the course of many years, whether it be Danny and Guy or Robin and Sandy.  Another thing I found fascinating is that each book has at least one character worried that if they admit to being homosexual, they will transform into a swishy stereotype.  For better or for worse, there is a lot of focus on physical appearance in both stories.  Finally, and this may be the most amazing similarity, the shared moral is one of self-acceptance and bravely being yourself, no matter what the world thinks.  Such a concept is beyond progressive for 1965 and is thankfully pretty common in 2025. 

In conclusion…
I obviously enjoyed TOPS, BOTTOMS AND SIDEPOCKETS way more than ONE LOVE.  The former moves along at a brisk pace with vivid characters and wild situations, while the latter drags with unlikable characters and repetitive situations.  Perhaps I get such an electric, non-p.c. thrill in taking a peek behind the lavender curtain at pre-Stonewall queer life that some modern day queer fiction bores me.  Either that, or I just love trashy novels! 

Freak Out, 
JLH 

P.S.  click the pic ⤵️ to pray for my literary salvation! 🙏 

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While not as lurid as Jacqueline Susann or Vintage Gay Pulp Fiction, DARK EXCURSIONS skirts the trashy edges of sordid craziness with its soap opera twists and turns! 

2015

freakboy on film: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)

WARNING! 
May the spoilers be with you!  

The Death Star has been blown to smithereens.  The Rebel Alliance has triumphed over the Galactic Empire.  Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo have become BFFs.  C-3PO, R2-D2 and Chewbacca should be bonding over not receiving medals for their roles in rescuing Leia and blowing up the Death Star.  Oh, and that pesky Darth Vader escaped in his super fashionable bent-winged Tie-Fighter. 

Where does the story from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away go from there? 

Darth Vader spends his free time and not-so-defeated Empire money stalking Luke Skywalker across the galaxy and killing off underlings who disappoint him.  Luke takes spiritual advice from the ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi and goes way off grid on Dagobah for some Jedi training from Yoda.   Han Solo sexually harasses General Leia Organa as they take forever to evade the pursuing Empire.  Eventually, Han and Leia make their way to Cloud City and meet up with Han’s best frenemy Lando Calrissian.  However, it’s all a trap by Darth Vader to lure Luke to the Dark Side and give him to the Emperor.  All of this culminates in Leia confessing her love for Han right before he is frozen in carbonate and shipped to Jabba the Hutt by badass bounty hunter Boba Fett, Luke losing his hand and nearly his mind when it’s revealed Darth Vader is his daddy, Leia and Luke sharing a psychic Force connection and finally, Lando and Chewbacca heading off to Luke’s home planet to save Han Solo. 

Confused?

Will they save Han?  Will Leia regret telling Han she loves him?  Will Luke and Leia discuss the rather intense kiss they shared on the ice planet Hoth?  Will C-3PO and R2-D2 accept their diminished status as supporting comic relief?  Will Darth Vader expect a tie and a bottle of Old Spice cologne from his son on Father’s Day?  Find out next time on As the Jedi Turns! 

Only Yoda knows!

I hate to burst the sci-fi epic wet dream bubble of all the early 1980’s hetero-centric male nerds, but George Lucas conned you into watching a daytime soap opera!  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK isn’t entertaining, it’s just the space equivalent of GENERAL HOSPITAL, especially with the “Who’s your daddy?” moment between Vader and Luke!  My love of sudsy dramas may explain why, for many years, I considered Episode V the best of the Original Trilogy.  Now, my feelings need to be reconsidered.  

I mean, I still enjoy EMPIRE, but the years, prequels and sequels may have tarnished its luster.  Darth Vader rocks as he Force-strangles anyone who fails him.  Yoda still manages to be more than a muppet and it’s great to watch him knock Luke’s ego down a notch or two.  Lando Calrissian (a smooth Billy Dee Williams) remains a new breath of roguish charm, especially since Han Solo has misplaced his somewhere.  Boba Fett continues to win the Best Badass Bounty Hunter award.  Oh, and the AT-AT’s are still cool.  

Who’s a good AT-AT?

For me, at least this time around, the romance irritated me.  I know, I know!  Call me a hypocrite since I tend to write romance into my books, and even included a version of the infamous “I love you!  I know.” Leia and Han exchange in DARK EXCURSIONS.  After the end of A NEW HOPE, when Luke and Han return from blowing up the Death Star, I got the impression that Luke, Leia and Han were best friends, nothing more.  So, Han and Leia’s “Will they or won’t they?” routine gets really old really quick.  Plus, don’t get me started on Leia’s deep, passionate kiss on Luke’s lips!  I’ll save that uncomfortable conversation for Episode VI! 

Don’t jump, my son!  The Dark Side will forgive you for frenching your sister!

I must add that the story is by George Lucas, but the screenplay for EMPIRE is credited to Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan.  Also, Lucas gave the director’s chair to Irvin Kershner.  Would STAR WARS Episode V: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK be a different film if George Lucas had stayed behind the helm?  After all, A NEW HOPE is the superior film, but the Prequel Trilogy is reason enough to question his creative choices.  As for the acting, the cast still has some residual 1970s naturalness about them, but there is a slightly forced, pun intended, style with some of their dialogue delivery.  The superb score by John Williams elevates the entire production, with a huge shout-out to The Imperial March, easily one of the most memorable pieces of film music ever! 

The coolest Barbershop Quartet in the galaxy!

In conclusion… 
There is a lot to enjoy in Episode V of the original STAR WARS trilogy.  Even the not-so “Special Edition” isn’t so bad since they got rid of Luke’s horrendously stupid electronic scream as he chooses self-destruction over joining the Dark Side with Daddy Darth, which was needlessly added for the 1997 “Special Edition” theatrical release.  I’ll even confess to loving how they made Cloud City look like the tourist trap destination we always knew it was!  Anyhoo, I re-watched the original 1980 theatrical version for this review.  So, if you’re in the mood for some outer space soap bubble action, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK may be the sudsy episode for you! 

Freak Out, 
JLH 

P.S.  Lando Calrissian was my favorite EMPIRE Kenner action figure growing up.  Remove his cape and Lando was ready to boogie on down to Cloud City’s version of Studio 54! 🪩

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Visit the town of STURGEONS for a modern take on 1950s sci-fi horror, films!
📗 

channel freakboy: DOCTOR WHO: VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED (2007)

It felt like fate or destiny or a big ball of timey-wimey coincidence when Rebecca of Taking Up Room announced THE TITANIC IN POP CULTURE BLOGATHON.  Earlier this year, I revealed to the 4 or 5 readers of this blog how much I love James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster TITANIC.  Since my heart already went on and on and on about one of the most loved and hated Titanic tales, how else could I participate?  The answer crashed into me just like the Titanic crashed through the walls of the TARDIS in the opening scene of the VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED 2007 Christmas episode of DOCTOR WHO.   

The Doctor had just said goodbye to companion Martha Jones when what appears to be the doomed 1912 luxury liner rams through his space-time machine.  After becoming a stowaway, The Doctor quickly realizes he isn’t on the original Titanic, but rather a spaceship replica currently visiting Earth.  I guess our savage, war-hungry race is of interest to hoity-toity alien vacationers.  These vacationers include a supposed expert on Earth culture and history, a rich entrepreneur, a spikey little reddish person, and a joyous couple who won tickets through a lottery.  The Doctor takes a shine to most of the vacationers, but his attention is primarily on a cocktail waitress named Astrid Peth.  Astrid took this job on the Titanic so she could visit alien worlds.  After The Doctor makes her alien sky dreams come true with a quick trip to Earth, the Titanic is hit by a meteoroid storm.  This collision causes the Titanic to begin sinking in space, hurtling directly towards Earth. 

Now The Doctor must guide Astrid and the surviving vacationers through the severely damaged ship to the bridge so he can take the helm.  This task becomes complicated when the information robot angels, meant to help passengers, begin turning into malfunctioning killing machines.  Was the meteoroid impact really an accident?  Will The Doctor rescue the survivors?  Will Titanic sink into the Earth and wipe out all life when the nuclear engines set the sky on fire?  Will the robot angels fly? 

VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED is, in my opinion, one of the best DOCTOR WHO Christmas specials and it would be a good introduction for the uninitiated viewer.  The Doctor is between companions, so it’s almost like a fresh start.  There are a few brief references to past episodes, but nothing vital to the central Titanic plot.  A new viewer will get to know The Doctor and how this space-time traveler responds physically and emotionally to sometimes impossible situations.  Another great thing about this episode is the viewer really gets to know the other characters as The Doctor leads them through the Titanic.  Tragically, this means it hurts when some of them die along the way.  The overall plot is more reminiscent of THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972) than James Cameron’s TITANIC.  

Writer Russell T. Davies turns in a script that is simultaneously fun, scary, amusing, tragic and touching.  David Tennant as The 10th Doctor gives a dazzling performance full of humor and pathos.  The character of Astrid Peth is so down-to-earth and relatable that it’s easy to forget she is portrayed by the “Princess of Pop” herself, Kylie Minogue.  Nope, she doesn’t sing, which helps make Astrid feel so real that the viewer will root for her to be The Doctor’s next companion.  Add the rest of the strong supporting cast and director James Strong, and you will have the perfect sci-fi Christmas present to make you feel all the feels!

In conclusion…
Whether or not you’re a Whovian and/or a Titanic completist, VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED is a gem to be enjoyed at Christmas or anytime of the year! 

Freak Out, 
JLH 

P.S.  Click a pic for more DOCTOR WHO… 💙