“We may not be young, we may not be pretty, we may not be right good, but we’re here, we’re live and for one night only, we’re going for the Full Monty!”
– The Full Monty, 1997
Men taking their clothes off has long been a source of amusement. While furtive, unblinking men drool at naked women, raucous women howl and laugh at naked men. Founded in 1979, the touring Chippendales tried to move the needle. Seemingly inspired by people who dress up dogs to be ring bearers at weddings, the strip show featured men in bow ties, collars and shirt cuffs worn on otherwise bare torsos. Is was enjoyably naff and sparked a craze. Oily, hairless men were everywhere. Here, Robert E. Jackson shares some of his found snapshots from back then.
Jerry: “Well, I was walking around naked in front of Melissa the other day–”
Elaine: “Whoa! Walking around naked? Ahh… that is not a good look for a man.”
George: “Why not? It’s a good look for a woman.”
Elaine: “Well, the female body is a… work of art. The male body is utilitarian, it’s for gettin’ around, like a jeep.”– Seinfeld
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh (You can leave your hat on, leave it on)
Tell me baby
(You can leave your hat on, leave it on, leave it on baby)
Gotta hear it again
(You can leave your hat on, yeah on, leave it on yeah)
You can leave your hat on, yeah– Tom Jones, You Can Leave Your Hat On
Oh, kiss me, you sexy thing
Touch me, baby, you sexy thing
I love the way you touch me, darling, you sexy thing
Oh, it’s ecstasy, you sexy thing– Hot Chocolate, You Sexy Thing
Lookin’ for a lover who needs another
Don’t want another night on my own
Wanna share my love with a warm blooded lover
Wanna bring a wild man back home– Donna Summer, Hot Stuff
Take your passion
And make it happen
Pictures come alive
You can dance right through your life– Irene Cara, Flashdance
You see, baby, you’re not just stripping.
You are fulfilling every woman’s
wildest fantasies. All right?
You are the husband that they never had– Magic Mike, 2012
More from Robert E. Jackson on the site. Follow him here for more great stuff.
Would you like to support Flashbak?
Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.
