The Manning Brothers Story -- Part 3

The first time we learned John had not one, but two younger brothers (Jim and Joe) was with the release of the epic film Pharoah's New Slave in 1958. (Yes, the word Pharaoh was spelled incorrectly.)  To make sure his customers were well aware of this big production, Mizer ran promotions in four separate issues of Physique Pictorial: Summer 1958, Fall 1958, Spring 1959 and January, 1960.  I'm sure Mizer was trying to recuperate his costs, but he probably believed he had a hit on his hands. I mean, where else could you find three nearly naked brothers flashing their bare butts for the camera in 1958?  Plus the other two young models weren't exactly hard on the eyes. 

Top photo, from the right we see John, Joe and Jim Manning. John was the executioner who wrestles Joe, Pharaoh's new slave. Jim plays the cute guard at Pharaoh's side. (I love the codpiece he's wearing with no visible strings.) The Pharaoh was played by Victor Gottlieb, who looks like he was either Mizer's accountant or dry cleaner. Far left is Frank Renault who played the Pharaoh's courtesan and next to him is another guard, Richard Collier. 

In the next photo, Pharaoh places his hands on slave Joe who, unbeknownst to him, will soon wrestle for his life against John, the Executioner. 

In the next photo, Joe (legs toward the camera) has lost the wrestling match to John who's standing on the left in a pose later adopted by Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeannie. (I Dream of Johnny?) Joe learns his loss means he will be executed and begs the Pharoah to spare him. Pharaoh relents and offers Joe an honorable position next to the throne. 

John and Joe's wrestling match was pretty darn good. I imagine they had plenty of practice growing up together in Portland. Jim took his role seriously, looking both stoic and attentive.  Miraculously, the patch covering his nether regions remained firmly attached. 

I had to include this photo from PP Vol.8 No.3.  Although John was eventually the victor, he looks a little concerned here. You would be concerned too, if Joe was holding you down in such a vulnerable position. (Yeah, the line starts here fellas!)  

I notice Richard has assumed the Jeannie position.