Chad Allen

Third Man Out
$22.95
The Donald Strachey Mysteries
��� Third Man Out
��� Shock to the System
��� On the Other Hand Death
A Gay Detective? Yes I was a bit apprehensive; however I soon discovered a cleaver story with likable characters, Martinis and an almost Columbo style detective show with a gay edge and Full Frontal Nudity (what more do you need). These Movies were Fun, Intriguing, Heartwarming, Suspenseful and Humorous, with a Showering of Eye Candy and Fabulous Guest Stars. We Want More Strachey Mysteries���Kit����s a fun Friday Night After Work Movie.

Murder in New Hampshire
$5.98
I just loved this film. Helen Hunt fit that part like it was written just for her. It had all the elements that create a good film, greed, lust. pride and a great court room drama at the end. It is a wonder if the real Pam Smart will ever see the light of day after watching this recreation of a Murder in New Hamphire.

West Hollywood Crystal Meth Forum 2004: Transcribed By Brad Theissen
$9.95
Text and photos from the October 2004, City of West Hollywood sponsored Town Hall public forum on Crystal Meth, and its relationship with the increasing number of HIV diagnoses. Panel participants included Actor Chad Allen, Singer Paul LeKakis, HIV AIDS Medical Doctor Dr. Gary Cohen HIV AIDS Activist Cleve Jones, and moderator West Hollywood Mayor John Duran. Plus, a 14 page backgrounder on Crystal Meth in an interview with Marty Perry, Pride Institute.

Save Me - Alternate Cover
$24.95
Ironically, I watched this film on the same day that the American Psychological Association declared that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments. I'll admit to being fired up on the subject, and expecting "Save Me" to be a scathing indictment of the whole gay-to-straight movement. (I mean, the DVD box cover art makes quite the statement...)

Much to my surprise and pleasure, it isn't. In fact, there are no real "bad guys" in the film...only people acting on what they feel is right and trying to do their best, no matter how misguided their feelings and motives are.

The story is this: After his wanton drug abuse spins out of control (and his refusal to stay at a county hospital), openly-gay Mark (Chad Allen) winds up at Genesis House, a retreat where men learn to ignore their gay impulses and lead a straight life by finding God and Jesus. Although they pepper every other sentence with expressions like "God be praised" and "in the name of our lord, Jesus Christ", the husband/wife team who run the place, Gayle (Judith Light) and Ted (Stephen Lang) don't come across like cultists or fanatics. They just truly believe that, if you follow God's teachings, you can make your life better... and better to them means straight. They don't intend to "cure" anyone; they just feel that gay/straight is a choice and, with enough will, you can be happy on the "proper" side of the fence if you just work hard at it and love God enough.

Also at the house is Scott (Robert Gant), who is desperately trying to become a straight man to gain the love and respect of his dying father. As Mark dries out, he and Scott form a very natural bond which leads to stronger feelings. This is much to the dismay of Gayle, who does her best to intervene. But is her motivation to do so really in the best interests of the two men, or for something more selfish?

Okay, most of the ultra-religious out there are going to hate this movie because it dares to even suggest that love is God and that it trumps all. Me, I thought for a film that could be accused of having a bit of an agenda, it did a beautiful job of representing both sides of the issue. The fact of the matter is the Mark becomes a far better person after his time at Genesis House. He believes it's because he's found Christ, but it's really because he's found love... not only romantic love with Scott, but also a strong, caring, parental love from Gayle and Ted.

Strong acting rules this film. Gant and Light anchor the film with fiery, intense, conflicted performances. Stephen Lang offers up depth and thoughfulness in what could have been a throwaway role. I also really liked Robert Baker as Lester, Mark's roommate at Genesis... he's superb as the self-loathing big guy who sets many of the wheels of the story into motion.

In the end, I deduct a star for the tinny soundtrack and for the fact that Mark's recovery from his addictions is somewhat glossed over. Other than that, this is a powerful yet gentle film with a tremendous message. And that message is conveyed with a fairness and consideration usually not found in this genre.