Premieres, Parties, and Awards – Part 1: Rare photos unearthed

Premieres, Parties, and Awards – Part 1: Rare photos unearthed

Bobby Hansson is an artist, musician, biker, sculptor, photographer, furniture maker, veteran dumpster diver, recycler, author, and (legend has it) stunt man and bodyguard for a team of female wrestlers too. He knew Anais Nin and worked with Nin’s husband, Hugo, on art film projects, and worked extensively with artist Jose de Creeft on documentary films and photos.

And, in the 1970s and 1980s, he was also a photographer for several men’s magazines in New York – taking pictures of many of the adult film stars and events that took place. He was a regular on the scene, dated Annie Sprinkle, and married Dian Hanson (who ended up keeping his name).

Hansson is a wild and wooly character; an intensely creative man, he is highly intelligent and educated – and though he constantly re-invented himself, he had had a long, successful career photographing art.

In recent years, Bobby has experienced health issues and is now living in a nursing home in New York.

A few weeks ago, The Rialto Report was contacted by his family offering us his photographs from the adult film years. At the bottom of one of the boxes, we found photo proofs relating to three adult industry events from the early 1980s: the New York premiere of Gary Graver’s ‘Coed Fever’ (1980), the New York premiere of Anthony Spinelli’s ‘High School Memories’ in 1981, and a film awards evening from 1983. Though the pictures are damaged and low quality, they show a unique side of the industry at the time.

We’re pleased to present a selection of these previously unseen photos below.

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Coed Fever’ (1980) premiere, Pussycat Theater, New York (October 1980) with Annie Ample:

Henri Pachard, Helen Madigan, Marc Stevens, Jamie Gillis, Dian HansonRon Sullivan (Henri Pachard), Helen Madigan, Marc Stevens, Jamie Gillis, Dian Hanson

Vanessa Del Rio, Lysa Thatcher, Sue NeroVanessa Del Rio, Lysa Thatcher, Sue Nero

Gloria LeonardGloria Leonard (and Lysa Thatcher on left)

Gloria LeonardGloria Leonard

Marc Stevens, Marlene Willoughby, George PayneMarc Stevens, Marlene Willoughby, George Payne

Bobby Astyr, Samantha FoxBobby Astyr, Samantha Fox

Sue Nero, Samantha Fox, Marc Stevens, Vanessa Del RioSue Nero, Samantha Fox, Marc Stevens, Vanessa Del Rio

Carter StevensCarter Stevens, Dian Hanson

Ugly GeorgeUgly George

Sue Nero, Dian HansonSue Nero, Dian Hanson

Jill MonroeJill Monroe, and fan

Jill Monroe, Dian HansonJill Monroe, Dian Hanson

Jamie Gillis, Dian HansonJamie Gillis, Dian Hanson

Dian Hanson, Per Sjostedt, Candida RoyalleDian Hanson, Per Sjostedt, Candida Royalle

Bobby Astyr, Dian HansonBobby Astyr, Dian Hanson

Peter Wolff, unknown, Dian Hanson, Marc StevensPeter Wolff (editor of Bachelor, Dude, Topper, Caper, High Society, Partner et al), Annie Ample, Dian Hanson, Marc Stevens

 

High School Memories’ New York premiere, Pussycat Theater, May 1981:

Annette HavenAnnette Haven arrives

Annette Haven(from left to right) Annette Haven, Michael Placenti (graphic design / artist for men’s magazines), Michael Evans, photographer Peter Hurd

Annette Haven, Dian HansonAnnette Haven, Dian Hanson

Jamie GillisJamie Gillis, Annette Heinz

Jamie GillisJamie Gillis, Annette Heinz

Jamie Gillis, Peter Hurd, Dorothy LeMayJamie Gillis, Peter Hurd (photographer for High Society, Partner et al), Annette Heinz

Marlene WilloughbyMarlene Willoughby

Marlene WilloughbyMarlene Willoughby poses by the poster for ‘High School Memories’ (1980)

Marc Stevens, Jill MonroeMarc Stevens and Jill Monroe arrive

Marc Stevens, Jill MonroeMarc Stevens, Jill Monroe

Marc Stevens, Jill MonroeMarc Stevens and Jill Monroe disrobe

Ron JeremyRon Jeremy (and Ugly George on far right – “Truth, Sex, Violence”)

Vanessa Del RioVanessa Del Rio

 

Adult film awards ceremony, New York, May 1983:

Ron Sullivan, Henri PachardRon Sullivan (aka Henri Pachard)

Vanessa Del RioVanessa Del Rio, Dian Hanson

Gloria LeonardGloria Leonard

Erica Eaton(from left to right) Gloria Leonard, unknown, Erica Eaton, Rick Marx

Candida RoyalleCandida Royalle

Candida Royalle, Per SjostedtCandida Royalle, Per Sjostedt

Bill SlobodianBill Slobodian

RR Unknown-05Press and audience

Gerard DamianoMichael Evans, Gerard Damiano (and Bunny Atlas on far right)

Peter Wolff, Peter HurdPeter Wolff (editor of Bachelor, Dude, Topper, Caper, High Society, Partner et al), Peter Hurd (photographer for High Society, Partner et al)

Samantha Fox, Bobby AstyrSamantha Fox, Bobby Astyr

Robin Leonardi, Diane Bucci(From left to right) Larry Revene, Gloria Leonard‘s daughter Robin (seated), and Chuck Vincent editor Diane Bucci (standing)

Richard MilnerColette Connor (editor of men’s magazines), Richard Milner (director of ‘Centerfold Fever’ (1981)), Steve Kraus (Midnight Blue Television field producer) with unknown photographer

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Bobby HanssonBobby Hansson

*

  • Posted On: 24th August 2014
  • By: The Rialto Report
  • Under: Photos

35 Comments

  1. Digital DV · August 24, 2014 Reply

    Once again another super photo essay. Thanks goodness that these priceless artifacts have been preserved.

  2. Fox Magoo · August 24, 2014 Reply

    Never heard of Bobby Hansson before – but I love these pictures! This is the history of the golden age being reborn before our eyes… 30, 40 years later. Never thought I’d see this sort of thing.

    Anything else of interest found in the boxes?

    • Ashley West · August 24, 2014 Reply

      Yes – Fox. We’re sorting through the contents and will be featuring more photographs in an upcoming feature. Thanks for your comments.

  3. Jordan Jansen · August 24, 2014 Reply

    Cool to see lesser known faces (Bill Slobodian, Michael Evans, Bunny Atlas!) all there as well as the established ‘names’. #keepthemcoming

  4. K marshall · August 24, 2014 Reply

    Lovely and vital time capsule.
    Any chance the reclusive Dian
    Hanson will surrender and talk?
    Much to hear, there. And so much
    to learn. The best tales are the
    truest. And SHE knows. Do the
    rest of us REALLY want to know?
    Trust Ashley’s judgement and
    the RR podium to deliver. Hope you
    can help them to decide…in
    history’s favor, as the sands run out…

  5. Rob · August 24, 2014 Reply

    lots of beautiful women. love seeing these pictures.

  6. Cathy Gigante-Brown · August 24, 2014 Reply

    So great. Enjoyed it immensely. How wonderful to see everyone so vibrant and healthy. One big happy dysgunctional family.

  7. Jose Verschaffel (Josey Duvall) · August 24, 2014 Reply

    the good old days …..

  8. Perry S · August 24, 2014 Reply

    Great photos of a time long gone. I think the unknown blonde with Peter Wolff, Dian Hanson & Marc Stevens might be Annie Ample. She was a stripper & model. I look forward to visiting The Rialto Report each and every week.

    • Ashley West · August 24, 2014 Reply

      Hi Perry,

      Thanks for this – our best guess was Annie Ample as well. We have now had this confirmed by others as well. I have added this to the photo caption.

      Thanks for the kind comments!

  9. TB Told · August 24, 2014 Reply

    I don’t think Vanessa Del Rio ever got the credit for being the natural beauty she was. There is no plastic surgery there and botox wasn’t around. Vanessa was just naturally beautiful. Where has the time gone? a lot of people in those photos are now dead

  10. John A. Mozzer a.k.a. Alan Adrian · August 24, 2014 Reply

    You’ve got people very nicely identified. Here’s a few more:

    High School Memories premiere set, second one down: Michael Evans, Cheri magazine editor, is in this shot too, in light colored shirt.

    In photo of Erica Eaton at the Adult film awards ceremony: guy holding award: Rick Marx

    In photo of Richard Milner at the Adult film awards ceremony: guy with glasses in foreground: Steve Kraus, Midnight Blue Television Field Producer.

    • Ashley West · August 24, 2014 Reply

      John – as usual we bow to your unparalleled knowledge, memory and records.
      All the above photo captions have now been updated.

      Many thanks!

    • Jose Diaz · August 25, 2014 Reply

      Hi John.

      I’ve been a big fan for a number of years. Are you planning a book, and if not – I’d love to read or hear a retrospective about you life on this fine site.

      Thanks for the memories!

  11. TM · August 24, 2014 Reply

    Excellent photos! I second the idea of getting Dian Hanson (who I never heard of before) to share her memories of the day. And oh my god, why had the people who ran the adult industry never try to persuade Diane Bucci to act in one of their movies? What a looker!
    Thanks for sharing, Ashley!

  12. Perry S · August 24, 2014 Reply

    Great photos from a long gone era. I look forward every week it see whats new at The Rialto Report! The unknown blond in the photo with Peter Wolff, Dian Hanson & Marc Stevens might be stripper & model Annie Ample.

  13. Annette Heinz · August 24, 2014 Reply

    The pics w Jamie are me not Dorothy. Thanks for the memories 🙂

    • Ashley West · August 24, 2014 Reply

      Unreserved apologies to you Annette! Our intern has been taken out of Rialto Towers and shot.
      We will not make the same mistake again.

      How’s your eagerly anticipated book coming along? We look forward to it.

    • Gerry Geraldo · August 25, 2014 Reply

      Annette!!! How about an interview with you on The Rialto Report?!

      I’ll wager you have stories to tell….

      Please?!

      • Django · August 26, 2014 Reply

        I agree – Annette, let’s hear from you too. You’re always one of my favorites…

    • Legstricity · December 15, 2015 Reply

      Annette Heinz – of the jet black hair, but equally Beautiful in platinum. Love seeing those. Miss you!
      ~ Legstricity

  14. Donnie Howard · August 24, 2014 Reply

    Fantastic – I have on my Fetlife photo page many of the people in your photos, who are also friends.
    In the June 1980 – I became The Club Masseur at an Upscale Couples Club.
    Thank you for bringing back an wild crazy era.

  15. John A. Mozzer a.k.a. Alan Adrian · August 24, 2014 Reply

    I thought so, Annette, the moment I saw those two shots!

  16. Tom Inverdale · August 24, 2014 Reply

    A beautiful and even poignant trip into the past… when innocence and sex seemed to go hand in hand. The Rialto is creating a real body of documentary work that is saving this great period. I wish you well and hope you never stop.

  17. roy karch · August 25, 2014 Reply

    Man. the east coast scene in the early 80’s was quite a scene!
    Very cool.

  18. Hank Rose · August 26, 2014 Reply

    What a poignant glimpse into the past. This was back when porn stars looked like real people. How times have changed.

    • Top bar · August 27, 2014 Reply

      I couldn’t have said it better, each one of those NY 70’s/80’s porn stars had their own natural look and they all looked great. You had Latin (the amazing Del Rio) many were Jewish Samantha Fox, G. Leonard etc. There was something for every fan. They all have attractive natural faces and a distinct look

      Compare that to the train wrecks you have today, I call it the Jenna Jameson effect, fake bleached blonde hair, heavy makeup, nose job, botox and crap in their lips. Add a bunch of tattooed and you have todays cookie cutter porn stars.

  19. Dan · August 27, 2014 Reply

    I think Samantha Fox and Gloria Leonard are/were both Italian/Catholic…

  20. Gary Rossington · August 27, 2014 Reply

    I love this! I love this website so much. I cry every time I’m here. The memories and a time that’s lost and the memories it triggers.

  21. jotman · September 30, 2014 Reply

    Great to see Vanessa Sue and Lisa again…Hot women!!

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