Doctor Details ‘Safe’ Gay Sex; Early Release for ‘Witness’ Seen

The most unusual and controversial how-to tape on the market is “Lifeguard for Sex,” a hard-core porn videocassette intended for gay males. Through graphic demonstrations of methods of safe sex, its purpose is to reduce the spread of AIDS (aquired immune defiency symdrome).

Early in the cassette, released in late December by HIS Video at $39.95, Dr. Robert K. Bolan, a physician who heads the San Francisco AIDS foundation, explains safe sex. The actors engage in assorted activities but avoid all that are considered high risk.

One surprise in “Life Guard” is the absence of kissing. According to many medical experts, AIDS isn’t spread through kissing.

“I wanted to do a tape that had absolutely no ambiguity,” Bolan explained. “I don’t think AIDS can be transmitted through kissing, but some doctors don’t agree that kissing is totally safe. I didn’t want to have to explain the pros and cons of kissing. I wanted as little verbiage as possible on the tape.”

Bolan said he was reluctant to appear on “Life Guard” at all: “I finally had to do it because they said if this is to be a legitimate tape, then I had to be in it. I was a little uncomfortable because I’m not a porn aficionado. But I did it because I really wanted this tape to be made.”

Bolan explained why: “Many gays are either celibate or cutting way down on regular gay sex. People who want to be safe should know what to do and what not to do. A graphic demonstration is one of best ways to learn. This is a desperate situation. Every possible educational vehicle should be used.”

Before getting involved in the project, Bolan insisted on complete editorial control. “I had them cut out some scenes that I didn’t think fit into the concept of safe sex,” he said.

Bruce Decker, Gov. Deukmejian’s adviser on the distribution of state AIDS funding, originated the idea for the tape. He involved Bolan, who had long been interested in such a project but couldn’t find financing. Since using state money for a porn cassette--even an educational one--would have caused a furor, Decker went to a private company, HIS Video.

“The government on all levels has been dragging its heels in AIDS education,” complained Richard Lawrence, general director of HIS. “This tape needed to be done and a private company obviously had to do it. Bruce came to us because of our extensive distribution network.”

The tape, which so far has been advertised primarily in the gay press, was made for $30,000, roughly the cost of an average gay adult cassette. But those sell for $60 or $70. To make “Life Guard for Sex” as accessible as possible, it was priced at $39.95. While profits will not go to AIDS research or those benefiting victims, interested organizations may purchase it at cost.

“Life Guard for Sex,” the first tape of its kind on the market, is available in adult video stores but, Lawrence said, it’s also being carried in many regular video stores throughout the country. “We’ve been able to get it into stores that don’t normally carry explicit male material,” he said. For information, call Lawrence at HIS, a local company, at 800-621-2682 in California.

WITNESS: Since “Witness” did so well in the Oscar nomination derby--eight, including best picture and best actor (Harrison Ford)--industry insiders are predicting that Paramount will release the videocassette long before the Oscar show on March 24. Obviously the company wants to both capitalize on renewed fan interest and make the cassette available to academy members. Speculation is that the cassette will be on the market at least by early March.

NEW AND COMING MOVIES: Embassy apparently doesn’t care to capitalize on Oscar appeal. Its Charter Entertainment branch is releasing “Kiss of the Spider Woman” in April, a few weeks after the Academy Award ceremonies. With four major nominations, including best picture and best actor (William Hurt), it would probably do great business before the Oscar show. Of course, it’s possible that Embassy may change its mind and rush-release it.

One of last summer’s hits, “The Goonies,” will be released by Warner Video on March 24. Two other major movies make their cassette debuts next month. “Commando,” the Arnold Schwarzenneger action hit, is due March 11 on CBS/Fox. His last movie, “The Terminator,” was a big hit on cassette. Industry experts expect this one will be a smash too.

“Plenty” will be released March 26 on Thorn/EMI/HBO. This acclaimed movie wasn’t a major hit but since its star is Meryl Streep, it should be a popular rental. If Streep wins an Oscar for “Out of Africa,” “Plenty’s” appeal will be boosted considerably. Shrewdly, Thorn is putting it in the stores two days after the Oscar show.

This week’s major release is “Weird Science,” with Anthony Michael Hall and Kelly LeBrock (MCA, $79.95). The week of Feb. 16 is the biggest of the month for important releases: “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure,” “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” and “Volunteers.” But the most important cassette debut of the month is “Return of the Jedi” on CBS/Fox on Feb. 25. “Silverado” and “Real Genius” are due out the next day.

CHARTS: Even before its eight Oscar nominations, “Prizzi’s Honor” was a rental hit. It climbed to the top of the chart this week and should stay there for the next few weeks at least. If it doesn’t, it’ll be knocked out by newcomer “Rambo,” which is as popular as expected--No. 3 on both the sales and rental charts.

TOP VIDEOCASSETTES, RENTALS (Charts compiled by Billboard magazine)

1--”Prizzi’s Honor” (Vestron).

2--”Beverly Hills Cop” (Paramount).

3--”Rambo: First Blood Part II” (Thorn/EMI/HBO).

4--”Mask” (MCA).

5--”Gremlins” (Warner Video).

6--”Pale Rider” (Warner Video).

7--”Ghostbusters” (RCA/Columbia).

8--”A View to a Kill” (CBS-Fox).

9--”The Emerald Forest” (Embassy).

10--”Fletch” (MCA).

TOP VIDEOCASSETTES, SALES 1--”Beverly Hills Cop” (Paramount).

2--”Jane Fonda’s New Workout” (Karl-Lorimar).

3--”Rambo: First Blood Part II” (Thorn/EMI/HBO).

4--”The Best of John Belushi” (Warner Video).

5--”Jane Fonda’s Workout” (Karl-Lorimar).

6--”Pinocchio” (Disney).

7--”The Wizard of Oz” (MGM/UA).

8--”Gone With the Wind” (MGM/UA).

9--”Prizzi’s Honor” (Vestron).

10--”Ghostbusters” (RCA/Columbia).