| STEVE REEVES WORLDS TO CONQUER |
| An Authorized Biography |
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By Christopher
D. LeClaire
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Steve Reeves electrified audiences for decades. Rising to stardom in two
fields, he was the first bodybuilder turned actor, long before Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Sylvester Stallone hit the
scene.
Drawing on seven years of research and writing (1992-1999) and having lived and worked with Steve Reeves on his 14 acre Valley Center, California horse ranch, Chris LeClaire was given full authorization by Reeves to be his official biographer. In Worlds To Conquer, LeClaire captures in words and photography, including over 190 photos - many never before published - the definitive portrait of the man who has inspired millions, the man many believe to be the greatest bodybuilder ever. |
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1936 1948 ATHENA, 1954 MGM HERCULES, 1957 THIEF OF BAGHDAD, 1963 The Reeves, 1978 |
| PHOTO
GALLERY WORLDS
TO CONQUER
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Steve & Aline Reeves, 1963 Steve & Aline Reeves, 1978 |
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All Photos by Christopher LeClaire Copyright C 2007, 2008 All Rights Reserved Christopher D. LeClaire P.O. Box 116 South Chatham, MA 02659 U.S.A Email: LECLAIRE13 @ COMCAST.NET
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| Introduction
WORLDS
TO CONQUER
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| May 9th, 1993, Mid-flight from Boston to San Diego. I am en route to meet Steve Reeves. As the plane crosses the continent, I try to imagine how he must look at 67. The only photos I have seen of him were taken more than thirty years ago, in the prime of his bodybuilding days and early in his movie career. I pull a folder out of my briefcase, and study a picture. Reeves on a beach, in costume for Hercules, full beard, toga, thighs flexed, massive arms outstretched, as if in greeting, as if to embrace the world. I can't superimpose the image of an older Reeves over this photo, can't add a layer of age to depict what he looks like now. |
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| Reeves has granted the interview only after months of requests. When I first called him in February (1993) to approach him with the proposal for a book about his life and movie career he had responded with a flat, "I don't find my career all that interesting, thank you." During the conversation, I broached the subject of an interview at least three times, but he put me off, finally deflecting my idea by suggesting that I get back to him in three weeks. Exactly three weeks later I called and once more Reeves was reluctant to agree to an interview. This time, however, the call lasted longer. Again, I was struck by the deep timbre of his voice, remembering rumors I'd heard about his movies being dubbed because his voice was high and thin. We talked about Sergio Leone, Pietro Francisci and some of the other preeminent directors he had worked with. As we continued to talk, he suddenly expressed resentment that people thought about him only as the role of Hercules. "That's the problem," Steve said. "Out of the seventeen films I starred in, only two were Hercules movies. People think I did ten." We went on to talk about his days as a champion bodybuilder and his life now. He informed me of the recent passing of his wife, Aline, a marriage of 26 years, and the toll it had been taking on his life. And lastly, his ranch in the hills outside Escondido, along with his prized Morgan horses. Before we hang up, he conceded to an interview. "Okay," he said reluctantly. "I suppose I can give you one hour. One hour." For this I am flying across the country. To relieve a bout of nerves, I flip through my notes. As I review the questions I intend to ask, I turn pass another 8X10, a copy of the picture that initially piqued my curiosity about Reeves. In the summer of 1991, while thumbing through a newsstand issue of Ironman Magazine, a photo of George Eiferman caught my eye. Taken in 1956, the shot was of Eiferman, a former Mr. America, posing on a California beach with another bodybuilder. Comparing the two men, I asked myself which physique I would choose and be willing to train to achieve. Eiferman had the mass and bulk of a big competitor, but it was the other guy who had in addition to muscle and size, outstanding proportion and an arresting grace. The caption read: "George Eiferman with one-time training partner and roommate Steve Reeves, 'MR. EVERYTHING.'" Although the name was somewhat unfamiliar to me, I couldn't shake the sense that I had seen Reeves before. |
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| I
begin searching through used book stores, buying old muscle magazines
wherever I could find them, looking for photos and stories of Reeves. I
soon learned that he was an internationally known bodybuilding champion
and in the late 1940's had won the Mr. America (1947) contest - the youngest ever
to do so - an accomplishment he soon topped by winning the Mr. World
(1948) and
Mr. Universe(1950) titles as well. One day, an older colleague, glimpsing at a
photo of Reeves in a file on my desk said, "I remember him. When I
was a kid in the 1950's, I used to go to all the movies houses to see him.
He was Hercules!" I understood then why that first photo in Ironman
had seemed so familiar. As a ten year old, I would sit transfixed in front
of the television on Saturday mornings watching old movies. Morgan The
Pirate. Hercules. The Thief of Baghdad. The genre was
known as 'Sword & Sandal' classics, and identifying with the heroes of
these mythological tales, I couldn't get enough of them. So Steve Reeves,
the world champion bodybuilder, was the same Reeves whose cinematic
exploits I had marveled at as a child. Rather than satisfying my
curiosity, this information only heightened it. I went in search of a
biography that would tell me more about Reeves and his two careers as
actor and bodybuilder, but had no luck. (There weren't any fan clubs
dedicated to Steve Reeves at this time although two were to be established
in the mid 1990's - one in Naro, Italy and the other in California).
The more difficult it was to find information, the more driven I became to
learn more. I searched for back issues of Muscular Development, Your
Physique, and even Strength & Health, going as far back as
the forties. The items I uncovered only added to his mystique: Reeves,
known as the man with the perfect physique, was reclusive, a loner; while
acting in films produced by famed Joseph E. Levine, he met and married a
princess and became a count; he had lived in Switzerland for ten years,
had spent time as a rodeo rider, had appeared on Broadway and in night
club acts. Later, I was to learn that many of these 'facts' were not true
and I faced the difficulty of separating truth from here say. One Health
& Strength article said that he was 6'4", while others wrote
that he was 5'7" and directors had to get shorter actors to play
opposite him, another said that his films were dubbed because his voice was
high and pitched. I read that he had a Brooklyn accent, and that he had no
voice at all due to heavy steroid use. I read he had joined the Mae West
traveling road show and that he had performed all his own stunts in the
two Hercules films. Which of these rumors were fact? Who was this man? What
drove him to develop such an ideal physique? What made him tick? What was
it like to be an idol for millions? Why, after rising to the heights in
two fields, had he dropped from the public arena so suddenly? What had
become of him? Where was he now? I spent the next year and half (1991-93)
looking for answers. At first, I envisioned a book which would celebrate
Reeves as both a bodybuilder and actor, but soon I say a larger purpose.
His story was a remarkably inspiring one, offering a reader many lessons
from a life well led. At the motel Reeves has recommended as inexpensive and safe, I try to nap, but am unable to lie down for more than ten minutes. At this time in my life I was 23 years old, and currently a sophomore in college, so meeting and approaching a world renowned movie star with the idea to write his life story was a little nerve racking, to say the least. As arranged, I call him that afternoon to let him know I'm in town and to reconfirm our appointment the following morning. Again, he makes a point of saying he can only give me one hour of his time. The next day, it takes me no more than fifteen minutes to reach Reeves' ranch. As I drive up the winding dirt road, I check my watch repeatedly, taken by the sense that it is important that I am on time. It is exactly 9 a.m. when I spot the fence post to which is attached a mailbox, ordinary except for the name - REEVES. As I pull into a circular drive bordered by orange groves, I see two figures in a field wrestling with a long pipe - a makeshift irrigation system, I am to learn later. One is a woman, the other a man. His hair is windblown. He is casually dressed in sweat pants and long shirt. The distance, of yards and of years makes no difference. I know it is Reeves. I yell out a greeting. He calls back that he'll be up to see me in a minute. As he approaches, I sense his appraising glance. We shake hands. The Rottweiler at his side wags his tail in greeting. Reeves' hair is gray, his face older, but his eyes are still young, Hollywood blue. He leads me into the house and shows me to the den, while he goes to change from his work clothes. My attention immediately goes to the top shelf of a bookcase, where a large bronze trophy sits of Eugene Sandow, the legendary father of bodybuilding. I recall seeing a photo of Reeves holding it in his arms in victory, at the conclusion of the 1950 Mr. Universe contest in London, the year he was twenty four. |
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| Soon
Reeves returns. Zorro, the Rottweiler joins us, easing some of the tension
in the air, and I have to smile. This is exactly the dog central casting
would have chosen for Steve Reeves. I look at Reeves but try not to be to
obvious in my evaluation. The short sleeves of his dress shirt still reveal well
developed biceps and forearms. He carries himself like a star. We sit
back. The room is comfortable and airy. The window looks out onto a garden
courtyard where huge poplar trees sway in the Anza desert winds. After a
minute or two of small talk, aware that my promised one hour is slipping
by, I hand over the proposal for the pictorial biography I have in mind.
As Reeves scans the chapters and sample photos I have in mind, I wonder what is going through his mind. At
last he takes off his reading glasses. There is a hint of hesitation.
"It's good," he says, "but it's only a skeleton
of my life." That day we begin. We bare the skeleton of Reeves' remarkable life and career, and working together we begin to flesh it out - to set the record straight. Over the next seven years, including two summer breaks between college semesters, I lived and work on the ranch with Steve, helping with chores and the care of his prized Morgan horses, at which time I undertake a unique journey of discovery. It leads me to several cities in California, Montana, Canada, New York City, and eventually to an appreciation and understanding of the character of Steve Reeves. This book WORLDS TO CONQUER: An Authorized Biography of Steve Reeves is my attempt at capturing for the first time ever, in history, his entire life story into one concise document. I hope you enjoy it.
Christopher D. LeClaire, South Chatham, MA |
| BOOK REVIEWS WORLDS TO CONQUER |
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| "...This
book (Worlds To Conquer) is historically important, both as a social
document and as a fortuitous tribute to one of the greatest physical
culturists the world has ever
known..." HEALTH
& STRENGTH Magazine, Roy Edwards, Editor - October 2000
"LeClaire's book Worlds To Conquer helps you to know the real Steve Reeves. So much has been written about him and if you read this book you are going to separate the fact from the fiction, and will have a true insight into him. It is educational, entertaining and easy reading." JACK LaLANNE, Fitness Legend
"...There's plenty to learn in this new biography (Worlds To Conquer), even for the most die-hard Reeves fan...For Steve Reeves fans and bodybuilding buffs, this book is a great learning tool..." IRONMAN Magazine, Jonathan Lawson - July 2000
"...This is not a how-to book on training; it is more of an exploration of Steve Reeves' life. Upon finishing this book (Worlds To Conquer) you will have a feel for the very private person that Reeves always was." MUSCLE & FITNESS Magazine, Joe Roark - April 2001
"...Author, Chris LeClaire's wonderful impressions of Reeves' life have been arranged in a must-read authorized biography entitled STEVE REEVES: WORLDS TO CONQUER...The author's text is the product of meticulous research that reveals all facets of Reeves' life, augmented by colorful interviews, providing a who's who in the iron game..." FLEX Magazine, April 2000 |
| The Films of Steve Reeves |
| Jail Bait, 1954, USA - Howco
Productions. B/W; Dir: Edward D. Wood, Jr. With Lyle Talbot, Delores
Fuller, Steve Reeves.
Athena, 1954, USA - MGM pictures. Color; Dir: Richard Thorpe. With Debbie Reynolds, Steve Reeves, Jane Powell, Edmund Purdom, Vic Damone. Hercules, 1957, Italy - Galatea/ Oscar Films. Color; Dir: Pietro Francisci. Photography: Mario Bava. Starring Steve Reeves, Sylva Koscina, Mimmo Palmara, Giana Maria Canale. Hercules Unchained, 1958, Italy - Lux/ Galatea Films. Color; Dir: Pietro Francisci. Photography: Mario Bava. Starring Steve Reeves, Sylva Koscina, Sylvia Lopez, Mimmo Carnera. The White Warrior, 1959, Italy - Majestic Films. Color; Dir: Riccardo Freda. Based on the short story by author Leo Tolstoy. Starring Steve Reeves, Georgia Moll and Scilla Gabel. Goliath And The Barbarians, 1959, Italy - Standard Productions. Color; Dir: Carlo Campogalliani. Starring Steve Reeves, Chelo Alonso, Bruce Cabot. The Last Days Of Pompeii, 1959, Italy - Cine Productions. Color; Dir: Mario Bonnard. Screenplay: Sergio Leone. Starring Steve Reeves, Christine Kauffman, Mimmo Palmara, A. Baumann. The Giant Of Marathon, 1960, Italy - Titanus/ Galatea Films. Color; Dir: Jacques Tourneur. Photography: Mario Bava. Starring Steve Reeves, Mylene Demongeot, Daniela Rocca. Morgan The Pirate, 1960, Italy - Adelphia Films. Color; Dir: Andre De Toth. Starring Steve Reeves, Valerie Lagrange, Chelo Alonso. The Thief Of Baghdad, 1961, Italy - Lux/ Titanus Films. Color; Dir: Arthur Lubin. Starring Steve Reeves, Georgia Moll, Arturo Dominici. The Trojan Horse, 1961, Italy - Borderie Films. Color; Dir: Giorgio Ferroni. Starring Steve Reeves, John Drew Barrymore, Jr., Juliette Mayniel, Hedy Vessel. Duel Of The Titans, 1961, Italy - Titanus Films. Color; Dir: Sergio Corbucci. Screenplay: Sergio Leone, L. Martino, S. Corbucci. Starring Steve Reeves, Virna Lisi, Gordon Scott. The Avenger (Legend Of Aeneas), 1962, Italy - Mercury Films. B/W; Dir: Albert Band. Starring Steve Reeves, Carla Marlier, Liana Orfei, Gianna Garko. The Slave (The Son Of Spartacus), 1962, Italy - Titanus Films. Color; Dir: Sergio Corbucci. Starring Steve Reeves, Gianna Maria Cannale, Jacques Sernas. Sandokan The Great, 1963, Italy - Centra Films. Color; Dir: Umberto Lenzi. Starring Steve Reeves, Genevieve Grad, Andre Bosic. Sandokan (Pirates Of The Seven Seas), 1963, Italy - Filmes Productions. Color; Dir: Umberto Lenzi. Starring Steve Reeves, Jacqueline Sassard, Mimmo Palmara. A Long Ride From Hell, 1968, Italy - B.R.C Films. Color; Dir: Alex Burks. Based on Gordon Shirreffs novel Judas Gun. Starring Steve Reeves, Wayde Preston, Silvanna Venturelli, M. Palmera.
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Steve Reeves in Hercules, 1957 |
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| Chelo Alonso co starring with Reeves in Morgan The Pirate, 1960 | Reeves with co star Genevieve Grad in Sandokan The Great, 1963 |
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| MGM's 1954 Athena, starring Steve Reeves and Debbie Reynolds. | Reeves with co star Georgia Moll in The Thief Of Baghdad, 1963 |
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Reeves starring in A Long Ride From Hell, 1968 |
| LINKS |
JOE ROARK, Flex and Muscle & Fitness columnist is iron history's number one source for 'iron history' on all aspects of the iron game from bodybuilding to strongmen... |
WWW.IRONHISTORY.COM |
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CLARENCE BASS, Muscle & Fitness columnist, lawyer, bodybuilding champion and author of eight fitness books and products... |
WWW.CBASS.COM |
BRIAN'S DRIVE-IN THEATER, this site has thousands of photos and lots of information about your favorite 'B' movie actors and actresses from the 1930's through the 1980's... |
WWW.BRIANSDRIVEINTHEATER.COM
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TROY BERTELSEN, long time friend of Steve Reeves is a board certified personal trainer, strength champion, national level bodybuilder and public fitness speaker... |
WWW.TROYSTEAMUP.COM |
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DAVE DRAPER, former Mr. America, Mr. Universe and author discusses 'Bomber Talk' and products... |
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FRANK ZANE, Mr. America, Mr. Universe, 3 time Mr. Olympia, and author, discusses the 'Zane Experience' and products... |
WWW.FRANKZANE.COM
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| BOOK & AUTHOR
Information
STEVE REEVES: WORLDS TO CONQUER: An Authorized Biography By Christopher D. LeClaire Monomoy Press, 1999 Copy Right C 1999, 2007, 2008 Christopher D. LeClaire ISBN no. 096 767 5413 First Edition 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Soft Cover 256 pages, 190 photos, 8x11 ins.
Availability: Currently, Out of Print.
Note: I am presently looking for a financial investor, possibly a Steve Reeves collector, who would be interested in collaborating with me, both 'financially & through distribution of mailings and orders' with the 'second printing' of WORLDS TO CONQUER. Details will follow as to percentages, distribution and guide lines, as well as all other agreements. If someone is seriously interested, please contact me, Christopher LeClaire, either via email or through standard USPS, see both addresses at bottom of page. PLEASE, SERIOUS INQUIRERS ONLY! Thank You. Sincerely, Christopher D. LeClaire THE AUTHOR |
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| Christopher LeClaire served in
the U.S. Navy as a Diver and Gunner's Mate and received an Honorable
Discharge, earned an associates degree in technology from Wentworth
Institute of Technology in Boston, an associates degree in liberal arts
from Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable, and graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth with a
BFA cum laude. Mr. LeClaire lives on Cape Cod where he continually researches and writes for publication, and in addition is a visual artist and commercial shell fisherman. His artistic medium includes black & white photography, collage and assemblage. His work has been represented in fine art galleries in Wellfleet, Boston and Delaware.
For resume details log on at www.LECLAIREPHOTOGRAPHY.com
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Christopher LeClaire Fine Art Photography For landscapes and still lifes log on at... |
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All Photos Copyright C 2007, 2008 Christopher D. LeClaire All Rights Reserved Christopher D. LeClaire P.O. Box 116 South Chatham, MA 02659 U.S.A. Email: LECLAIRE13@COMCAST.NET
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