A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

"Benzedrine is a boon to the after-dinner speaker, releasing a great flow of words and an unfamiliar eloquence."

"Is Benzedrine Harmful?" this article asks. The prescription grade of the substance, widely used by women to help them lose weight, and by the military during World War II is stated as a blessing as well as a curse.

Chemically related to ephedrine, it's no wonder that over-the-counter versions are behind locked cabinets these days to keep them away from meth-makers.

It was first put to use in 1935 to help sufferers of narcolepsy to stay awake. Wider applications for the drug came in ensuing years.

The article goes on to explain how the medical community is conducting research on the possible benefits of Benzedrine, but also cautions about its many dangers and side-effects.

But, the strange twist in all this is that the article was written for the December 1949/January 1950 issue of the men's magazine, MAN TO MAN (Vol. 1, No.1)!

HE SELLS SHRUNKEN HEADS BY THE SEASHORE

As strange as it seems, in the late 1940's and 1950's shrunken heads were big business in the United States. Tiki culture was in full swing and anything termed "exotic", including alcoholic drinks and Polynesian accouterments of the unusual infused the peculiar tastes of popular entertainment. As novelties, the dried up little craniums fascinated curiosity-seekers and were a surprising commodity for those who had a line on procuring them from exotic locales and could supply the demand.

Based in Miami, Florida, Graydon Burland sold authentic shrunken heads to anybody who was willing to pay $150 to $1,450 for them. This photo feature from the first issue of MAN TO MAN (December 1949-January 1950) shows examples of his wares. Of course, there's the obligatory pretty lady in the picture as a juxtapose between the beautiful and the beastly.

At the time that this article was published, shrunken heads had been banned from exportation from Ecuador, the main supplier of the odd objects d' art, as well as banned for importing to the States.

BEFORE THEY WERE SCREAM QUEENS: BARBARA BOUCHET

The September 1965 issue of MAN TO MAN magazine included a one-page featurette entitled One Minute Interview with Barbara Bouchet. Subtitled, Dialogue With a Doll, she mostly talked about her latest roll with he-men Kirk Douglas and Hugh O'Brien in the film IN HARM'S WAY.

Readers of MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD know the German/French actress better as a horror hottie who later starred in giallo horror thrillers such as THE BLACK BELLY OF THE TARANTULA and DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING.