AVN close
Close Button
Hard Steal

Hard Steal

Released Oct 01st, 1990
Running Time 90
Director John Travis
Company Catalina Video
Distribution Company Image Studios
Cast Jason Ross, Rod Phillips, Tony Sinatra, Joey Stefano, John Clayton, Steve Gibson
Critical Rating AAAA
Genre Gay and Bi

Rating


Reviews

The second in John Travis' "Hitchcock Series," Hard Steel parallels its mainstream model, To Catch a Thief, even more closely than Undercover parallels its model, Rear Window. The plot is almost identical to Hitchcock's, with Rod Phillips giving a first-rate performance, both sexually and dramatically in the Cary Grant role of a retired thief working with a police detective (Jason Ross) to apprehend a cat burglar (I won't reveal his identity; find out for yourself). Screenplay and direction are exceptionally polished, with supporting performances that catch the eye and live in the memory, particularly from Joey Stefano as a college student hustling for tuition and Tony Erickson as a sleazy male madam. The sexual scenes are exceptionally well-integrated into the plot, with a climax that is both predictably "romantic" and unexpectedly realistic.

Travis seems to become more sophisticated with each new title, and Hard Steel is a major milestone in his already illustrious career.  None of his many fans, who assure a high rate of rentals and sales, will be disappointed, and the packaging (with coverboy Phillips) is a real eyecatcher. A far superior production in every aspect, with state-of-the-art videography by Josh Eliot and on-target editing from Chet Thomas.



More Movies