Christopher Reeve Gay

Michael Caine, a renowned actor, often enjoys considerable creative control in his professional endeavors. However, even he relented on one personal directive when involved in the production of Deathtrap. A veteran of the screen since the age of 13, Caine boasts a substantial filmography spanning nearly eight decades, garnering acclaim both domestically and internationally, with over 170 acting credits. As a celebrated figure, he has traditionally exerted the power to set conditions for his participation in projects.

Yet, as detailed in his autobiography, "What's it All About?", Caine reveals an instance where he willingly deviated from his usual practice. Despite the significant sway a star of his stature wields on projects like the 1982 film Deathtrap, Caine decided to endorse scenes that lay somewhat outside his comfort zone. Undoubtedly, the presence of Christopher Reeve, portraying Superman, a legendary figure in the 1970s and 1980s, certainly played a role in this decision.

A Kiss Under the Spotlight: Breaking a Long-Held Rule

Kissing Superman: An Unforgettable Moment

Caine's autobiography provides insight into his strict personal code, a rule forbidding male-male kisses, which had been in place for many years. This restraint, born from his upbringing and values, was arguably understandable. Nevertheless, Caine candidly acknowledges breaking this personal rule when the right person—Superman—entered the picture.

A trio of factors motivated my decision: I was kissing Superman, courtesy of Christopher Reeve; my co-star's breath possessed a certain unique aroma (reminiscent of the brandy we shared prior to filming); and, obviously, a lucrative payment of a million dollars. My ethical compass, as you can see, remained largely unaltered throughout the course of my career.

Caine's willingness to partake in the scene, a portrayal of a close male-male embrace, holds a degree of significance, considering its release date in 1982. Reeve himself noted in an interview that this moment of intimacy arguably caused significant negative press, potentially incurring a considerable financial loss to the production. Such factors, considered together with Caine's own enthusiasm to engage in this cinematic demonstration of affection, add a touch of comedy to the anecdote and serve as a tribute to the deceased Christopher Reeve.

Unveiling the Root of Caine's Kissing Taboo

A Boyish Kiss and the Aftermath

The reasoning behind Caine's longstanding adherence to this rule is rooted in a particular, somewhat awkward, prior theatrical experience. While there might have existed more general stigma towards male-male intimacy within cinema, especially by the 1980s, the practice in theatre history differed. For centuries, in theatrical productions featuring roles for both men and women, actors—frequently male—performed both roles. This tradition extended throughout many decades, with male actors often portraying both male and female characters.

Caine's own childhood experiences, spanning the 1930s and 1940s, echoed this pattern within school theatrical performances. Caine recounts a not-so-pleasant experience playing a leading role in a play where he had to share a kiss with another young boy. This boy possessed characteristics that were considered less than appealing. As a consequence of this unenjoyable encounter, Caine pledged to avoid similar situations until presented with the unusual, albeit attractive, opportunity in Deathtrap.

My initial foray into performing arts at Wilson's Grammar School involved a disastrous first rehearsal where, upon realizing my role demanded a kiss with the boy playing my female counterpart, I felt deeply unsettled. Jenkins wasn't merely a boy playing a female part; his appearance and demeanor were not conventionally appealing. His breath was quite unpleasant; consequently, I abandoned the play.

Henceforth, I swore off kissing other men. The only exception to this rule occurred years later, during my involvement with Deathtrap.