S4E7: Steven Toushin/Bijou Video/Centurians of Rome

Steven Toushin helped redefine and shape modern perceptions of what is and what isn’t obscene but faced an uphill battle with the moral right and the government, which was practically synonymous in the early days of pornography.

The Bijou Theatre opened its doors in 1970 during the height of the sexual revolution and at a time when artists and filmmakers were starting an underground film scene in various parts of the country. The name Bijou would go on to become synonymous with gay porn films and distributes some of the biggest classics in the genre.

Centurians of Rome was one of many films that was distributed by Bijou Video and claims to be one of the most expensive gay films of its time at a budget of nearly 100,000 dollars. Centurians of Rome’s story is one of a sociopath, a million dollar bank robbery and the rumor that it is owned by on a prestigious insurance company in London.

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