Not here to join in the debate but to make a quick comment.
I have made a special thread over at Ironage (last year now), showing
pictures and commentary of Steve Reeves' ranch (Valley Center, CA);
talked to his former significant other, ranch hands, and a few others
around the area he lived. I also did the same at IronHistory. It was done
as a tribute to the man, whom I met personally in 1980 in Long Beach, CA,
at the WABBA World (Serge Nubret's organization with Sergio Oliva winner).
I was editor of Muscle Digest. In my writings with Muscular Development
and Strength & Health (via John Grimek) over the years in the 70s, I also
met and conversed with numerous Reeves' friends and fellow trainees,
including George Eiferman and Jimmy Payne.
No matter what--or who--has ever suggested Reeves took steroids are
not dealing with a deck of reality cards. The facts, photos, and common
sense are overwhelmingly stacked against that possibility. It's utter nonsense
and not worthy of debate, in my humble opinion.
I do really appreciate what Made In Montana has written about Reeves,
especially the World War II stuff, which Stunt Movie also has in his briefcase
of info.
Several days ago here in San Diego I met this old buck who happened to
be the husband of Anita Robinson, if I'm not mistaken. I happened to observe
him having this old photo touched up of this beauty from the Muscle Beach
days. We talked and come to find out that Anita and Steve were good
friends, with Steve posing for many photos with her son. He told me that
Anita thought the world of Steve, that he was an incredibly nice guy, and
every one she knew felt the same. I asked him about the possibility of
drugs, just like I have done with everyone I ever met who knew Steve. He
laughed loudly: "Are you kidding...he was a health nut...besides, the guy
didn't need stuff like that, he was already above everyone."
This old-timer promised I could speak to Anita about Steve and even get
a copy of this photo (maybe more) of Steve holding her son as a young
boy as soon as she recovers from an illness.
From the whatever-it-is-worth department.