CHUCK AND LARRY are hardly the first on-screen fellas to pretend they’re gay in hopes of cashing in. Here’s a few of the more interesting twists on the theme.

THE GAY DECEIVERS (1969)

At the height of the Vietnam War, two friends dodge the draft by declaring they’re gay. When the Army checks their story, they’ve got to keep up appearances – while continuing to date women.

THREE’S COMPANY (1977)

The king of all pretenders has got to be Jack Tripper (John Ritter), who tells his landlord he’s gay so that he’ll be allowed to live with ultra-hotties Janet and Chrissy. His only problem? Trying to explain why he keeps bringing women home with him.

THREE TO TANGO (1999)

An architect (Matthew Perry) is asked to look after a client’s pretty girlfriend because the client thinks he’s gay. To keep his commission, he continues the charade but winds up falling for the girl and being named Chicago’s Gay Professional of the Year.

THE CLOSET (2001)

An accountant (Daniel Auteuil) at a condom factory spreads a rumor that he is gay so that his boss (Gerard Depardieu), fearing a lawsuit, won’t fire him. To his surprise, everybody at the office likes him a whole lot more now that they know his “secret.”

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS (2004)

Does this sound familiar? Two Australian firemen (Paul Hogan and Michael Caton) claim to be a same-sex couple to exploit a tax loophole. But they’re forced to “prove” their relationship when a nosy tax inspector shows up. Oddly, “Chuck and Larry” doesn’t credit the film.