|
|
Article: Gentlemen preferred Haines: a new documentary traces the life of 1920s movie idol Billy Haines, who quit acting rather than closet himself, then became interior designer to the stars--including Joan Crawford. (television).(Out of the Closet, Off the Screen: The Life of William Haines)(Brief Article)(Critical Essay)
- Article from:
- The Advocate (The national gay & lesbian newsmagazine)
- Article date:
- February 5, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Regent Media. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
In 1930 William Haines was America's number 1 movie star. He was also gay. Haines lived with his lover, Jimmie Shields, and never posed on the red carpet with a beard on his arm. But in 1933, after Haines was arrested by a Los Angeles vice detective for taking a sailor to his room at the YMCA, MGM studio chief Louis B. Mayer gave him an ultimatum--choose your contract or your personal life. Haines chose the latter and proved what his dear friend Joan Crawford always said: "Jimmie and Billy have the happiest marriage in Hollywood."
Haines, the funny, butch raconteur with a booming voice, is the subject of the new documentary Out of the Closet, Off the Screen: The ...