William Haines: The Leading Man Who Walked Away From Hollywood

In 1933, William Haines was one of the biggest stars at MGM. Then, according to his biographer, studio boss Louis B. Mayer gave him an ultimatum: end his relationship with Jimmie Shields, or leave Hollywood. Haines made his choice. This Classic Hollywood documentary follows a wisecracking silent-era favorite, known for “Brown of Harvard,” “Tell It to the Marines” and “Show People,” from top box office draw to a name many viewers have never heard. We separate documented facts from disputed stories, including the much-repeated 1933 incident, and look at what he built next: a celebrated interior design career with clients like Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard and George Cukor. If you love Old Hollywood, vintage cinema, Hollywood scandals, forgotten stars and the real history behind the legends, this one is for you. Subscribe to Star Archive for more Hollywood mysteries and forgotten stories from the 1930s to the 1980s. Based on biographies, including William J. Mann’s “Wisecracker,” and historical records. Disputed claims are presented as disputed. #WilliamHaines #ClassicHollywood #OldHollywood