William Haines, the wisecracker, came into being in Hollywood.” - William Hainesįrom Wisecracker: The Life and Times of William Haines, Hollywood’s First Openly Gay Star, by William J. “The wisecrack is my shell, my protection. Seated in foreground are Harry Crocker, left, and William Haines. Mayer, Gloria Swanson, Harry D’Arrast, Marion Davies, Louella Parsons, Ricardo Cortez, Charles Chaplin, Norma Shearer, Irving Thalberg, Harold Lloyd and Robert Z. He allows us insight into the fascinating world of silent films. He paints for us a picture of Hollywood in its hey-day, and in the aftermath of scandal.

Becoming Barbra Streisand and Wisecracker: The Life and Times of William Haines. Standing, left to right, Lorraine Eddy, Matt Moore, Aileen Pringle, Louis B. William Mann gives us quite a gift in his book 'Wisecracker: The Life and Times of William Haines, Hollywood's First Openly Gay Star'. Morphine, and Madness at the Dawn of Hollywood By William J. The occasion was a welcome home party thrown for Marion Davies after she returned from a three-month trip to Europe. If you don’t recognize the Ambassador Hotel offhand, it is the French room redecorated to resemble a Parisian Cafe. In 1930 William Haines was Hollywood's 1 box-office draw - a talented, handsome, and wisecracking romantic lead. Mayer singing ‘Nearer My God to Thee.'” - William Haines talking about the arrival of talking pictures. Wisecracker: The Life and Times of William Haines, Hollywood’s First Openly Gay Star. “It was the night of the Titanic all over again, with women grabbing the wrong children and Louis B.

Wisecracker by William J. Mann