Out of the Closet, Off the Screen:The Life of William Haines(2001 documentary)
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- Опубликовано: 3 мар 2016
- What price Hollywood? was the title of an early George Cukor film, but is a question every closeted movie star has probably asked himself. In 1930, the top box office star was a gay man. Billy Haines lived with his lover, Jimmie Shields, and never posed on the red carpet with a beard on his arm. By 1933, he was washed up in show business; and by 1936, he had become hugely successful in an entirely new line of work-interior decorator. Out of the Closet, Off the Screen: the Life of William Haines details the extraordinary life of Billy Haines, the only matinee idol who ever decided that Hollywood’s price was too high and walked away from film stardom.
Billy Haines was my father's favorite movie star. I grew up hearing a lot about his movies, but never about his sexuality. In 1954, when I was 10 years old, my family moved to LA and my father and I went up to William Haines house and rang his door bell. He invited us in and we also met Jimmy Shields. Both men were very courteous as my father told them of his youth spent seeing every movie Haines made. I remember there was a lima bean shaped swimming pool in the back and canaries in a cahe built into the wall with bamboo bars. Mr. Haines told my dad that when you started to slip in Hollywood, it was like walking on air! He even signed my autograph book!
Interesting tale. That you could knock on a famous persons door and be treated with kindness.
1954 was a different world indeed.
@@dougn2350 How much of ir was due to the era and how much to the persons involved. Dick Van Dyle expressed his amazement at being treated in very much the same way by Stan Laurel around the same time.
Thx for sharing!
What a nice memory 💟
that is cool beyond belief !!!!!!
Ignored by the press in Willaim Haine's obituary I breathed a sigh of relief to learn Jimmy Shields and Billy are interred together, to symbolically be at each other's side as they truly lived in life. Beautiful and respectful documentary, one I'm glad to have randomly come across and enjoy.
"The way he lived his life, not for any great movie role or any great decor that he did... Ultimately what made Billy Haines important was how he chose to live his life, according to his own values" Good for him! It is a shame that he has been relegated into relative obscurity. In this day and age, he should stand as a pioneer in human rights and a role model for anyone who is asked to be something they are not.
You said and described it beautifully thank you 💜😉
So well said and so well put. 👍
Three cheers to Joan Crawford, a staunch supporter of Billy Haines.
Beautiful story.
"They(Jimmy and Billy) simply, had nothing to do with people who didn't accept them as a couple." Brilliant and bold.
That was beautiful I know that Jesus will look at it the same way people could be so cruel love you Jimmy and Billy looking forward to meeting you at the pearly gates you’ll be there🙏🏻💚🍀😘🎚🇺🇸🇮🇱
@@annafaust3087 o[9
@@annafaust3087 I am sure this was a true love story, beyond time and its consequences. What astonishes me sadly is Jimmy`s suicide. I wonder whether he ever looked for help so as not to take his life. Really, too sad though I can understand his loneliness and deep feeling of loss. Poor thing!
@@segundopenarandalopez4518 I read somewhere that the couple's mutual friends stayed close to Jimmy after Billy died and tried to cheer him up. He acknowledged that they do so in the letter he left, but said life was just not fun without Billy.
@@arleenhenton3529 Thank you, Arleen. At least, these remaining friends were close to him at his saddest time of his life. I am sure they were good companions until his very end. Too sad he couldn´t overcome his mate´s death.
I commend Mr. Haines for standing up for his rights as a human being.
Indubitably !
a true love story and a commitment that lasted so much longer than many straight marriages, a beautiful story that should have been a film xx
Truly. I for one, knowing what I know now, would have paid to see it!
Wow! What a sad love story. However, they did have many good years together.
I'm sure in the future there will be a film made about him. This is a tale that begs to be told
@@josepht.7937 Joan Crawford once said, Billy and Jimmy had the happiest marriage in Hollywood. Six months after Haines died, Jimmy committed suicide. So tragic.
He was caught picking up a sailor. He was then given 3 choices by the studio, sailor, boyfriend, or marrying Pola Negri.
What a beautiful story. I cried at the many years of joy they shared compared to the many lives lost in the name of trying to please a useless society.
I'm not gay but I will say this Haines had balls; the guy lived life as he believed. Well done, Billy!
@De St well heterosexuals are well in the majority so it guess thats why he mentioned it in regard to commenting on a story of a gay man who probably put up with a lot of discrimination during his life......nothing wrong with his comment, but yours is unnecessary.
@De St nobodys stopping you from commenting, go ahead, my view is that you are somehow offended by his comment and i personally see no reason for that, to me hes simply stating more or less that he doesnt know what its like to be gay and go through the discrimination but thinks the guy had guts to live his life how he chose despite this....whats wrong with that?....for me your comment is an oversensitive reaction .
adrian Last , I agree with you. The original comment was applauding Billy Haynes- an openly gay man, something that may not always be commonly done in many heterosexual, male sections of society. I think the writer (Mr. Wilson) wanted us to know he wasn’t gay, had no bias because he, himself, was straight, and thought Mr. Haynes’ actions were brave and courageous. It’s a shame some people are so over-sensitive, they don’t even realize what a compliment he was trying to convey. Instead the guy gets insulted. Guess he may not do that again.... What a shame.
Pussycatfeathers , SO well said. I totally agree with you. Pretty sad that we are so over sensitive and politically correct that we can’t even COMPLIMENT each other without getting offended.... I miss the 1980’s.
De St I could take that as a bitchy insult, but I’m choosing to embrace it and say, there will always be parts of me that just never left. Lol. I miss big hair and shoulder pads the most. So, I can’t really do my”Welcome to the Miss Universe Contest” hair, but I now settle for what I call “country porn hair.”😂 I still wear pads in jackets, etc, though you can’t see them, these days. Joanie Crawford was right though, shoulder pads do wonderful things to the line of a woman’s body- as long as she doesn’t look like a quarterback....lol.😂Have a good rest of your weekend.
A very well written documentary. I didnt realize Joan Crawford had a different name. In those times, Billy had a lot of guts to live authentically.
What tremendous courage to put his love above all else. A true role model for everyone.
Poor Jimmy. What a beautiful and terribly sad note he wrote. RIP to the both of them. 😥 Such pure and true love.
When you love someone....... your not ashamed of them. 🤗😊
You're
not even in the days when you could literally go to jail for it.
Really!
We should all be so lucky to not only live by our convictions, but to have a lasting, loyal love.
+Univ Univeral poor thing seek help before it's too late
Joandepa Wicker you are an idiot. Just because you are still in controlled by the flesh, that is why what I say makes no sense to you. Love yourself.
+Univ Univeral You need to broaden your views
Cee Er A cockroach. Not a spider.
@Milton Holley
He does not, just saying he's right, doesn't make him right..
It's all we are is the flesh, nothing else.
ruclips.net/video/mo-YL-lv3RY/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/dtQ2TS1CiDY/видео.html
What an amazing story, never heard of the guy until I watched this. He lived his life on his terms, proudly and unapologetically in a time when it was very hard to do so and he never betrayed his true love to please others. What a cool guy.
he was caught picking up a sailor. He was then given 3 choices by the studio, sailor, boyfriend, or marrying Pola Negri.
I have a notion to second that emotion !
Wow! I am 66 years old and I love Hollywood people all my life...This is so weird but I never knew of or heard about this William(Billy) Haines before...Now, I am finally aware...Thank you for sharing about him...
@ReturnoftheBrotha what a loser!!!
JocelynhkCarter: What a story! First, I commend Joan Crawford for standing up and by for her friend Billy Haines and second, I commend Mr. Haines for standing up and protecting his love for Jimmy. This story will make a great movie. I can't wait to see it Mr. Mann!
Not at all surprising that Joan Crawford would support Billy Haines as she was well known in Hollywood as being bisexual herself.
Has any producer been talking about making Billy Haines` story?
@@segundopenarandalopez4518 u
@@segundopenarandalopez4518 Not that I know of, but I would be thrilled if one did. It is so topical for our time.
I'm in tears. What a beautiful love story. I'd never heard of this great man until today (5/8/2019). I'm so glad I watched this documentary. Now I'm off to watch every movie that Mr. Haines every starred in that I can find. What a real person he was.
Ditto, and today is Saturday 2 December, 2023. Am sitting in the twilight of a New Zealand evening feeling stunned. I will remember him particularly on this coming Boxing Day and the 50th of his death. Jimmie must have been a very special guy, in his own quiet way.
This story is both sad and inspiring. Billy Haines was a courageous man, and an inspiration not only to gay people but to anyone who lives according to one's own values rather than society's expectations.
Well said. Thank you.
I certainly have a notion to second that emotion !
@@mikeletaurus4728²q²²2
Thank you for sharing This! I've been in love with this whole story since the first time I read about it! Billy and Jimmie were together for decades, and had one of the closest, happiest relationships of anyone. Just a beautiful story and it's impossible not to like Billy and to cheer for him. Rest in Peace, Billy and Jimmie. I am sure yall's place in heaven is decorated breathtakingly!!💞💟💗💖💜💘💜💝💜
Got it, thank you!
Absolutely the best Hollywood Love Story ever told. Was a very sad ending. For both of these precious, gentle, loving souls.
Courageous guy. Stockard Channing did a great job narrating.
Thank you...... I knew the voice but was having a hell of a time... haha
She sure did!
I wrote the book this was based on (Wisecracker) and I love all the comments that this should be a movie. Well, it's in the works, a beautiful script has been written and an excellent director is attached. Finally Billy and Jimmie's love story will be told.
Oh my goodness! YES!!! Need to find and read your book stat! The movie can be a nominee for the oscars with the right direction. It has so much potential since this is a history of the hollywood universe. I hope they can cast a real life gay actor playing a gay role...just to be special and unique like billy's story. I cant think of anyone to suggest who can play billy but please do consider jim parsons for the role of jimmy shields, sir mann.🙏
I'm so excited....and i just can't hide it!😎😬😁😄😀
I own that book - great job!
What great news. Having just seen the film "Florence Foster Jenkins," which is extremely accurate in her portrayal of the lead character, I would love to see more films that accurately portray the life of people at beginning of the 20th century. Good luck! I can't wait to buy a ticket.
I've been pushing William Haines for years. BROWN OF HARVARD, TELL IT TO THE MARINES, and SHOW PEOPLE are great silents. Great book, by the way.
William, can you give more information on this Haines movie project?
Back in 2012 Billy Haines' story was turned into an excellent musical (Tailor Made Man, named after one of his films) about his rise to fame and then the fall due to him refusing to give up Jimmie, and then his rise again as an interior designer. IIRC the reason few people have heard of him is because after the scandal Louis B Mayer at MGM had all his films withdrawn from circulation and placed in MGM's vaults. He was effectively removed from existence within the public arena. Again, IIRC, his story emerged when TCM gained access to MGM's archives in a deal they'd made and they started showing films that had been buried for decades.
This is a beautiful story of enduring love, and no matter what anyone says, love is love.
I never heard of Haines or his life as a movie star.....until this documentary.
deana diedrich That's what used to happen back then, all press and media about a censored celeb would be destroyed and the celeb blackballed from all future projects. Out of sight out of mind and they begin pushing a new face in front of the crowd and eventually you're forgotten until a great documentary comes along and reminds us of our past transgressions and the people that were pushed aside because they wouldn't pretend to be str8 and live a lie.
deana diedrich Me either he's probably been whitewashed from Hollywood history.
deana diedrich Same here. I'm so very glad that I stumbled upon this love story.
Kristina Winter he was Crawford's best friend
I never had heard of him before this .I was born in 1946. I know there were many who led two lives .So many played the game .
This is an absolutely wonderful documentary. Thank you so much for offering it to us. And thank you "Billy" for taking your stand against Louis B. Meyer. Brave. Bravo.
First I've ever heard of William Haines... what a great documentary. Thanks for posting!
Somebody should buy the story of this man and make it into a movie. Whoever portrayed Billy would be a best actor winner for sure.
I could see Leopardo DiCaprio playing the part
there is such a beautiful irony to this
DAMMIT Lola! That's EXACTLY what I wanted to say because you're EXACTLY RIGHT!
Yes, maybe Decaprio?
DI Caprio !
I never heard of him, but I admire his courage…
Ashamed to say I hadn't heard of William Haines. Thank you for this wonderful programme, what a great story and nice to see Christina Crawford giving some due to joan as a courageous and loyal friend.
In was no coincidence that Billy decided to take a trip back to NYC and that he just happened to be on the same street at the same time as Jimmy. That was clearly the powers of the universe that brought them together so they could share true love together for decades to come.
This is one of my favorite documentaries of anyone from this era. I find myself rewatching it. He was very brave and I’m so happy he triumphed and wasn’t destroyed by what would have ruined most people.
I love this story. I’ve probably watched it beginning to end at least five times. Such a heroic love story!
I've also been with my husband for 28 years now, since highschool and would feel lost without him. If he pasted before me, I think I would die from a broken heart because we have been through thick and thin. We are two parts of one whole. Even though we went to different schools and meet at a drama competition we knew it was love at first sight and been together since that day. We have really never fought because life is too short and I want to be sure that every day we have together is always a happy memory because so many people just give up instead of working on what is important in their lives. And my love for my husband is worth working for every single day.
Love is love... I've been married since 95.. I'm not homosexual but I believe GOD is love all love is true and real.. we as humans put condition on love. Love is forgiven, kind, non judgemental and true.. congrats to you and yours
as someone who has never had a relationship (currently 27) I hope that I find someone who sticks around for 28 years. youre very lucky to have found your other half. Today, a lot of people want to hookup and disappear, its very hard to find genuine people. Congrats to you both
D, i wish u and yr beloved husband 5000 years of health wealth and happiness!! :-)
Thats so beautiful, never let go!, I wish you both all the best. 👬
djhvallejo
🤗
Thanks for a wonderful documentary and a worthy tribute to a man full of love and affection for everyone around him. Talent, attitude, friendship, success!
William Haines and Jimmie Shields😍🤩😍! They were, and they are, the personification of a "wonderful life"!
Hello Maria
How are you doing today?
Poor man, but he acted out of principle- and that takes some guts...
I've always loved the fact that Joanie (Joan Crawford) was his lifetime friend❤❤❤
I am surprised that so many people had never read about this
Movie star of the twenties. I read
A brief biography of him in my
Public library when l was in my midtwenties. I suppose it depends
On one's age when you choose your reading material. I love biographies of movie stars be they
Silent stars or those of current
Celebrities. I have been a voracious reader since l was a
Mere child. Reading is my
Favourite hobby.
I think these two would have made a great couple
A Real Friend Wouldnt have Supported him being Gay!!!!! She Must have Been as Well!!!!
A remarkable Mr. Haines and a great love story with his life long partner Mr. Shields. These two people certainly made the world a better place.
I wasnt born til 67, so didnt know this Actor, but choosing the love of his life over more stardom,Just goes to show what excellent morals this man had. Love comes in all colours,shapes,sizes ,ages and religions, How dare any human decide or choose what is right or wrong for another human! how dare they try to shame another by using bulling tactic. We should take a leaf out of this man book and realise people are NOT expendable! I am so glad i watched this episode, ty uploader. x
Love the narrator choice, Stockard Channing! Brilliant performer, expressive voice, wonderfully nuanced by her long, star shinning theatrical career! 🎭🎭🎭
Hello Maria
How are you doing today?
This story was just beautiful William Haines was a honest person with so much love in his heart. He chose love and that was the right thing to do.
ReturnoftheBrotha
Yes.
How to lead an authentic life. Always choose love. Thank you William Haines and Jimmy Shields for doing exactly that.
Mark Thomas certainly true in her case. Joan championed both homosexuals and lesbians
This made me cry. Imagine such love!!!
this is so sad. He had to choose between fame and love. NO ONE should have to make such a sacrifice. I was raised by parents that were prudes and very square, but my mom's gay cousin and his boyfriend were welcome in our home and given a bed to sleep in together. I was proud of them for that. Thank you for this. Mom told me Mr. Haines story and she said it was a sad tale. But he found the love that few of us do.
Good for your mom! People who we think,of as conservative can have s surprising liberal sides.
go mom
Bravo for Joan Crawford and especially , Billy Haines who obviously let no other control his, yes, HIS life. One of the few courageous tales where the elite were not able to destroy another human being through their power , wealth and sense of all encompassing control.
willyD200 AGREED!!! And perfectly expressed!
This was so well done. I have respect for people who can NOT be bought off. May Billy and Jimmy r.i.p. I see too many forces out to force people into boxes even if it kills them.
I had never heard of William “Billy” Haines, as I was born in the 50s and he was no longer in the movies or even on TV by then. But I’m glad to have heard his joyous story and to realize the courage it took, especially in those days, for him to be true to himself and his partner, tells me that he was a strong man, a VERY strong man, and the furthest thing from a “Panze”, as he was called by the smug, self-righteous movie moguls in those days. Good for him, and Jimmy!
He truly had guts.
GUTS! And for that I think he’s great!!
I've never heard of this actor but what a truly inspiring story, it just goes to show how ignorant Hollywood was in those days for the sake of making millions dictating to actors how to live their lives, and in respect still do today.
Today, most in Hollywood are leftist, godless socialists who want to dictate how EVERYONE lives their lives.
I had heard of William Haines and knew he was gay, but knew nothing else. This documentary fills in so many blanks and shows what love and personal resolve can accomplish. As a gay man who lived life in the closet for many years, I can only imagine the courage it took 90 years ago. Thank you for making this beautiful story of love and survival.
great story and a man who wasn't afraid to be and express himself .What courage and love for another man Bravo
Billy Haines had awesome courage for sure.
I knew of William Haines existence because of my love of old movies. If I found an actor or actress interesting I would try to find information so I could understand their lives in those times as much as possible. I learned that Dolores del Rio was a frequent guest at the Hearst Castle as well as William Haines and so was in the Hollywood A List of the time but I never knew he was gay, his banishment from MGM and movies altogether, nor of Jimmy, the love of his life. What a fabulous love story. Such love and commitment no matter what, is truly remarkable and so very special. What a wonderful life.
He lived his life with a strength and integrity that was admirable. ❣️
Some years ago I fell down a rabbit hole reading about old Hollywood. Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Clark Gable, Cary Grant. Eventually ran across Billy and Jimmys story. I fell in love with them the minute I read about their story.
I haven't forgotten. What I would give for him to decorate my house. Simply fabulous
Hello Kathy
How areyou doing today?
Great story! I too first heard of this trailblazer by reading up on Joan Crawford. Speaking of Joan, it was nice to hear Christina speak positively of her mother.
I imagine Christina is tired of being labeled ungrateful bitch child of the century. Needs to tone it down now.
It was a revelation to hear Christina say nothing but nice about Joan Crawford.
Probably because this wasn't about her,as a child she must've enjoyed being around him,she show class and respect to the memory of William Haines and in doing so showed respect to Joan's friendship of William
Yes it's true. Christina is not afraid to speak about her mother's attributes either
I’ve always felt that unless one was a fly on the wall, NO ONE will ever really, truly know what happened in the Crawford (‘Cranberry’) household.
✨✌🏼
Well...it was an edited interview....
William Haines is a real hero of mine. He stayed with his gay partner despite pressures to marry and to play it straight.
@67psych3 nobody cared in 1984 when i came out - not family not friends nor colleagues - no one - and i was shitting myself that the sky will fall.
This AMC documentary was suggested to me by RUclips, and I'm so glad it was! I had never heard of William Haines before, but being a lover of old movies and the 1920's, I found it fascinating. He had a true friend in Joan Crawford. That kind of friendship is rare, especially in show business, and one that I find truly enviable. The Puritanical background of the US is still evident in our society today, but we are seeing more positive gay role models on TV these days. I sensed that many people tolerated or overlooked William Haines' relationship with Jimmie Shields, which is just not good enough for me. The day when gay relationships are considered a regular part of our society will come long after I'm gone, I'm afraid, but I sincerely hope it does come. I spent a large part of my life overseas, and I'm delighted to report that life as a gay man is very different in other countries of the world! Thank you, innocentti, for sharing this with us!
Acceptance begins with one person at a time until it becomes a normal way acting for a majority of people. ‘F**** t used to be a common everyday word ; now it’s a word that is unacceptable to many people . Using it will get you fired at work.
Thirty years ago it would have gotten you a big laugh or at worst a verbal reprimand. I hope things get better and love will continue to drive out hate. I don’t hold out hope for any kind of universal acceptance of anything. People don’t seem to agree 100% on anything anymore. I’l take legal protections over fickle public opinion any time.
Their love was so special! Billy was so brave to be who he was in those times!
This explains to me why Rock Hudson kept it so secret
@@patmartin7072 But no one outside, which was the point. Besides you're wrong, not everyone knew.
Olordy lordy yes Hollywood is just sex drugs and rock ons to get to the top
Pat Martin I’m sure his inside circle knew; I’ve had several Valium & am a bit loopy otherwise I’d never be so unpleasant and confrontational, but that’s a quite ugly, lurid and abhorrent thing to say about Rock Hudson.
You COULD have said the very same thing without using crass language.
Love & Light from Miami✨✌🏼
Stay safe everyone🌎
It was.s kept from the public but the movie stars knew he was
I like your comment.
What an amazing pioneer. Happy that Billy and Jimmy had almost 50 years together - at least they both found love!
I applaud Billy Haines for choosing his partner above everything else. What a magnificent love he and Jimmie had that endured for 50 years. I also do not condemn Jimmie for taking his life after Billy died. Their love truly transcended death. I only wish at my age I could say the same thing.
It's 2022 and it looks like we may be going through this again. Love is love
True.
What a great bio - thanks for posting
love this biography. A man with integrity. Stockard you did a great job!
A terrific story, and a tear-jerker. Bravo Billy!
He may be forgotten as an actor but he lead long life and happy that he never regretted. He truly is a trailblazer
Thank you so much for posting this. I had only read about Mr. Haines in Joan Crawford biographies.
old mystery movies 1930's
There's an excellent biography of him by Mann, I believe (forgot but on Amazon I'm sure).
Mann has a comment below.
What a beautiful story, and talk about integrity! Incredible! I just know that the two of them are back together and get in heaven, and love to all eternity, God bless them both❤️❤️❤️❤️
In this year of 2022 and this month of June , Pride Month. This is probably one of the top ten movies that every gay person should see. He was a shining star in a sea of darkness. A gay man ahead of his time. God bless you Billy, and thank you.
This is the first time I’ve heard about this amazing man He was brave had a strong wit and he was a strong person to stand and say I am who I am God bless you billy ❤️ another man wayland flowers 💐 Madame too ❤️
Thank you so much, innocentti, for uploading this. Otherwise, I would have never heard of Mr. Haines. Now he is one of my top gay heroes, or heroes, period. Up there with Oscar Wilde, Harvey Milk, and Matthew Shepard, to name a few. This documentary so moved me, I was riveted from beginning to end. I was filled with a love for this man, but more than that an admiration of his integrity. He was a true person. I empathized with him and Jimmy Shields so, that since watching this last night, it lingered with me, as if I can still feel Billy's spirit, which is why I felt compelled to return to comment. I am sure that were they living today, having endured what they did, they would feel the same compassion we do for the brave souls in Orlando. Again, thank you.
Ditto. Thank you for expressing what I was feeling so eloquently.
"I'll give up Jimmie when you give up your wife." With these words William Haynes flipped the finger at Louie B Meyer and left Hollywood.
Jett Carlburg
Unfortunately giving up their wives for a younger model is not a problem for so many rich and powerful men.
LOL
That really took guts on his part because back then Louie B. Mayer was a big guy in the film industry who could,along with other people like Hedda Hopper the gossip columnist,make or break a career in Hollywood due to them having all the power and influence they did over people's personal lives!!!!!This was all part of the so-called "Studio System"when they practically OWNED YOU,like an animal that could be traded or sold!!!!That makes me sick to think about it STILL being like that TODAY IN 2020!!!!!!Have you ever heard about the Hollywood guy that would get whoever you wanted(guy or girl)if you were famous in Hollywood?I saw a documentary about him,but can't remember his name now!!!!! If it helps he wrote a book about doing this for people like John Wayne and Joan Crawford,just to name a few!!!! If I'm remembering right(possibly not,though),I think he was nicknamed "Hollywood's pimp"due to being able to get all these famous people whoever they wanted to sleep with at the time!!!!!This REALLY,REALLY sounds like an INTERESTING AND JUICY READ for all of us celebrity-obsessed people who like knowing all their dirty laundry that most people don't!!!!!!Sorry for the long post!!!!!
@@shaneamason6656 you are truly pathetic!🤮
I was born and raised in Charlottesville, VA!! Love hearing about icons from the same area.
When your love is bigger than the big screen in an era that all against you. Now that is some great love.
thank you so much for uploading this wonderful documentary ! I havent known about William Haines ! he truly ist a gay icon and was so brave to give up his career for love and for being who he is! too bad he is forgotten these days !
Love is love. ..PERIOD! This made me teary eyed and I am straight! Love is love. ..PERIOD! End of my conversation on it!
It's lust not love. Love is brotherly love.
Lust doesn't make you give up your career and spend half a century with the same person. That's love at its most devoted.
Kat K Right on!!! Most straight couples rarely make it past 5!
Genie, you know nothing.
Carla .McD I really have zero clue why that's so hard to understand!!
I cannot stop watching this, it makes me cry everytime I see it. He is a true survivor, and in light of his stardom being shut out by MGM, He should be given a proper shout out at the Academy Awards. They should talk about his films and life more publicly. This cannot happen to anyone else.
Dante Ficeti I agree! I can't stop watching either!!!
The Hays code and Louie B. Meyer ruined so many lives. Nobody talks about it, but so many people are forgotten and it makes me sad. I'll keep Billy's legacy alive though. I'll talk about him and watch his movies and try to encourage people to know him and to look at the history of film.
Yass! Keep up the good work!!!
What a wonderful story. I love how committed to each other they were. They held a bond many heterosexuals only dream they could have. I want my life to go on as beautifully.
Haines was a hero---he lived his life--and walked away from the hypocracy--and lived with his partner. Living ones life with authenticity is courageous thing.
windstorm1000 agree
Mr. Haines was quite a man. Living and creating two levels of success, he certainly had drive. He should be celebrated for who he was. A man of many levels that ignored politics and a wayward society. He has proven that being yourself is elegant, simple, and true to yourself. In today's society-we need more people that represent his refined stature. I definitely agree that a movie about his life would be a helpful tool in developing these ideals to a society that gets anxious over what the next politician may do or say. Life is too short-we need to support each other in all walks of life............
Mike Strawn
Mike Strawn Betty davis
Mike Strawn lol
lovely words--thanks!
Jane Grey times are changing and people are now accepting of gay men, the millennials are generation that is accepting and use to being around gay men, it will be that generation that will accept a leading gay man in Hollywood. It's the generation before who were very closed minded, ignorant, and can't move with the times. But the millennials won't have that and will be more accepting.
Another reason to love Joan Crawford! She really had balls.
But she destroyed her childrens' lives. Big abuser. People are complex.
@@DaisyKayBirch give me a bloody break with this sad old story, did you know she had 4 kids and only one vehemently claimed the abuse? The second rarely said anything and the other two completely DENY it. People want to believe what they want to believe and clearly you want to believe that. Bye.
@@DaisyKayBirch Funny that only Christina, who had a history of being problematic and entitled, was the only child to have said that crap. Joan did right not leaving her anything.
What a beautiful, courageous man, who chose to be true to himself rather than rich and famous.
This is the first time I've heard of Billy Haines. What an incredible story. Felt so sad for his lifetime partner, Jimmy. May they Rest In Peace , together.
Plus Crawford was strawberry to Bill
You should watch his movies, some are silent, some talkies, many available on DVD. The role of Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain) came very close to the style of acting that was Haines, but he could also do drama.
Jimmie must have been a very special guy in his own quiet way.
Uhm... and this is what is called integrity, the term that is often overused nowadays. Few of current Hollywood male A-listers could have learned from Billy Haines’ life, but they decided not to. Joan Crawford has been given much earned credit in this documentary, and this speaks to the integrity of the authors of this very informative, truly well done piece.
No matter the argument of his personal life..I most honor and am impressed by the most gifted singing voice ever. I miss your talent Freddy, Thank you for what you were able to share.
Wow! What an amazing and gripping story of devotion! Here's hoping that Billy and his lifetime partner are now where they belong -- together forever.
The amazing thing to me is Haines was somewhat open about his sexuality and today 90 years later) - no Hollywood leading male star dare come out and state that he's gay.
That's??? Not at all true??
***** Maybe a little more - but I don't think a lot of male actors can afford to do so. It's in to be a lesbian or bi.
Hollywood stars may wave (not, waive. Interesting change in meaning) rainbow banners with great pride, but name one leading star, as in the case of William Haynes, who has recently come out. You have Rupert Everett and that chap who did the Oscar presentations, but they're hardly the A-list, and that's it.
RobertE.
Dave La Violette there are that came out
The guy in Prison Break
Their love story is the epitome of true love that solidifies the statement that indeed love is love. Regardless of any factor or circumstance. Beautiful.
Thank you. You have tremendously helped pave the way for young lgbtq+ members to flourish and thrive in today's society. Rest easy, kind sirs.
Don’t forget to include the ‘i’next time, as in LGBTQI+ 😉
Fascinating piece. I was unfamiliar with this trailblazer until about an hour ago. What an inspiration. :)
Likewise. It’s like I have no idea of the time, day or place I’ve been so captivated by this revelatory documentary so superbly made.
At least he was true to himself. He had balls, good to know such men exist!
I'll say that this guy had the guts to be true to himself. To me that's "being REAL". ✌
the only man for me. ever
No, a man of courage, honor, and integrity and also a man very much in love, a rare commodity in Hollywood at any time in its existence.
Royer 714 - what's expencive is expensive 😕 maybe
Marjorie Dieudonne -/ yeah he was real alright, a real peter puffer.
He was real alright. Real defiant to God.
I know Joan Crawford was a Great Actress, but to be honest I was never a Big Joan Crawford Fan ..... Now I Am!
@@lh1681 why?what did she do to you and your family?did she kill you child or something?or bombed your home?
Honestly people.....
Surprised a film hasn't been made about him. It's an incredible story.
The greatest love story Hollywood ever had, and yet...I've never heard of it, till today. What a brave, bold and amazing man, he needs to be remembered!
WHAT AN AMAZING LOVE STORY!!! Kudos to Billy and Jimmy Haines for their courage to love each other fully, honestly and without regret. I'm also amazed at how Joan Crawford could fully support her friends and treat her children so badly.
She hardly treated her children badly; don't let Christina's work of fiction be your level of measure when it comes to the kind of mother Joan was.
You have no idea if Christina was lying or not, since you didn't live her life nor were you in that house while she grew up.
Joan Crawford was an extremely loyal Person, she also nursed her Ex-husband Franchot Tone and always had much respect for his talent. As far as I know only Christina told about being mistreated. Most probably Miss Crawford was a difficult character, but much of "Mommie dearest" was fiction for better sales.
Jimmy Lee 9
People are quite complex. I’ve never gotten that either how a person can be one way to one person and totally different to others.
I had never heard of Billy Haines. But I really enjoyed this video. So interesting.
prunella goodrich never heard of him either, but I enjoyed the story.
THIS WAS A SINCERE, MAGICAL RELATIONSHIP THAT LASTED 50 YRS.!!!!! THEY LOVED EACH OTHER DEEPLY...
WHAT A LIFE HE MADE FOR HIMSELF....
Cam D. Wonder where his soul is?
Chucky Oneil
Since you seem to be worried about his soul...why not just mind your own business. I'm sure Billy and Jimmy are doing just fine. Mark Twain comes to mind: I would choose Heaven for climate but Hell for companionship.
Yes! Lovely tribute
@@chuckyoneil3820 All souls return to the one who made them so his is in heaven.
Such an amazing documentary. True love! Billy Haines was truly ahead of his time. Here we are in 2018 and actors are still living in the closet. Hooray for Heines, living his true self...giving up Hollywood for the love of his life and living openly vay without caring what people thought. Too bad many people never heard of him...because Hollywood has kept him in the closet. His life should be made into a movie played by John Travolta & Tom Cruise!! LOL
Or Orville Peck and Troye Savan.