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 birth of the film industry and the advent of the worlds first film star.

“The wisecrack is my shell, my protection. Kensington Publishing Corporation, 23 (468pp) ISBN 978-1-57566-559-7. 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. LibraryThing is a cataloging and social networking site for booklovers. Standing, left to right, Lorraine Eddy, Matt Moore, Aileen Pringle, Louis B. All about Wisecracker: The Life and Times of William Haines by William J. 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. The occasion was a welcome home party thrown for Marion Davies after she returned from a three-month trip to Europe. William Mann gives us quite a gift in his book 'Wisecracker: The Life and Times of William Haines, Hollywood's First Openly Gay Star'. If you don’t recognize the Ambassador Hotel offhand, it is the French room redecorated to resemble a Parisian Cafe. Mayer singing ‘Nearer My God to Thee.'” - William Haines talking about the arrival of talking pictures. In 1930 William Haines was Hollywoods 1 box-office draw - a talented, handsome, and wisecracking romantic lead. “It was the night of the Titanic all over again, with women grabbing the wrong children and Louis B.

Wisecracker by William J. Mann