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The star who chose love over fame — and made history.
TMDB
53

Out of the Closet, Off the Screen: The Life of William Haines (2001)

queer history lessonHollywood Babylonbittersweet biopic

Overview

Documentary

Chronicles the life of William Haines, Hollywood's first openly gay movie star, who sacrificed his career to live openly with his lover.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
lgbtold hollywood

Standout Aspects

Direction

Bailey and Barbato pack decades into 46 tight minutes.

Production

Rare archival footage rescues Haines from obscurity.

Writing

Musto's commentary is devastatingly sharp.

Best for:Solo: Quiet afternoon when you need to feel something real.·Streaming: Perfect length for a lunch break cry.·Friends: Watch with your chosen family, then hug them.
Heads up:Emotional: Career destruction and historical homophobia throughout.
Fenton Bailey

Director

Fenton Bailey

ReleasedJun 13, 2001
Runtime46m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacesteady
Intensitymedium
Tonemixed
Feelheavy
World of Wonder

Top Cast

William Haines

William Haines

Self (Archival footage)

Stockard Channing

Stockard Channing

Narrator (voice)

Michael Musto

Michael Musto

Self

Ask about Out of the Closet, Off the Screen: The Life of William Haines

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

Haines and partner Jimmie Shields remained together 47 years, inspiring Christopher Isherwood's 'A Single Man.'

Trivia

MGM's Louis B. Mayer personally delivered the ultimatum: fake marriage or contract termination. Haines chose the door.

Reviews

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