By 1930 William Haines was one of MGM's most idolized male stars, second only to John Gilbert. On screen he was tailor-made to get the girl in the last reel. On the backlot he cruised every bit player and stage hand in sight. Billy openly lived with his ex-stand-in and lover Jimmy Shields. He was tolerated by the studio until rumours started erupting. Louis B. Mayer ordered him to marry the sultry silent screen vamp Pola Negri. Billy refused. William Haines's defiance of the studio led to his second and even more successful career. It's a powerful story about Hollywood, its system and hypocrisy, but above all it's the story of Billy and Jimmy's turbulent, passionate love affair that survived it all and lasted over 50 years. an unforgettable true love story.
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