Classic Entertainment Autographs

Cat. #001476022: WILLIAM HAINES

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Quite scarce vintage 8x10-inch matte-finish sepia-tone portrait by Henry Waxman, boldly signed and inscribed in black fountain pen, circa 1930. In fine condition, with a small bend to the bottom right-hand corner tip, not affecting the image itself; three diagonal bends at the top left-hand corner, very slightly intruding into the background; and scattered light spots of yellow staining in the bottom border. Handsome Billy Haines was the silent screen's quintessential wisecracking, arrogant leading man, memorable in films like Brown of Harvard (1926), West Point (1927), The Smart Set (1928), and Show People (1928).  In 1934, his career came to a screeching halt with the discovery of his gay lifestyle. Thereafter, he made his living as an interior decorator to the stars.