Taming the Lion at Theatre 40

Taming the Lion is suggested by true events.William Haines acted in 50 films between 1922 and 1934 and was the number one box-office draw at the end of the silent era. He was also the first openly gay movie star, a fact that the MGM studio attempted to conceal, fearing that Haines gayness would prove to be box-office poison.Studio executives Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg attempt to force Haines to marry a woman, to please the fans. But Haines is devoted to his male lover, Jimmie Shields. Mayer sends Haines best female friend, Joan Crawford, to try and persuade Haines to marry a woman.Mayer gives Haines an ultimatum: marry a woman and continue to be a movie idol, or turn his back on his movie career and lose everything so that he can stay with Jimmie.What will Haines do?Written by Jack Rushen. Directed by Melanie MacQueen.
Ages: 12 to Adult.