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.