Part-time P'town resident William Mann's Wisecracker was the first (and definitive) bio of Haines, on of the silent era's greatest stars and one of its first certified heartthrobs. But Haines was gay---something eh refused to hide---and when MGM honcho fired him. Haines began a new (and much more lucrative career) as a self-taught decorator. His work graced the homes of Joan Crawford, Marion Davies, Constance Bennett, and mega-watt socialites Alfred and Betsy Bloomingdale an d Walter and Lee Annenberg; even in his death in 1973, Haines` legacy followed, with his associate Ted Graber in charge of the décor of Ronald and Nancy Reagan`s private riddance at the white House. This coffee table book is the price of a good steak dinner (with wine), but the hungry of film fans and stylists and interior designers will long be satisfied by the intellectual text and more than 300 vintage and rare drawing, illustrations and photos.

This book is appealing to both those who are fascinated by the movie star world from the glamorous 1920's thru the 1960's. Haines world was a fascinating one with close friends from the movie world such as Joan Crawford. His decorating style was classic and timeless. The book is filled with wonderful illustrations of his work throughout the many years of his long career.

Peter Schifando and Jean H. Mathison's CLASS ACT: WILLIAM HAINES, LEGENDARY HOLLYWOOD DECORATOR (0972766146, $95.00) tells of talent contest winner William Haines, who came to Hollywood in 1922 and appeared in over twenty films as a leading many to many famous stars, then recreated himself as a decorator using many of his costars as clients. Haines developed a unique style over a 40-year period, designing elite homes and producing notable designs for business leaders, socialites and arts patrons. Pack in photos in both black and white and color - many of which haven't seen print previously - with a survey by members of the Haines firm and you have an authoritative, in-depth expose which will prove an outstanding pick for any collection of Hollywood history or interior design arts.

I LOVED this book! The interiors are gorgeous and elegant- and his biography is quite a story in itself. A must have for any design aficianado.

Whether you are a fan of Hollywood's golden era, interior design, furniture design, or just great photography, this book will not disappoint you. Authors Schifando and Mathison have lovingly crafted the authorative book on the man who gave up a promising career as an actor (he was the quintessential handsome matinee idol) in the name of love when the studios issued the ultimatinum of "give up your gay lifestyle or else". What the film world lost was a gain to the world of interior design --- Haines was among the most clever of designers and his impact on American interior design has been overshadowed by other, more household-name designers. But luckily for all of us, this gorgeous book rectifies all of that and now we can enjoy the labors of the authors time and time again. Even those not interested in interior design per se will find this book fascinating for its layout and pictorial flow. Kudos to publisher Pointed Leaf Press for making such books available. It will easily become one of your favorite books on Hollywood and interior design!