![]() ![]() In the late '20s, it was well known (but not discussed) among everyone in Hollywood that William Haines (pictured), the most famous romantic male lead, lived with his male partner. #Stars of the silent age hollywood movie#The 1922 movie "Manslaughter" featured a romantic same-sex kiss, and the very first Best Picture Oscar winner, "Wings," featured a soldier kissing his dead comrade on the lips. However, some movies and stars operated in a grey area. Being openly gay in the 1920s would likely have ruined his career. Valentino (whose sexuality is still contested) reacted to these criticisms of his masculinity with denials, and an offer to box the editorial's writer. This is the dark side of the silent film era, including the extent of studios' control over their stars and their product, and murder mysteries worthy of the movies. And sometimes it took decades for observers to look back and understand just how toxic a situation really was. Sometimes these stories made it out to the press - including several supposed murders - and even the courts. But some stars would discover that clout worked both ways. Hollywood ran on open secrets: Rumors everyone heard but no one discussed, until it started interfering with the industry's image. ![]() These blemishes on Hollywood's close-up were covered up using studio clout. However, behind the stage scenery, pancake makeup and early special effects were stories of drug and alcohol addictions, sexual harassment, and stars behaving in not very starry ways. They were simultaneously relatable and glamorous: aspirational figures who nonetheless felt like friends. This, coupled with early fan magazines that were heavily directed by the studios, created the very first movie stars. Suddenly someone in New York could be watching the same performers as someone in LA. Unlike live shows, movies could reach audiences across the country. ![]()
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