I am personally so glad that at last men and women of both sexual persuasions are now legally allowed to live their lives without sanction. I'm not naive enough to believe that this is the end of discrimination and fear of difference from the straight community but it is certainly a great step forward in the humanizing of our society's framework.
The production of Tailor-Made Man is based on a true love story between Jimmy Shields and William Haines. We are introduced to the story retrospectively as a young reporter interviews an elderly man (Jimmy) about his lover. This scene is a clever story telling device which introduces and ultimately ends the story of the two lovers.
William and Jimmy had to survive not only the anti-gay feelings of 1930’s society, they also had to tread the tight rope of the Hollywood Dream Factory Rules about such matters... William Haines was supposed to be leading man material and he was therefore required to carry off the persona of rampant heterosexuality in order to pursue his ambitions. Utlimately the strength of their love resulted in an relationship that lasted over 50 years (until the untimely death of Billy).
It was not only a sleek and stylish production with performances from Dylan Turner (Billy), Bradley Clarkson (Jimmy), Vivien Carter (Betsy Dawson) and Kay Murphy (Pola Negri), particularly standing out, it was also a passionately naturalistic statement of the human right to love who you want to.
Film blogger, Ithankyou has an articulate and thoughtful review of this production which I recommend to you: William Haines, Arts Theatre, London… Tailor Made Man (2013)
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