Slim

by William Wister Haines

story about linemen

Genres: Fiction

414 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1934

About the author

William Wister Haines, a novelist, playwright and screenwriter whose best-known work was the play ''Command Decision,'' died on Saturday, three days after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. He was 81 years old and lived in Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Mr. Haines's first two books, ''Slim'' and ''High Tension,'' were based on his work as a telephone lineman during the Depression. Films he wrote or co-wrote include ''Man of Iron'' (1935), ''The Eternal Sea'' (1955), ''The Wings of Eagles'' (1957) and ''Torpedo Run'' (1958).

Mr. Haines's play ''Command Decision,'' about the agonizing decisions of an Army Air Corps general in World War II, opened on Broadway in 1947 with Paul Kelly in the lead role. The film version starred Clark Gable.

Mr. Haines served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. His work with an intelligence team that broke German codes led to a nonfiction book on the subject titled ''Ultra.''

NY Times obituary

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read The Hon. Rocky Slade, but it’s seems the book is no where to be found on here. It was really good book! I live the story line and was a great read over the Christmas break.

[Lindig · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent portrait of a particular American time, electrifying the land. His focus is the men who built the towers and strung the wire -- profane, funny, hard-working. There's a sequel, High Tension, which I haven't read but hope to run across it one day.