Remembering Carole Lombard
Carole Lombard died suddenly71 years ago today, at the age of 33, when her plane crashed into Table Rock Mountain near Las Vegas. Her husband, Clark Gable, was shattered. I have little doubt that the day that he stood at the base of the mountain, looking up at the burning wreckage and knowing his wife was up there, was the worst day of his life. But he was not alone in his grief–Carole was truly a person who was loved by all who knew her, even if the only way they knew her was on the screen.
I have posted this fan poem before, but it is so beautiful it is worth another read, from a letter to the editor of Photoplay magazine, April 1942:
Editor’s Note: It was heartwarming to read the number of letters received as tributes to Carole Lombard by Photoplay-Movie Mirror [magazine]. So sincere were they all, we found it difficult to choose this single one for publication:
Carole Lombard
She left a trail of laughter when she walked
Across this world which needs a laugh so much.
She did not care when pompous people talked
About her lack of dignity and such.
For while her work was make-believe, pretense
Could never touch her gallant, generous heart
And she was quick to help her flag’s defense
And glad to know that she could do her part.
She did not wear a uniform, it’s true,
But she died none the less for freedom’s sake.
You men shot down at Guam and Oahu,
Ghosts of the Philippines, Midway and Wake,
Admit another solider to your troop
For she should march through time with your brave group!
–Ruth Arundel Piercy, Oreland, PA
Scenes from a life:
5 Comments
Robin
She, indeed, was one of a kind. I started reading about her as a teenager and haven’t stopped since, I’m 56 now. She was such a wonderful gal with such a great spirit about life and love. RIP Carole…
Debbie
There are so many things to admire about Carole Lombard. Robin, I think you’ve focused in on what attracts me so much to her. “She was such a wonderful gal with such a great spirit about life and love.” I couldn’t have said it better.
This is a lovely tribute, DearMr.Gable, especially the wonderful collection of photographs.
Lauren
Thanks for a great website and and tribute! Carole died far too young but I know she and Clark are together now and for eternity. It’s so easy to see how deeply they loved each other.
Patti
Who among us wouldn’t want to leave a trail of laughter in our wake or to be described as having a gallant and generous heart. In the end, those things—which display the kind of person Carole was—matter more than her movies. However, I’m glad we have her movies available to us…she is a delight.
Really terrific photos you have included in your tribute. Thanks!
Donna Shuford
I have loved watching Carole Lombard movies since 1975; the first picture I ever saw of hers was “Vigil in the Night”. my absolute favorite picture of hers is
“Nothing Sacred”; “True Confession” and “My Man Godfrey”………….I also try to read everything I can get my hands on about her! she died l4 years before I was born and yet I miss her everyday………thank GOD for celluloid film! Donna