Gossip Friday: Too Much Gable

Fan letter from August 1936:

I think that Clark Gable’s popularity will decrease rapidly if he continues to appear on the screen as frequently as he does at present.

I made a count, and discovered that he actually had five releases in 1934 and the same number last year. This is a total of ten pictures in two years–a truly ridiculous figure for a star of his magnitude.

Ronald Colman who was Gable’s predecessor as the idol of feminine sans made about ten films in five years. This actor is still gaining admirers. I don’t know where Clark Gable will be in ten years time.

If he made about five good films in two years he can still consolidate his popularity. If he continues at his present rate, fans will get so sick of him that his career will be over before it is properly started.

I think this would be a pity for Gable at his best is a fine actor.

A. Ebrill

Little Summerville, England