{New Article} 1946: My Hollywood Friends

This little article was written by actress Susan Peters. Susan, a promising young actress who was nominated for an Academy Award for 1942’s Random Harvest, was tragically paralyzed when her shotgun accidentally went off and a bullet lodged in her spine on January 1, 1945. She started a column in Photoplay and “interviewed” celebrities, although I wouldn’t say this is technically an interview:

It’s fascinating to observe the effect of his entrance into such a blasé room as the studio commissary. Stars by the gross walk in every day and nary a head turns, but when Mr. Gable arrives it’s an epidemic. Everyone turns to look at him.

I’ll tell you another thing about Clark (which I’d never dare call him in person): He commands respect without trying. I can’t think of any attribute more desirable in a person of importance. I’ve seen clamoring crowds wait to catch a glimpse of him in person and from the hubbub I expected him to be mobbed. Something magic happens when he appears. An aisle opens up and with a grin and a “hello” he walks through unscathed. I’ve seen dignified men approach him and say, “Excuse me, Mr. Gable, but I’m Mr. Smith of Amalgamated Stuff and I’d like you to know how much enjoyment your pictures have given my wife and me.” No ogling, no wisecracks, no pretense, no mush. Just sincere admiration and appreciation for a great man.

While Clark was in the service a crop of new male stars developed. I’ve invariably compared them with him and to me they’ve all fallen short so far. In my estimation only three male stars have earned the adjective “great”: Valentino, Gilbert and Gable—said she, sticking her chin way out.

There’s a similarity between great stars and great race horses. There have been hundreds of horses that have shown brilliant form and intense speed in sprints, but when urged over a long stretch have lacked the stamina to match their speed. The Man O’Wars, Seabiscuits and Whirlaways have been few. So have the Gables in acting. He’s been running in front a long time, and he’s just getting his second wind. You’ll understand what I mean when you see “Adventure.”

….

I saw a touch of the little boy in him when he became enthralled with Hymie Fink’s new camera. I saw too, a touch of loneliness when he spoke of Carole Lombard…their fishing and hunting trips together and the wonderful times they had. He was leaving on a fishing trip the next day. Fishing trips aren’t the same anymore but above all he wanted to be away through the holidays. However, I felt somehow he’d be much nearer a real Thanksgiving alone by a stream in the north woods.

Clark Gable is a more handsome man today than ever. He looks young and strong and at the same time mellow and dignified. Age plays strange tricks on some, but each new year does Mr. Gable a favor. He’ll retain that crown he’s worn so long.

Susan tragically died of pneumonia and starvation a few years later, in 1952.

You can read the article it is entirety here.

(Article #18 posted in 2019)