Gossip Friday: Gable Says No to Natural

From November 1956:

When we saw Mr. Gable at the Goldwyn Studios recently we tried to get him to compare today’s leading ladies with stars of the past he has worked with.

“Not a chance,” said Mr. Gable. “I don’t want to lose my head around here but I’ll talk generally about actresses without naming names.

“For one thing I don’t think actresses are as attractive today as they used to be. When I think of movie stars I think of Joan Crawford. When she walks into a room you know she’s there and she knows how to present herself. You never see her unless she is groomed and looks her best. The same thing applies to Marlene Dietrich. 

“I think any woman, particularly a young actress, could learn a lesson from them. Just take a look at these kids around here.”

We swiveled around and saw some lovely young things wearing sweaters, tight blue jeans and saddle shoes with hair done up in ponytails. 

“Disgraceful, isn’t it,” said Mr. Gable. “These girls should never be seen in public unless they are well-groomed. Look at that one over there–,” said Mr. Gable, pointing to a ravishing creature in a man’s shirt, jeans, and moccasins, “she’d be fine in a backyard but when she’s but she should wear clothes and makeup. The natural trend is being overdone.”

At this point a male star who shall be nameless walked by in jeans and sweatshirt. How about him?

Gable paused a long moment to study the apparition. “Well at least his fingernails are clean,” he said.

He’s been called “the new Gable,” we said, hoping to stir up a little excitement.

“Poor man,” said Mr. Gable. “I don’t know his name but I don’t think anybody can ever be made to play someone else. I believe people carve their own niche in this business and it is unfair for a newcomer to be compared.

“Luckily I missed that when I started in pictures because I don’t think there was anyone around I could be compared with.”