Gossip Friday: I’ve Earned It

From November 1956:

Mr. Gable is a partner with Jane Russell and Bob Waterfield in “The King and Four Queens.” We asked how it felt to be a freelance actor after 25 years at MGM.

“I make my own mistakes now instead of having someone else make them for me,” Mr. Gable said. “I’m still trying to make a good picture so if I appear in a bad one, it’s my fault.

“I left MGM because I didn’t want to be tied down and committed to work at such-and-such a time. I think I have made enough pictures now so that instead of taking one month off, I can take three or four. I’d like to do that and to enjoy life a little. I think I’ve earned it.”