Clark Gable in Tampa Part 3: Scarlett Never Got Rhett Butler Back

Continuing our series of articles from Clark Gable being interviewed at the Tampa International Airport in February 1958, here’s Part 3, in which he gives an answer to whether he thinks Rhett ever goes back to Scarlett, and he spoils the end of Run Silent Run Deep:

Scarlett Never Got Rhett Butler Back

By Panky Glamsch, Tribune Staff Writer

Just as Rhett Butler never returned to Scarlett in Gone with the Wind, Clark Gable may never return to The Tribune Woman’s Department.

But at least four women staff members will never be the same.

The day it was announced The King would arrive at Tampa International Airport, the air was charged with electricity. Two scoffing male reporters swaggered in to sneer, “He’s old enough to be your father!”

Sour grapes and balderdash.

Clark Gable is just as young as he ever was.

Heading for St. Petersburg and a cruise to Trinidad, Caracas, Panama and Acapulco before going home to Los Angeles, he was traveling with his wife, Kay.

The airport’s immigration office made a cozy setting for an interview.

It was there he solved the mystery that Gone with the Wind enthusiasts have pondered for years.

“Mr. Gable, speaking as though you are really the immortal Rhett Butler in that great Civil War novel, did you ever return to Scarlett?” we asked.

“No,” he said slowly and a little sadly. Then more empathically, “No, I don’t think I ever did!”

“You know, I asked Margaret Mitchell (the author) that same question and she said, ‘No, he never went back.'”

After that, the questions came faster. “Well, how in the world does a-er-ah veteran screen actor like you manage to stay so trim?”

“Work!” came the answer. Making films is hard work. We just finished yesterday the movie, Run Silent Run Deep, in a submarine off the coast of California.”

Of course, looking at him then, in a well-filled black pinstripe suit, white shirt, black tie and size 11 shoes, it was hard to picture him on the floor of the ocean.

Only tell-tale mark of his hard work was the brown paper bag held carelessly under the arm slung with a raincoat. In the bag was a bit of refreshment–perhaps to make relaxation come more easily.

“Not casting any reflections on your wife, but tell us, Mr. Gable, who was the most exciting leading lady of your screen life?”

“Sugar, you know I would not say that,” he answered with a wink of one greenish-blue eye.

“Well, then, can you say how man screen clinches you’ve racked up–in round figures, naturally.”

A hesitation, then a roguish grin. “About a thousand clinches, I’d guess.”

In reply to what type of role he enjoys playing most came the answer, character roles.

But there was a deathly silence when he was asked, “Do you like dying, Mr. Gable?”

“No, I don’t like to die. I don’t like it at all, Sugar,” he smiled. “I had to die in the picture we finished yesterday and it’s not much fun.”

Winding up the interview with four great big thank yous, Mr. Gable replied with, “Pleasure, ladies. Nice to see you,” and took his departure.