Remembering Carole Lombard

Carole Lombard was killed on January 16, 1942, when the plane carrying her, her mother, MGM publicity man and the Gables’ friend Otto Winkler, and several others, crashed into Mount Potosi outside Las Vegas. Carole was only 33. You can read more about her death here.

From the Associated Press, February 1, 1942:

So much has been written on the subject of Carole Lombard’s tragic death that almost any sentiment must be a repetition of other tributes to her. However, a few paragraphs that appeared recently in the Motion Picture Herald sum up Hollywood’s feelings so adequately, they bear reprinting.

“Hollywood,” states the writer, “is mourning Carole Lombard as it has mourned no other beloved since Will Rogers.

“Like him, she had the common touch, off screen as on.

“Like his, her works in behalf of kind and country became known in their fullness only when she played out the script and left the lot.

“Earthy people both, rating wit above glamour and fame an implement of beneficence, they met death in the heights over a land they loved and labored for.

Carole Lombard glorified in a very special way a Hollywood too often preoccupied with the art of glorification to know itself and measure its usefulness as they did.”

The writer of the good words above is William R. Weaver, Hollywood editor of the Motion Picture Herald.

____

On the same date, columnist Marian Mays Martin wrote:

It would be an excellent thing for all of us if we resolved to repeat only the good news instead of spreading reports of the bad. It would be a good thing to read cheerful books and see cheerful films and plays.

In the tragic news of Carole Lombard’s death much has been made of her contribution to the laughter of the world, of her entirely loveable sense of fun, of her vastly appealing ability to play. The Rock of Gibraltar, salt of the earth variety of person, commendable as he often is, lacks the lovable quality of a blithe spirit. Gay, light-hearted people warm our hearts and at this time that’s the treatment our hearts desire. Be like the sun dial that only reflects the sunny hours. This poor, war-torn world needs all the sunshine it can get. How about polishing up the bright surface of your mind so that it may catch and reflect all that’s bright and glowing with hope?