Gossip Friday: Difference of Temperament

From June 1936:

The possibility of a divorce between Clark Gable and his estranged wife is reported.

He has brought a suit against her, demanding that she abide by a property agreement made when they separated in November.

Rhea Gable is Clark Gable’s second wife. They met first in New York when he was a struggling young leading man and she was a widow, Mrs. Langham.

Tall, slim and dark, Mrs. Gable is several years older than her husband (now 34) and is known as one of Hollywood’s most gracious hostesses.

Their separation has up to now been amicable, with both avoiding publicity.

No scandal attaches to the separation. Difference of temperament is said to be the cause. Cultured and retiring, Mrs. Gable is not an actress, and knows nothing of the theatrical life.

Clark Gable is always happier on a hunting trip than in a drawing room. He has little patience with formality, and none for the social graces of being a screen star. Studio hands name him their best friend.

Mrs. Gable has just moved into a new house in Beverly Hills. Clark Gable has been recently living in a Hollywood hotel, and talks of travel as soon as his screen work will permit.

Only within the last few weeks have serious romantic rumors surrounded his name. The woman mentioned is film-star Carole Lombard, formerly William Powell’s wife.