Gossip Friday: Gable Gets Into a Row

From April 1934:

Hollywood, Calif.–A fight that might have been one of the best in Hollywood’s history of fame one-rounders was averted when friends separated Clark Gable and Gilbert Roland just when they had reached the coat-jerking stage in a verbal exchange involving Constance Bennett, it was learned today.

The three were attending a party at the home of Samuel Goldwyn. Gable was chatting with Miss Bennett and Roland, Miss Bennett’s escort, was seated nearby playing bridge. Friends professed ignorance as to the draft of Gable’s conversation, but he was interrupted by an angry Roland.

“You quit picking on her and pick on me,” Roland suddenly challenged.

Gable accepted and was ready to swing when friends intervened.

Neither Gable nor Roland would comment today.