Gossip Friday: No Beard!

From February 1937:

Before “Parnell” went into production, Director John M. Stahl announced that Clark Gable would grow a beard for the occaison. This was quickly followed by Gable’s announcement that he wouldn’t grow a beard for ANY occaison. Knowing it was a fight to the finish, we visited the set for a round-by-round account. There were beavers galore all over the place, but none on the handsome pan of Gable. They’re calling the battle a draw, though, for he compromised on sideburns and a mustache.

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From March 1937:

Added note on the Clark Gable beard situation: Shortly after the battle of the beaver between Gable and director John Stahl was won by Mr. G. and it was decided he wouldn’t wear a beard in “Parnell”, a woman in Seattle wrote to Clark offering to send him a sheaf of her own hair which she would like to see glued to the Gable chin. Gable still won’t wear a beard!