Lauren Bacall and Clark Gable: No Sparks

As everyone as heard by now, screen legend Lauren Bacall died this week at the age of 89. Known for her whistling, partying with the Rat Pack, legendary romance with Humphrey Bogart and that steely stare, Lauren’s death leaves a void in Hollywood. Glamour that can not be copied.

Although Lauren did not star alongside Clark Gable in any feature films, did you know that she did have the pleasure of being Clark ‘s date for one night?

In the summer of 1944, Lauren was depressed because her ongoing affair with the married Humphrey Bogart was not going anywhere. They were on the outs and her friends all thought she should move on. Director Howard Hawks and his wife, “Slim” (who, ironically, would date Clark herself after she divorced Hawks!) invited both Clark and Lauren to their house for dinner. Lauren, just twenty at the time, was none too impressed with Clark.

“Howard and Slim did everything they could to distract me. They said, ‘We’ve got the most dazzling man. Once you meet him, you’ll forget all about Bogie.’ The man was Clark Gable–one of those large-than-life people that you pay your carefully saved money to see. He was dazzling, but he stirred me not a bit. I tried to flirt a little, tried to be attracted to him–but it didn’t work. He was just a terrific-looking man without an overabundance of humor who had incredible dimples and was named Clark Gable. There were no sparks flying.”

Clark drove her home to her apartment in Beverly Hills. Lauren recalled:

“He walked me to the foot of the stairs. In the moonlight he kissed me goodnight, smiled and walked away. Nothing, but nothing.”

Lauren and Bogie were married a year later and Clark moved on to a bevy of blondes. What a memory to have though—Clark Gable walking you to your door and kissing you in the moonlight!

Rest in peace, dear Betty…..