Gossip Friday: A Plea for Clark
Fan letter from 1946:
I have been an ardent Clark Gable fan for many years (especially since seeing “Gone with the Wind”), so naturally I was eagerly looking forward to Clark’s return to the screen, Well, I have seen “Adventure” and what a disappointment! The dialogue and situations were either hackneyed or ridiculous, and the picture would have been ruined had it not been for Clark’s durable charm and unbeatable personality.
With the possible exception of “Boom Town,” Clark hasn’t had one really good role since “Gone with the Wind.” Clark Gable has given many years of acting services to the screen; his pictures have brought in millions of dollars at the box office, his conduct and actions in private life have won for him the respect and affection of millions of movie fans which is reflected in the popularity of his pictures. is this how Hollywood shows its appreciation? Why it is other actors get great roles and Clark gets the same thing time and time again?
I Think that I speak for all the Gable fans when I say it’s about time MGM took the trouble to get some outstanding stories for Clark Gable which, as one of the greatest screen personalities of all time, he justly deserves.
–Marian Barnholtz St. Louis, Mo.
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Hear, hear, Marian! Too bad MGM didn’t listen.
4 Comments
beachgal
I always thought he should have stood up to Louis B and bought out his contract and moved around like Cary Grant did based on the work he wanted to do.
Coco B
Gable was very risk adverse. I don’t the he was willing to give up the security of his contract. But MGM could have done much better. His two best movies were done outside MGM.
Ginger
I like all his movies! Even that one! He made the movies because he was in them !