From April 1937: The screen’s most forward sophisticate has evidently learned that yesteryear’s reticence is best for a fine romance. At Paramount there is just no such person as Clark Gable. Carole Lombard is aghast at any suggestion that she be linked in print with Clark. However, at MGM he admits his fondness for her. Carole’s friends say that she’s too much in love to risk any blunders, and silence is her best bet.

From March 1937: A young lady we know experienced the double thrill of being rescued from a predicament by Clark Gable, and of being mistaken by him for Carol [sic] Lombard, all on the same afternoon. Stranded on the roadside by motor trouble, the attractive blonde girl was just about to go for help when Clark drove up. First he apologized for mistaking her for Carol [sic], and then pushed her ailing car down the street a few blocks to a garage. Prior to that adventure the young lady’s favorite actor was Clark Gable. He’s still her favorite actor.

From December 1938: [Clark Gable’s] favorite ambition is to make enough money to travel three years, then relax. I asked him, how would he relax? Just sit still? He said no. He’d relax with raising animals an’ feeding ’em an’ taking care of ’em and building fences an’ anything outdoors, because even if it was hard work, he’d think it was fun. Me too. Spencer Tracy’s his favorite actor. Looks like pretty near everybody’s favorite acttor’s Spencer Tracy. And, oh, gosh, it was the cutest thing.  When I said, “What’s your favorite hobby?” he said, “Carole Lombard.” When I said, “Who’s your favorite actress?” he said, “Carole Lombard.” When I…

From February 1941: More and more it’s becoming apparent in Hollywood that one movie career and one only in the family is the rule for happy marriage. With this so apparent, one smart girl, who loves her husband above all else, is taking steps in the right direction. Yes, Carole Lombard, who loves her husband Clark Gable so devotedly, has announced in the future she’ll make only one picture a year. “At the very most, I’ll make three in two years,” Carole said. “I want to be free to join Clark in his between picture vacations.” Maybe Carole has in mind that vacation Bob Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck have been…

From January 1938: Jokesters with a macabre sense of humor have been telephoning newspapers that well-known stars have died. Clark Gable was at Carole Lombard’s home when they heard the voice of a newsboy outside crying, “Extra! Extra! Clark Gable killed!” Clark was just kissing Carole good-bye as they heard it. “For a dead one, you’re doing all right,” Carole murmured. But suppose he hadn’t been there when she heard that cry!

A reader’s letter in a fan magazine, from August 1942:   An Open Letter to Clark Gable Dear Clark, First of all, I want to extend to you my deepest sympathy. I can imagine, to some small degree, how much Carole meant to you, how you miss her cheery companionship, her contagious sportsmanship. We’ll all miss her—so please feel that we are eager to share your sorrow. But I want to ask you to think of us—the millions of your friends and hers—and beg you not to make that loss twofold. We can’t bring Carole back, but we can try to persuade you not to leave us. Won’t you please…