Property from the Estate of CLARK GABLE
The term "Hollywood Legend" is reserved for the select few who manage to not only achieve this status, but to maintain it. Clark Gable (1901-1960) would most certainly epitomize the term. Born in Cadiz, Ohio, the actor began his career in the early 1920s in the theatre, and by 1931 he was a bonafide star, beginning his twenty-four year tenure at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. Ironically, it would be for a Columbia Pictures film that he did not want do, that the actor would win Hollywood's most coveted award.
Paired with actress Claudette Colbert in 1934, Clark Gable begrudgingly agreed to appear in a Frank Capra directed vehicle, It Happened One Night. He was opposed to the film for many reasons, including the knowledge that the role had been turned down by several of Hollywood's other leading men. Though the initial public reaction to the movie was mediocre, it's popularity quickly increased, and ultimately earned five Academy Awards, including the Best Actor Oscar for Clark Gable.
Needless to say, things were going quite well in the 1930s for the actor from Ohio. He was a genuine movie star, and welcomed all the trappings of this lofty title. A sportsman who greatly enjoyed the outdoors, the star pursued his love of woods and wild relentlessly. More comfortable on a horse than in a car, he could usually be found fishing, hunting or skeet shooting at his ranch in Encino, California. In 1938, he was making plans to marry actress Carole Lombard, forever earning the couple Hollywood royalty status. It was also the year that would change Clark Gable's life and career forever.
Selznick International Pictures had purchased the book rights to a sensational saga that was sweeping the country. Gone With The Wind had captivated the public in a way that few stories ever had and ever will. While 98 of those polled saw Clark Gable as the rakish Rhett Butler, the actor was hesitant to take on such a role; he felt it was just too much to tackle. But a twist of fate, namely David Selznick and Louis B. Mayer making a deal for the film and the actor's services, truly changed the course of film history. Gone With The Wind, starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, was an instant classic, and remains one of the most popular films of all time.
The next two decades would bring the actor continued film acclaim including The Hucksters; To Please a Lady; Mogambo; Run Silent; Run Deep, and his final film before his death in 1960, Arthur Miller's The Misfits. It would also be the last film completed by his co-star and the wife of the author, Marilyn Monroe.
Rugged and romantic, charming and strong, the spirit of Clark Gable continues to define our leading man ideal. He represents a time and place long gone, a place known as Golden Hollywood; he will forever be the dreamboat, the gentleman caller, the dashing Rhett Butler--he will forever be the "King Of Hollywood".
CLARK GABLE
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CLARK GABLE
A group of four silver and pewter fancy serving dishes and trays, one monogrammed. Together with eight circular pewter plates, ten rounded one-handle pewter coffee cups and two matching saucers.
(24)
A group of four silver and pewter fancy serving dishes and trays, one monogrammed. Together with eight circular pewter plates, ten rounded one-handle pewter coffee cups and two matching saucers.
(24)