Why didn't Clark Gable want to do Gone with the Wind?
Asked by: Prof. Jayme Nikolaus | Last update: July 5, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (48 votes)
Clark Gable initially resisted playing Rhett Butler for a few reasons: he feared his acting ability couldn't live up to the massive expectations of fans of Margaret Mitchell's bestselling novel, he disliked the costume drama genre after a previous flop, and he was forced into it by his studio, MGM.
Did Clark Gable threatened to quit Gone with the Wind?
Clark Gable almost quit Gone With the Wind (1939) upon discovering that the movie set was segregated. Outraged by restrooms labeled "White" and "Colored" and the treatment of Black cast members, particularly Hattie McDaniel, Gable threatened director Victor Fleming that he would walk off the production unless the signs were removed.
Did Vivien Leigh dislike Clark Gable?
"Their connection never turned romantic, but there was an undeniable affection between them. Leigh later referred to Gable as 'a dear friend,' and Gable, long after filming ended, spoke of her with warmth."
What did Clark Gable say to Scarlett O'Hara?
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" is a line from the 1939 film Gone with the Wind starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. The line is spoken by Rhett Butler (Gable), as his last words to Scarlett O'Hara (Leigh), in response to her tearful question: "Where shall I go?
What did Grace Kelly say about Clark Gable?
Mr. Gable is a very fine gentleman, and he's gone out of his way to help me in this picture. Because of that and because of working with a great director like John Ford and a talented actress like Ava Gardner, this has been a wonderful experience for me.” — Grace on the rumors of an affair between her and Clark Gable.
The Truth About Clark Gables Relationship With Hattie McDaniel
What did Doris Day say about Clark Gable?
It was one of Gable's final films, as he died of a heart attack two years later, in November 1960, at the age of 59. Day always spoke of her co-star with great affection. Describing his unique personality, she said he was “as masculine as any man I've ever known”.
Who was Grace Kelly's true love?
Grace Kelly's love story with Prince Rainier III of Monaco captivated the world, blending Hollywood glamour with European royalty. Their relationship began in May 1955 when Grace, attending the Cannes Film Festival, was introduced to Rainier during a Paris Match photoshoot at the Prince's Palace.
Did Clark Gable shower four times a day?
He showered at least three times a day and found baths disgusting. In Army training camp, there was only a tub so he hooked up a hose to the faucet to take a shower instead. He routinely shaved his chest as he found body hair unhygienic.
What is the most famous line in Gone with the Wind?
The most famous line from Gone with the Wind (1939) is, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn," spoken by Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) to Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh). It is often cited as the number one movie quote in cinema history, marking the final, dismissive end of his love for her.
Why did Rhett love Scarlett so much?
Rhett Butler loved Scarlett O'Hara because he recognized her as a kindred spirit—a survivor with a strong, unscrupulous will and an ability to cast off restrictive social conventions. He loved her for who she truly was—fiery, smart, and opportunistic—rather than the dainty "Southern Belle" persona others valued.
Why did John Wayne dislike Clark Gable?
Aissa theorizes John's frustration with Gable came from his on-set feuding with frequent collaborator John Ford on the set of 1953's "Mogambo." Ford's abrasive, cut-and-dry style was often too much for Gable, who at one point stormed off set out of anger.
Did Marilyn Monroe like Clark Gable?
Yes, Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe generally got along well while filming The Misfits (1961), despite a difficult production and Monroe's frequent lateness. Monroe adored Gable, her childhood idol, while Gable, a professional, acted with kindness and concern, hiding any frustration over her delays.
Who didn't like kissing Clark Gable?
Vivien Leigh later said that she hated kissing Clark Gable because of his bad breath, rumored to be caused by his false teeth, a result of excessive smoking. According to Frank Buckingham, a technician who observed the film being made, Gable would sometimes eat garlic before his kissing scenes with Vivien Leigh.
What did Ava Gardner say about Clark Gable?
I had been in love with Clark Gable since I was a little girl. And every once in a while I'd think, 'It's CLARK GABLE! ' and I'd go to pieces.”~Ava Gardner on working with Clark for the first time on THE HUCKSTERS (1947). Pictured in Clark's dressing room during filming.
What is the biggest flop in movie history of all time?
John Carter (2012) is widely considered the biggest box-office flop in movie history, with estimated losses ranging from $200 million to over $255 million. Disney's sci-fi film cost over $250 million to produce, with massive marketing expenses, but failed to connect with audiences due to poor branding and competition.
Who was Scarlett O'Hara's true love?
Scarlett O'Hara was truly in love with Rhett Butler, though she did not realize it until the end of the story. Throughout most of Gone with the Wind, she was obsessed with an idealized, childish fantasy of Ashley Wilkes, which was fueled by his unattainability. Additionally, many argue her deepest, enduring love was for her plantation, Tara.
What is the curse word in Gone with the Wind?
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." That's a damn good line. And a damn enduring one, which was delivered by Clark Gable's Rhett Butler to his never-satisfied wife Scarlett O'Hara (played by Vivien Leigh) in 1939's "Gone With the Wind."
What was Scarlett O'Hara's famous quote?
Scarlett O'Hara's most famous line from Gone with the Wind (1939) is, "After all, tomorrow is another day!". This closing line highlights her enduring resilience and optimism. Another iconic, intense line is, "As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again!".
What is the highest grossing movie of all time Gone with the Wind?
Yes, Gone with the Wind (1939) is widely considered the highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation. It has held this title for decades, with estimates suggesting it has earned over $3.4 billion in 2014-2024 dollars.
Who was Clark Gable's love of his life?
Carole Lombard was widely considered the love of Clark Gable's life. Married from 1939 until her tragic death in a plane crash in 1942, their intense, joyful romance deeply changed Gable, who remained devastated by her loss and was ultimately buried beside her in 1960.
Did cowboys have good hygiene?
The biggest obstacle to personal hygiene in the Old West was limited access to clean water. Arid climates exacerbated the problem. Once dependable water sources could go dry or stagnant, and even if running water were nearby, it was likely that an upstream outhouse would pollute it.
Why did Clark Gable wear dentures?
Clark Gable wore dentures from a relatively young age due to gum disease. And these dentures not only gave him the smile of a heartthrob, they helped him speak his lines clearly and supported his singularly dashing appearance.
How much did Grace Kelly weigh when she died?
At the time of her death on September 14, 1982, at age 52, Grace Kelly weighed approximately 121 pounds (55 kg). She was 5 feet 6½ inches tall.
What did Frank Sinatra say about Grace Kelly?
She was the most incredible human being I've ever known. Everything she touched came alive.” Photo: Academy Awards Ceremony 1955. Frank Sinatra congratulates Grace Kelly with winning Best Actress for The Country Girl."
Who was Hitchcock's favorite leading lady?
Grace Kelly (on the set of the movie The Country Girl in 1954) was one of Hitchcock's favorite actresses, starring in To Catch a Thief, Rear Window and Dial M for Murder. Doris Day, who starred in The Man Who Knew Too Much. Julie Andrews, who starred in Torn Curtain, in 1961. Anne Baxter, who starred in I Confess.