Joan Crawford and Clark Gable, iconic figures of Old Hollywood, shared an on-screen chemistry that extended beyond the silver screen.
Starring in eight films together during the '30s and '40s, their professional collaboration sparked persistent rumors of an off-screen affair that almost jeopardized their careers. Despite attempts to quell public speculation, Crawford later confessed that their relationship "lasted longer than anyone knows," continuing even after Gable's death. This enduring connection played a significant role in supporting Gable through one of the most tragic periods of his life.
Their cinematic partnership began in 1931 when Crawford specifically requested Gable for her film "Dance, Fools, Dance." Originally slated for a smaller role, Gable's part was expanded to capitalize on their undeniable chemistry. Both stars, hailing from humble backgrounds and grappling with insecurities amid Hollywood's glamour, further intensified their on-screen allure. MGM strategically replaced Crawford's original co-star in their next film, "Laughing Sinners" (1931), with Gable, solidifying their on-screen dynamic.
As the pair starred in "Possessed" (1931), their intense on-screen connection mirrored a real-life affair, despite both being married—Crawford to Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Gable engaged to oil heiress Maria Langham. Studio concerns over the moral implications of a relationship between married actors led to interventions, including an extended honeymoon for Crawford and Fairbanks. MGM's moral turpitude clause in contracts necessitated an end to the affair, prompting Crawford to lament the studio's control over her personal life.
Publicly, Crawford and Gable downplayed their relationship, presenting themselves as "good friends" after the film's completion. Privately, however, their connection endured, with Crawford revealing the extent of their affair during the filming of "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" in 1962. Despite their ongoing attraction, they never married due to existing commitments and a reluctance to make further commitments.
While Gable eventually found lasting love with Carole Lombard, Crawford remained a significant figure in his life. When tragedy struck and Lombard died in a plane crash in 1942, Crawford provided comfort to the grieving Gable. Crawford replaced Lombard in Gable's next film and donated her salary to the Red Cross, which had assisted in recovering Lombard's body. Gable's mourning persisted until his death in 1960, underscoring the enduring impact of the unique bond he shared with Joan Crawford.
