The golden era of Hollywood witnessed the captivating onscreen partnership of Joan Crawford and Clark Gable in a series of films spanning the 1930s and 1940s.

Their undeniable chemistry extended beyond the silver screen, blossoming into a clandestine affair that nearly jeopardized their established careers.

Despite fading from the public eye, Crawford later disclosed that their romantic entanglement endured far longer than commonly believed.

Delve into the enduring love between Crawford and Gable, and discover how she provided solace during one of the darkest periods in his life.

The Beginning of a Fiery Connection

Crawford’s initial collaboration with Gable materialized in response to her specific request for him to star alongside her in the 1931 production of Dance, Fools, Dance.

Originally slated for a minor role, Gable’s part was significantly expanded by producer Irving Thalberg to intensify his on-screen presence with Crawford, then a leading actress at MGM.

Unlike Crawford’s husband at the time, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Gable hailed from modest origins and shared a sense of unease and inadequacy amidst the glitz of Hollywood.

This shared background likely fueled their potent onscreen rapport, prompting MGM to replace Crawford’s original co-star with Gable in subsequent projects, as reported by The Modern Screen Magazine in 1932.

A Reel Romance Turned Real

Their on-screen chemistry reached new heights in Possessed (1931), marking their third joint venture that year.

The film apparently mirrored the burgeoning off-screen passion between the two stars, enveloping them in a steamy affair concealed from the prying eyes of the public, according to Closer Weekly.

MGM’s Interference and Moral Concerns

Amidst Crawford’s marriage to Hollywood luminary Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Gable’s engagement to oil heiress Maria Langham, rumors of their illicit liaison swirled within the industry.

Studio head Louis B. Mayer expressed apprehension over the potential fallout of an extramarital affair involving two prominent actors.

In a bid to quell the scandal, Crawford and Fairbanks were dispatched on an extended honeymoon, a futile endeavor orchestrated by MGM, as detailed by The Daily Mail.

The studio’s contractual provisions, including a clause pertaining to moral turpitude, compelled Crawford to terminate the affair, as recounted in Roy Newquist’s Conversations with Joan Crawford.

The Enduring Flame of Love

Despite efforts to suppress speculation surrounding their relationship, Crawford disclosed the enduring nature of her connection with Gable during the filming of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane in 1962.

Acknowledging their protracted and intense affair, Crawford emphasized that their mutual commitments to other marriages and a reluctance to forge new ties hindered them from formalizing their bond.

Ultimately, their deep-rooted friendship prevailed over any romantic inclinations, underscoring the unique bond they shared.

Gable’s Tragic Love Story with Carole Lombard

Gable’s romantic trajectory took a poignant turn with his profound affection for Carole Lombard, culminating in their union in 1939 following his divorce from Langham.

Despite Crawford’s jealousy over Gable’s newfound love and soaring success during their final collaboration in Strange Cargo, she stood as a pillar of support when tragedy struck.

Lombard’s untimely demise in a plane crash in 1942 left Gable shattered, seeking solace in Crawford’s comforting embrace.

Crawford’s unwavering loyalty was evident as she stepped in for Lombard in Gable’s subsequent film and donated her earnings to the Red Cross in honor of Lombard’s memory.

A Legacy of Unfulfilled Longing

Gable’s grief-stricken state following Lombard’s passing drove him to enlist in the Army Air Force with a purported death wish.

Although he navigated through World War II and remarried, the void left by Lombard’s absence lingered until his demise in 1960.

Crawford, reflecting on Gable’s enduring impact on her life, acknowledged that no subsequent relationship, including her marriage to Pepsi-Cola CEO Alfred Steele, could eclipse the profound connection she shared with Gable.

The poignant reminiscences of their unfulfilled love story underscored the irreplaceable bond they cherished till the end.