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Clark Gable

Portrait of a Misfit

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Clark Gable

Written by: Jane Ellen Wayne
Narrated by: S. Patricia Bailey
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To his fans, he was the king of Hollywood. To others, he was the embittered and alcoholic king of tragedy. In all shades of life, his character was epic.

Gable's rise to idol stature was swift. He made close to one hundred films in his lifetime and achieved immortalization in the timeless epic, Gone with the Wind. Off-screen, the man who finally won the indomitable Scarlett O’Hara was even more of a lady’s man than his character. He seduced, and, in several cases, married women of immense wealth to sustain his extravagant lifestyle and further his career. Among his most famous lovers were Hollywood stars Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, and Joan Crawford. But only Carole Lombard, with her stunning blonde looks and bawdy sense of humor, captured his heart and taught him how to love.

©1993 Jane Ellen Wayne (P)2000 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Entertainment & Celebrities Witty Heartfelt
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Clark Gable was a fascinating character: susceptible to being lovesick and emotionally vulnerable but also an unapologetic opportunist. To be certain, biographer Jane Ellen Wayne focusses on the more "gossipy" elements of the actor's life (rather than his impressive professional acheivements and obvious talent) but the impression of a promiscuous booze-soaked lothario feels authentic (sex was definitely a major motivator for decisions in Clark Gable's life).
Besides the focus on the more salacious "Inside Hollywood" scuttlebutt, Wayne takes a jawdropping measure of artistic license (heavily dramatizing encounters with invented expletive-laden dialogue, for example).. but filmography, life events, and relationships are well-researched and puntiliously documented. The book is readable - and I learned a lot about an early Hollywood icon.

Blackstone Audio did reasonably well enlisting S. Patricia Bailey to read the book, too.. and give her quality technical support - but the above-average narration is nonetheless unspectacular (another reader could have done an equally effective job).

The book is obviously trying to capitalize on the "Sex Sells" axiom - 'Clark Gable: Portrait Of A Misfit' is overloaded with bedroom anecdotes.. but undoubtedly fascinating.
It rates a respectable 8 stars out of 10. Don't expect anything approaching perspicacious, but if you're okay with a decent 'Esquire' exposé with some 'National Enquirer' elements, this is an entertaining option for a couple of quiet afternoons - particularly if you can get it as a 'Plus' selection. Even if they asked for a Credit, it would likely be worth it for you.

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