Long Live the King: A Biography of Clark Gable

by Lyn Tornabene

Gable the irresistible, Gable the indestructible. A last, long look at the greatest and most private star the movies ever made.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Film, History, Biography Memoir

423 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, more precisely. Enjoyable biography of Clark Gable that enlightened me about his background, personality, work, and times, with an interesting glimpse at Hollywood in the 1930s through 1960s. I knew he was famous back then, but Clark Gable was quite the rock star; I had no idea. One story related how his car was once surrounded by rabid fans who were rocking the vehicle so hard trying to get at him, he was afraid they would tip him out of it. I have seen very few of his movies outside of Gone with the Wind. I may have to do a mini-Gable film festival at my house soon and take a look at some of the others.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in 6 sittings. Being a huge Hollywood history fan, I particularly liked the info regarding the lives of movie stars in the 30's, 40's and 50's. My parents worshipped Clark Gable, so that was some motivation for reading the book. This is a very favorable look at Clark Gable, as well as almost everyone else. It is gossipy, but I don't recall any real scandalous information revealed. The details from the movies in his career are very interesting, and memorable. I strongly recommend this book if you're interested in Hollywood history.....loved GWTW.....

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many rabbit trails of Freudian psychology, but other than that I enjoyed the book.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book I wore out. I was fascinated by Gable and Lombard.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concerning biographies of Hollywood celebrities sometimes the books written in the 1970s-1980 are well worth tracking down as the writers had the ability to do first-person interviews of people that knew the subjects and who (perhaps) did not normally speak on the record. "Long Live the King" is certainly one of those books. If anyone wants to learn more about actor Clark Gable, I would start with Ms. Tornabene's book. There are two subsequent books that dealt with Clark Gable that are worth reading, notably the book written by his and Loretta Young's daughter Judy Lewis, and the Robert Matzen book written about Carole Lombard, "Fireball". A very good read; should be easy to find as it was published both in hardback edition and trade paperback.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading GWTW, I went down the rabbit hole and learned this book was suppose to be the definitive biography of CG. It was written in 1976 when many of his contemporaries were still alive. I also learned that CG’s former MGM publicist was one of the main contributors to the book so perhaps he was still looking out for CG’s reputation. Anyway, I find CG to be a fascinating person. He knew he was not a talented actor and didn’t like being a celebrity but he loved the money he made by being one. I think he realized he took Carole Lombard for granted during their marriage and he felt guilty about it (and how she died) for the rest of his life. My two cents worth, anyway. I really enjoyed this book and found it a worthwhile read.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and arresting biography of Clark Gable. The story of Gable, one, if not the most favored movie star during the"golden age" of Hollywood is brought to life thru studio archives and other never before published information. Not only is this a story of the man, but it is also a story of Hollywood at its finest, from the studio contracts to the engrossing stories of celebrities and movie makers. The quality of research enriches the story of just who Clark Gable was and who he became. You will enjoy his movies even more after reading about him and his illustrious career.

[Jamie Manley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the sections on his early life and his relationship with Carole Lombard. (Seriously, I was tearing up.) The rest of the book was pretty good except for the ways in which the author describes his relationships with other women. Before his fourth marriage they are referred to as his “collection” and at another point some of them are described as “toll-house cookies.” Not really ok with that. But this book was written over forty years ago, so not too rage inducing.

[Joey K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love classic movie stars and if you are a fan of Clark Gable, this is the only one worth reading.

[Ann Stoudt]

A Biography of Clark GableClark Gable, the King, the quintessential American movie star, whose jaunty self-assurance and unaffected masculinity made him a hero to millions, comes excitingly to life in this awesomely detailed new biography. What distinguishes Long Live The King from most other biographies of show business celebrities is the quality of research and depth of insight which penetrates the cloak of legend surrounding this complex, fascinating individual.

[Travis Whirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

My grandma, years ago, had the paperback of this bio. I really enjoyed Clark Gable. He really had a rags to riches tale. Went thru his life trying to have the void filled losing his mother at such a young age, and losing Carol Lombard. He was a Hollywood legend, but at the same time humanistic, earthy, and manly in the fullest sense. He was glamorous but rugged. He was the heart of what the Golden Age of Hollywood was.

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[Ronald · Rating 3 out of 5]

read some time in 1980

[Susan Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, and a good starting point for other biographies!

📚 Read book version.

[Susan Worthy]

Who is W.H. Allen? According to the book cover Lyn Tornabene is the author.