Posted by Faye Bell on September 25, 2000 at 20:28:05:

Regarding Clark Gable's "manhood" ....

Filming reached the point where the script called for Gable to collapse in tears because Scarlett, goaded by Rhett, had fallen down the stairs, miscarried a child, and almost died.

Gable refused to cry on camera. He feared it would ruin his image with his fans, for in his mind (and in the popular culture of the day), real men did not cry. Carole Lombard reminded him that he had always known it was in the script. Victor Fleming, he-man among men himself, assured Gable the public would approve. But, Gable was obstinate.

Finally, Fleming told him they would film two versions of the scene -- one with tears, one without. Gable could review them both and have the final decision on which would be used. The actor reluctantly agreed.

Monday, May 29, a dim and rain-soaked light shadowed Gable's haggard face. There was absolute silence on the set. Then the sound of Melanie's gentle voice rose, and Rhett wept, wrenchingly, in full view of the camera. The scene was played beautifully, and even Gable was forced to agree that the tears would stay.

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