Jean Becker’s book, “The Man I Knew,” is a biography of her father, Clark Gable, who was an iconic Hollywood actor known for his roles in films such as “Gone with the Wind” and “It Happened One Night.” The book delves into the personal life of Clark Gable, including his relationships with women, his military service, and his struggles with alcoholism. Becker provides an intimate look at her father’s life, sharing stories and memories from her own childhood as well as interviews with people who knew him.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: The Early Years
Becker begins by describing her father’s childhood in Ohio and his early interest in acting. She also shares stories of his mother, who was a suffragette and a strong influence on her son. Gable moved to New York City to pursue his acting career and eventually landed a role in the play “The Bird of Paradise,” which led to his first film contract.
Chapter 2: The Rise of Clark Gable
Gable’s career took off in the 1930s, and he became one of the most popular actors in Hollywood. Becker describes his relationships with women, including his marriage to actress Rita Langdon and his affair with Joan Crawford. She also discusses his military service during World War II, during which he entertained troops and made several propaganda films.
Chapter 3: The Love of My Life
In this chapter, Becker writes about her mother, Kay Williams, whom Gable met while filming “Gone with the Wind.” The two fell in love and had a daughter together, but their relationship was complicated by Gable’s infidelity and his reluctance to marry Kay. Despite this, Kay remained devoted to Gable until his death in 1960.
Chapter 4: The Dark Side
Gable struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, and Becker describes how this affected his relationships and his work. She also writes about his strained relationship with his daughter, Judy, who was born with spinal bifida and required extensive surgery and care. Despite these challenges, Gable continued to work and remained a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Conclusion
In her book, Jean Becker provides a detailed and intimate look at the life of Clark Gable, from his early years in Ohio to his rise to fame in Hollywood and his struggles with alcoholism and personal relationships. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, Becker paints a vivid picture of a complex and talented man who left a lasting impact on the world of film. “The Man I Knew” is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood or the life of a beloved actor.
Interested in reading the whole book?
Buy the book “The Man I Knew” on Amazon
