This fresh look at Hollywood’s “Queen of Screwball,” Carole Lombard, presents a first-ever examination of the events that led to the shocking flight mishap that took her life on the side of a Nevada mountain in 1942. It also provides a day-by-day account of the struggles of Lombard’s husband, Clark Gable, and other family, friends, and fans to cope with the tragedy. In effect, having just … completed the first sale of war bonds and stamps in the nation following its entry into World War II, Lombard became the first Hollywood start to sacrifice her life in the War. The War Department offered Gable a funeral service with full military honors, but he refused it, knowing that his wife would not approve of such spectacle. Based on extensive research rather than gossip, this investigation further explores the lives of the 21 others on the plane, including 15 members of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and addresses one of the most enduring mysteries of World War II. On a clear night full of stars, with TWA’s most experienced pilot at the controls of a 10-month-old aircraft under the power of two fully functioning engines, why did the flight crash into that Nevada mountainside? This gripping page-turner presents the story of the people on the plane, the friends and families left behind, and the heroic first responders who struggled up a mountain hoping to perform a miracle rescue. It is a story of accomplishment, bravery, sacrifice, and loss.
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Interesting layout. A chapter on her life then a chapter on the crash throughout the book.
This was a tragic story about two Hollywood icons. Well written. Highly recommended.
This book was very entertaining. The love story between Clark Gable and Carole Lombard provides the gist of the tale. Both characters strengths and frailties are explored and I really felt I was able to get to know them and what made them tick.
In was interesting to learn about the years they reigned as Hollywood celebrities.
Yes! A wonderful Hollywood read. So detailed that I felt like I was there. I kept saying, just one more chapter!
I remember when this happened and have always wondered about the details. The research that went into this book is amazing. Hard to believe the changes in commercial aviation since 1941. A story well told.
Very informative! Always wondered about this crash and those involved.
Interesting discussion of a tragic event. I have always been interested in Clark Gable and Lombard. This has dealt better than any I have read before.
Interesting
Drug out a short story into a l o n g one.
I’m so glad I stuck with this story. Such a sad ending for Carole, Mother and Friend and all the young men….I cannot imagine trying to rescue them and the horror and sadness the remainder of their families went through. Very much appreciated the pictures at the end….kind of brought it all together for me.
An account of a tragic accident, but tons of biographical “filler” because there would not have been enough material for a book. Informative but way too long.
A very sad book that jumps from place to place with very little emotion
I was born in 1939 and had grown up a fan of Clark Gable & had read many different stories about there life & her death. This book was very factual & told the real story. It was great.
I loved this book! It is a bit of a history book about what things used to like in the 20’s, 30’s, and early 40’s. I learned a lot!
Very informative on the life of Carole Lombard! You will enjoy this one!
As one who vaguely remembers the tragedy – this was the first opportunity to get an indept look at how, when, where and why. Insights into the lives of Hollywood’s famous and infamous was enlightening.
Very and interesting reading about the history of this person and the lives she touched. The author did extensive research and with this information put forth an excellent story about each person involved. I like it when the author tells what happened to each person at the end of the story.
As unpredictable as this book may be it begins with the end of the story, that being the death of Carole Lombard in a plane crash, however, all of the circumstances before and after the crash were extensively researched and well written about, with a lot of informative information about Carole Lombard’s life and relationships, esp to Clark Gable, but including other marriages she had and ended for one reason or another. Along with her somewhat shady and active sex life, the author describes her unusual generosity and patriotism, her interesting and intelligent personality with exuberant energetic behavior marked with her proclivity for fun and qualities of leadership skills that infected everyone around her: altho not necessarily beautiful, everyone, esp men, found her very attractive. Apparently she was very down to earth. I wish I had known her, but then I was only 5 years old when she died.