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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It had a very difficult time finishes this book; I got bored.
A bit more gossip than I expected but well developed.
So much good information that was all new to me. A great portrait of Carole Lombard. There were things I felt the author promised to answer, but didn’t, but it’s a 70 year old mystery, after all!
Two very different stories, Lombard and the plane crash/rescue, combined rather awkwardly in my opinion.
Great job of getting a well-rounded view of this tragic incident.
Very interesting
So sad. LOVED her. She was such an original. A woman way ahead of her time. So so tragic. I loved reading the details.
I enjoyed this book. After reading a book about Clark Gable, I wanted to know
more bout his wife Carole Lombard. This book answered my questions.
This book gave me some great insight into one of Hollywood’s best female actresses, and how she hooked up with Gable. Gable took her death pretty hard. Good read.
I didn’t know that Carole Lombard died in a plane crash less than a couple months after Pearl Harbor returning from a War Bond Drive in Indianapolis. The weaving of the back story of her life as well as her lovers, friends, family and her relationship with Clark Gable was fascinating and new information. Well written, draws you along quickly.
This was a fascinating retelling of the tragic demise of Carole Lombard and how many decisions, if made differently, would have resulted in her not being on the plane when it went down. Because so many people who knew Carole Lombard and Clark Gable were interviewed for the book, you get a real feel for their personalities and their marriage. Plus you get insights into those other stars who were in their world.
While we all know the tragic ending of Carole Lombard’s life, many of the side stories and the others that perished have their story told here. Gripping and yet very sad.
I never knew much about Carole Lombard. I knew she was an actress, but I didn’t know she was married to Clark Gable. The book takes you from her teen years, til her death on a mountain top. Tragic story, but also has some humor. If you are interested in “Old Hollywood” this book is for you.
I have always enjoyed movies with Carole Lombard in them (showing my age)
I already knew a few things about her life, but reading her life story was really eye opening. She was a very complex person. There were many sides to her character. Although she was a very fun loving person and cared deeply for many people, she could be quite self centered as well. She affected many people with her wit and charm and her untimely and really unexplained death was felt by people all over the world. I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys her movies and wants to learn more about the real Carole Lombard .
Love true stories about famous people. I have her name and always identified with her passionate life.
I always wondered what happened to that TWA airplane. This book covers that plus an in-depth look at Ms. Lombard. Great read.
A well-researched and haunting story of the first female casualty of WWII, Carole Lombard was on a bond drive tour. Coming back from Indiana with her mother and her manager, their small commercial plane hit the side of Mt. Potosi, in Nevada, killing everyone aboard. This is a somewhat technical book, but not to the point that the human interest story/love story between Lombard and a heartbroken Clark Gable is neglected.
TRIGGER WARNING: Some of the descriptions of the remains of the passengers are graphic, which depending on how you look at it, can be informational or a little bit too much for some.
I like reading this type of book and I found this one interesting. Very sad.
Enjoyed my first biography about the tragic, famous blond who held Clark Gable’s heart and soul for the brief time that they were married. So sad……and sad, too, that she did not heed her mother’s and other’s advice not to travel by train that fateful day.
Interesting. I always enjoy reading about real people.