John Gilbert
John Gilbert was born John Pringle on July 10, 1895 in Logan, Utah. He entered films through family connections in 1916 and slowly worked his way up to leading man. By the mid 20s, he had become one of Hollywood's top romantic leads. His teaming with Garbo for the 1927 film Flesh And The Devil was a match made for box office heaven. Apparently the sparks flew off screen as well and Gilbert proposed to Garbo three times. Gilbert's box office appeal began to diminish with the advent of sound. For decades, a rumor circulated that claimed Gilbert's voice was too high pitched and that audiences laughed when he spoke on screen. This was false because Gilbert made several sound films, including Queen Christina, in which his voice was fine. Film researchers have come to the conclusion that Gilbert's downfall was due to studio head Louis B. Mayer. Mayer disliked Gilbert intensely and after one heated argument (that dealt with Garbo), Mayer vowed to destroy Gilbert's career. The true story may never be known, but Gilbert began to drink heavily and succumbed to a heart attack in 1936 at the age of 40. He married three times (to actresses Leatrice Joy, Ina Claire and Virginia Bruce.)
Films with Garbo:
Flesh And The Devil
Love
A Woman Of Affairs
Queen Christina
Leading Men Index
Films with Garbo:
Flesh And The Devil
Love
A Woman Of Affairs
Queen Christina
Leading Men Index