1939 Clark Gable Signed and Inscribed Oversized 11x14 MGM Studio-Issued News Service Photo Promoting Gone With the Wind

Clark Gable has inscribed and signed this impressive, and certainly unusual for its 11 x 14 inch size, MGM studio-issued news service photo issued in 1939 to promote Gable's soon-to-be-released film Gone With the Wind. “Hello, This is it, so they say-Clark” is written in black ink across the photo of Gable at the controls of a tractor. The stamping on the reverse reads “PLEASE CREDIT M-G-M PHOTO BY CLARENCE BULL 5299.” The caption printed on the reverse reads “IT'S 'FARMER GABLE' NOW...Jockey to a tractor is but one of the many chores engaged in by Clark Gable on his new twenty-acre ranch at Encino, in San Fernando Valley, California. There he rests for a spell following his work as Rhett Butler in 'Gone With the Wind.' Selznick International picture to be released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.” The photo would have been sent to keep Gable's name percolating in the entertainment press during the long gap between his screen appearances in Idiot's Delight (January 1939) and Gone With the Wind (December 1939). Shooting and post-production lasted nearly 11 months for Gone With the Wind, which is understandable for the epic, sweeping drama, but this left one of MGM's biggest stars out of the limelight for an awfully long time! The photo presents with only slight toning to the borders and reverse with a few stains on the reverse as well. Though technically lesser due to these and other minor distresses, the image area remains bright and bold in contrast. Excellent to Mint condition. The photo is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.