Clark Gable as Candy Brown in 'Honky Tonk' Designed by Gile Steele

Navy blue wool herringbone stripe period coat with wide peaked lapel, two black button front closure, slash pocket at left chest, two lower round flap pockets, two black buttons at center back vent. MGM label which reads: [CLARK GABLE 1773 2193 1197]; grey vest w/ four pockets, six button closure and rounded lapels. [MGM cleaning tag and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer label inscribed "Clark Gable, 1773-2172-427"]; prop blue and white pin dot tie, prop blue striped pants; prop white long-sleeve shirt; prop sterling silver pocket watch chain with shield medallion; prop large rhinestone tie tack.

Clark Gable, who is most known for playing Rhett Butler in the film “Gone With The Wind,” was insistent on playing the ruthless con man and gambler, Candy Johnson, in the black and white western “Honky Tonk.” His wife, Carole Lombard, resisted the idea. He had been cast opposite Lana Turner and Lombard was well aware of the reputation of both stars having affairs with their co-stars. The chemistry between the two stars was apparent on and off the set and Lombard made frequent visits to the set which were disruptive; she was eventually barred from the set. Many people believe these suspicions eventually lead to Lombard’s death, when she rushed back to Hollywood, during a War Bond drive and her plane crashed.

Robert Kallock designed the gowns for the film. But, male stars often resented their wardrobe being designed by the same designers because they felt too much focus was placed on the dresses. Gile Steel, who was known for designing for men, was often teamed with other, more well known designers. He was nominated and won several Oscars for Costume Design, but always shared them with the designers who designed the women’s clothes. He had an extremely promising career but he died of a heart attack at the early age of 43.