Spencer was a troubled man who was a devout Roman Catholic but had affairs with his leading ladies. When his son was born the lad was deaf and Spencer blamed himself, believing it to be a punishment. His co-star and friend at MGM in the 1930s and 1940s was Clark Gable, who was once crowned the king of Hollywood. He was also a heavy drinker and womaniser but unlike Spencer, he did not have any feeling of guilt about it. His widow blamed the strain of the film, but Clark had been a life-long drinker and heavy smoker.