Stunning details have emerged about the fiery plane crash that took the life of screen legend Carole Lombard — a heartbreaking tragedy that stunned the nation in 1942 and haunted her husband, Clark Gable, until his death in 1960.

A new book reveals the truth behind Clark's anguish: Carole had insisted on taking the fatal flight to rush home and save their troubled marriage!

Wed in 1939, the pair were the super-couple of Hollywood's Golden Age. Carole was the Queen of Screwball and dashing Clark was riding high on "Gone With the Wind" — but their legendary love was plagued by his infidelity.