Movieland Mystery Photo

Los Angeles Times file photo

Dec. 17, 1935: The finding by autopsy surgeons last night of evidence that monoxide gas poisoning caused the death of Thelma Todd, blonde motion picture actress whose body was found in her automobile in a Castellammare garage yesterday morning, did not lessen the vigor of an investigation being made by police into the riddle of circumstances surrounding the finding of the film player's body. Because Miss Todd within the past few months had been the recipient of several extortion notes threatening her with death unless she paid $10,000 and because no apparent reason existed for her taking her own life, investigating officers desperately sought an answer to the mystery of her death. Coagulated blood marred the screen comedienne's features and stained her mauve and silver evening gown and her expensive mink coat when she was found, her blonde locks pathetically awry, in the front seat of her automobile....

Comments

[fibber mcgee]

You realize of course you have upset the equilibrium of the entire universe by not revealing the Mystrey Whatever on Friday and starting a new one on Monday. Anything can happen now, the earth can shoot out of its rotation around the sun or Sandra Bullock can win an Oscar. Too horrible to contemplate. (Okay, I'll stop picking on her.)

[Native Angeleno]

And how about that acceptance speech, Fibber? She was robotic.

[fibber mcgee]

Thanks. NA, but the Fibber does not watch Tee Vee and does not have cable or satellite or broadcast at home. He says the lack of same enriches his life!

[Dewey Webb]

Ditto. Might as well cancel Monday.

[benito]

Thelma Todd was dubbed "The Ice Cream Blonde" and starred in 2 Marx Bros. movies. Her death looks like a very clean, professional hit job.