Hot Toddy: The True Story of Hollywood's Most Shocking Crime: The Murder of Thelma Todd [Paperback]

Andy Edmonds (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 16 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm); Mti Rei edition (April 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038071132X
• ISBN-13: 978-0380711321
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,350,687 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hollywood's Hidden History, August 18, 2004

By 

Acute Observer (N. Jersey Shore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hot Toddy: The True Story of Hollywood's Most Shocking Crime: The Murder of Thelma Todd (Paperback)

When Thelma Todd was found dead in her garaged car on December 16, 1935 the authorities declared it a suicide. But many suspected this was a murder. Some of the suspects were: her business associate; her cafe treasurer; a gangster involved with gambling, drugs, and prostitution; and her former husband (p.8). The author became interested in this case, spent seven years researching old records, interviewing men who had inside knowledge of the underworld, and the personal letters of Thelma Todd. These were used to recreate the true story of this murder. Not all sources could be named (p.11). [This book provides a background to Raymond Chandler's stories.]

Chapter One tells about finding her body, and the puzzling facts surrounding this death. Why would a popular and successful comedienne commit suicide? Hollywood considered itself above the law and had the cash to fix any problem. Thelma's body showed lacerations and contusions around her neck, cracked ribs, a broken nose, and a chipped front tooth. Partially digested food was found in her stomach, which contradicted the official explanation of the Medical Examiner (p.28). The Grand Jury heard numerous witnesses whose testimony held up under scrutiny (p.30). The testimony led to a story of mob involvement (p.47). But DA Buron Fitts wanted to squelch this (p.48). Pages 54-57 tell of Thelma's father, and the influences on her life. Thelma's mother dominated her, and pushed her to Hollywood (p.59). The author tells of Thelma's personality as a sexy virgin (pp.60-61). Thelma was named Miss Massachusetts of 1925 (p.66). A talent scout from a movie studio saw her, and signed her. The "good girl" from Lawrence became the sensuous, sexy, sultry blonde (p.68). Pages 76-77 explain how "public relations" worked in Lawrence [and elsewhere].

Chapter Six describes Hollywood in the 1920s; a boom town with a seamy reputation for sex and drugs (pp.82-84). Los Angeles was "wide open" and operated for the politically powerful rich. Hollywood boomed during the Great Depression (p.93). Prohibition empowered gangsters (p.97). Drug dealing brought organized crime to Hollywood (p.115). [This book teaches the history censored from the schoolbooks!] Thelma became dependent on diet pills (p.124). Her "sweet, bubbly personality" made her popular (p.126). Page 139 tells how business competition in restaurants worked. Thelma's career reached new heights when teamed with ZaSu Pitts. But Thelma seemed to have no real male friends (p.221). Thelma took tranquilizers to sleep, and amphetamines for energy (p.224).

There are many people in show business who are found dead after taking pills and drinking alcohol. Victims of gangsters are often shot or knifed, violent bloody deaths. Andy Edmonds builds a case to place Thelma's death as a gangland slaying. The author explains why Roland West's deathbed confession was false (p.279). District Attorney Buron Fitts was rumored to be corrupt and inept (p.281). [Does this explain the stories of Erle Stanley Gardner?]

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More Toddy, Less Gangster, December 26, 2007

By 

Jess W - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hot Toddy: The True Story of Hollywood's Most Shocking Crime: The Murder of Thelma Todd (Paperback)

I picked up this book because I wanted to learn more about Thelma Todd the actress. I really did enjoy it, but if I may...there were a few parts that dragged. I know Thelma and her death may have had ties to the world of gangsters BUT I didn't need to read about the whole feud between Luciano and Capone. It would have been better if all the little bios about Capone, Luciano, Nitti, etc were cut out and the book could focus more on Thelma. That may just be my opinion though.

6 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book to dog--ear, January 27, 2003

By 

Lassie the Wunder Dawg (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hot Toddy: The True Story of Hollywood's Most Shocking Crime: The Murder of Thelma Todd (Paperback)

I would say this is a book that takes some chewing, some thorough digestion, even. When I first got this book, I didn't like it. I put it away with all my other books I don't like. When I got it out again I found it was a much better book than I had at first realized, maybe books, like dog bones, improve with age.