Part 2: The Strange and Mysterious Circumstances of Thelma Todd

I finally have been able to fix my microphone - so hopefully the sound for this video comes out better.
The link to Wolf's blog:
www.marvinjwolf...
For any questions regarding my research into Todd's life, I'd be happy to answer them the best I can - but for more in depth inquiries I can point you in the direction of the experts.
I do not own any of the pictures, clips or music in the making of this video.
I publish little videos like this to keep these actors/actresses relevant, not to monetize. It's strictly for educational purposes and to peak interest in viewers to keep these classics from truly dying. Therefore, this video is protected under the Fair Use Act as I am only using these images/videos to express the educational interest of the viewers. The music is used to immerse the video into the era using time-appropriate beats.
I highly recommend looking into the films that are mentioned in this video and would love to see these classics brought back to light.
As a Historian and Researcher, I do my hardest to back up every piece of information and do not get all my tidbits from one source - this way I can ensure the viewer is getting the most amount of knowledge on the subject.
Enjoy!
Please subscribe to see more videos when they become available - as well as checking out the videos I have made previously.

[@ArchernAce]

I am haunted by Thelma Todd and as a kid loved her dearly. It was upsetting to find out from my father that she 'killed herself'. I delved into it and read every book on Hollywood which led me to a lifelong passion for silent films. I don't remember much of my visit to the murder/death scene but I was told the smell of a cars engine is present. Since the highway is right there it's assumed that's the cause. This was such a good documentary. Your passion and knowledge of Thelma came through. Thank you.

[@bhartley868]

I do not think she deliberately killed herself.

[@Alexandra-vp1gm]

Dear Nicole.....thank you so very much for all the dedication and work you have put into presenting Ms Todd's career and life.....and clearing her name. She must be happy also that someone cared enough to do this....she was a great actress as I have seen several of her movies and enjoyed them.....Wow the time it must have taken to put this together and to honor this woman. Good on you! My best friend came over last night and we both watched part two. I told her all about the part one and as I was about to watch part two she said she would also. I love the fashion and the era so we settled in on the lounge and we watched it together. I totally agree with you about how to remember her.....so many actresses in particular had their names muddied and their hard work and determination just pushed aside over one thing and that one thing was probably heavily BS. You see it all the time. She was an incredible personality and a really a strong woman. I appreciate that there are people like you who are also hard working and determined to do a good job and get the truth out. You are amazing!!!

[@lallancashire2201]

Excellent documentary (as is Part One) that's compelling and well put together. Thanks for making this thoughtful and intelligent film 👍

[@carriekelly4186]

Oh no I didn't know Buzby Berkeley did that. I'm just familiar with the geometrical designs with dancing girls😢

[@carriekelly4186]

That singing at the end is so repulsive I had to shut it off. Iiich

[@fredmertz1914]

Great photos. Thelma's movie footage at the end is fantastic. First-rate narrative on the controversy surrounding Thelma's questionable death. I agree. Roland West was culpable.

[@lanbar5]

Your research is admirable. I am a writer and have done great amounts of research, which I personally enjoy more than writing. It takes you in directions you never expected to go. This is the first video of of yours I have seen but, will definitely check out the others.

[@SrAJones-ns7sx]

Again a nice indepth look into Thelma thx for the details and work

[@haleighbell8003]

Thank you for the research and tribute to the classy, beautiful, elegant and the one, and only Thelma Todd, forever, Thelma Todd. R.I.P. sweet one.

[@bobdobalina2931]

This and Part One were absolutely amazing. I've been riveted to the screen for two straight hours and have come away feeling devastated that it's over and wishing for more, but I'm now going to embark upon your other videos. Thank you for such an incredibly detailed documentary and I honestly think that Thelma would have been delighted with the treatment you gave her. It was fair and the research absolutely meticulous. Never have I come away from a biographical documentary feeling that I know the subject as much as I have here. This must surely redress the balance of opinion about Thelma Todd.

[@Deepbluecat]

Great job! I have a newfound respect for her, and believe she was a very good and versatile actress that would have rivaled Betty Davis had she been given the opportunity to really shine

[@kimlee1416]

Thank you Nicole, for all your research about Thelmas life. You have done an excellent job. Well done.

[@carolwilson8620]

Very very informative excellent investigation

[@mawzon59]

Beautiful and respectfully handled. Well done

[@gorillabff1003]

Watched part 1 and 2. Thanks again ! Great job. Enjoyed both parts very much. RIP Thelma.

[@pennywollett3953]

Thank you for a compelling biography of an amazing artist. I love how your honest about what Hollywood is really about, the sordid underbelly of the beast system which it is and will always be. People who want to become famous need to know the truth before their lives are ruined. Can't play with the devil and not get burned.

[@Fraevo10]

So you believe Hal Roach kept his knowledge of the night of Thelma Todd's death from her mother Alice ?

[@peggyhill7283]

Thank you so much for this respectful & excellent documentary on Ms. Todd. You did her proud.

[@kimlerner389]

Nicole, I sure wish you would start making videos again - you really did a great job with this video and the video on Norma Shearer!

[@sarahclaireclaire7586]

💜💜💜 Your channel... Bringing back memories of old films shown on TV. Thank you for sharing 💜💜💜 all this wonderful information💯 😁🇦🇺

[@caroltenge5147]

4:14, the car is in neutral. The brake is pulled all the way back....... She never drove that night.

[@carolbruster3777]

VERY WELL DONE...THANKYOU!!! 👏👏👏

[@janethayes5941]

Well you've done a fantastic job introducing me to Thelma Todd. Thank you so very much.💞

[@anabanana4526]

Beautifully done! 👏🏽

[@redheaddetective8424]

Great video!!

[@effortless_choice]

Once again, brilliant work - Nicole. As good as you are at research…I was wondering where this video was going to end up; Marvin J. Wolfe was the correct destination. I - too read the article be wrote, It’s stunning in it’s depth and breadth of detail. You managed to share the pertinent details and to add your own thoughts & research in an (absolutely) stunning fashion. Thank you for all your hard work. Thelma Todd thanks you…I’m quite sure 👍

[@frozenboot68]

This was a really, really good set of videos, Nicole. It was so well done: I was riveted. FYI world: just because someone wasn't "A" list doesn't mean they weren't talented. Why Frank Sinatra over Dick Haymes? Why Judy Garland and not Deanna Durbin? It could be some chose to give something the others weren't able or willing to, the same reasonThelma Todd chose not to to save her own soul. Very few make it to the pinnacle, and those that do I would not wish to look too deep into their eyes for anything in the world. Silver, bronze and participation ribbons are also important too.

[@kennopalus]

Can you please do a story on David Nivens wife Primula Rollo . She died at a party at actor Tyrone Power house .

[@stevescott8060]

Interesting, and a good presentation, definitely watch part 1.

[@MsVanorak]

Very well done. thank you for your time and effort.

[@kittiwhieldon4329]

Loved your video. Keep them coming!

[@marktaylor9975]

The car was on, the battery drained to 2.5 L in the tank? 3 things going on here but ran together. So was it running, switch on engine off, drained I’m confused. Awesome series btw. I love your prospective on her. The facts and essences are really in this. Nice job. -Correction: Watching the rest of video straightened it out. Well done, all aspects covered.

[@larryaldrich4351]

Have about a dozen of her pictures in my collection and always on the lookout for more.

[@Andreatheists-yy1oj]

Excellent work. Continue the research.....

[@pumpkinpatch5]

Incredible documentary! You've poured so much effort into this! Thank you so much for sharing as well as doing Thelma Todd justice. x

[@rosemaryfranzese317]

This is a superb two part documentary. We learn so much about Thelma’s life and this seems to be the most logical account of her tragic death. The fact that it would have taken only three minutes for the garage to fill up with carbon monoxide is very telling

[@timothysullivan6790]

What a GREAT job you’ve done here, Nicole!

[@susanjohnson2816]

Gloria Vanderbilt married Pat Desico and she said," he beat her up." In the end, she said. " I ran away because I was getting very scared of him."

[@michelelane4662]

Thank you so very much for this peek into my childhood viewing! I absolutely loved her movies. I so very much appreciated the treatment and work of love this showed for someone, even if she did have problems (who doesn’t), glowed with a beauty that cannot be denied. I do pray that she rests in peace.❤️🕊🌈🍀🙏😇❣️

[@user-bu7jl6zy5d]

Thelma Todd's friend and fellow actress Patsy Kelly went on to portray "Laura Louise" in "Rosemary's Baby" (1968). Her character was the neighbor and fellow Satan worshipper of Minnie Castevet (Ruth Gordon), who together drop in on Rosemary (Mia Farrow). Your scenario of Thelma's death makes sense. She was definitely not a suicide, and that would have been a peculiar way to kill somebody. Someone else was involved, and an "accidental murder" fits the evidence. I think a good and talented lady died that morning.

[@thejewelrycabana3057]

Great job researching. I just don’t believe she walked up those steps intoxicated.

[@evaperez4139]

Wonderfully done. She made me smile, laugh and sad. At 42:17 reminds me of Lucille Ball dressed like an Alien from Mars. Her beauty had a glow. Rest in peace

[@figmo397]

Excellent documentary. I agree with your judgment on this one. I'd heard that it was common knowledge amongst Hollywood insiders that West and Todd had an affair going and that West was very possessive of her. The whole West thing makes sense. After Fatty Arbuckle's career got murdered by the press, the studios couldn't afford a repeat. As for Thelma, I was a fan of her and her work before I saw your two-part documentary. It took a strong woman to hold her own with the Marx Brothers, and that's where I first noticed Thelma Todd. This caused me to want to see more of her work and learn more about her. I agree with you that folks shouldn't let her death overshadow her career. I wish she'd have lived on because she had so much potential.

[@trudyvarnell3154]

Great video. Good music 🎵🎶.. I liked it..

[@dorothykerr873]

Sad... If murdered truth deserves to be told.

[@caroltenge5147]

was NOT murdered.

[@kpflo123]

Excellent work. I'd ❤ 2 hear more. I've an 8 by 10 of Thelma. She was gorgeous. Again, 10Q.

[@camsnow2856]

Terrific. Very interesting.

[@mariacardenas4665]

Miss Her

[@ohslimgoody]

But her nose was fractured and her lip busted! It's in the corner report

[@LOVEisBLUE-k9j]

A have a few minor points of contention 😄 Firstly : good job in Thelma being able to "storm up the steps" (30.30).......over 200 of them.......& at the same time have difficulty walking. (31.50). Second : There was another way up to the garages that didn't involve stairs. Third : Are we meant to assume it was a moonlit night or daybreak as climbing those stairs ( they were wooden back then I believe) would be very dangerous in the dark in her condition. Fourth : I wonder why Roland West supposedly told police that Thelma's mother lived in Hollywood when her mother's house overlooked what is now the Getty Villa.

[@rachelhagins1401]

I think this documentary is awesome!

[@sue5158]

West seems sketchy. My guess, I heard West called Thelma to come home but she didn't till early morning. I think West caused some issue when she came home, maybe fought with her, and she then went to her car to sleep or she unconscious and was put in the car.

[@orangehoof]

You really put a lot of effort into this and go beyond the blonde corpse that is sadly Thelma's largest legacy today. The person I would most compare her life to, oddly enough, is Madonna - someone who came from humble beginnings and made a name for herself by being sexy and campy. Both pretty much didn't care what anyone thought of them which allowed them to be as racy and daring as they wanted to be - and the guys couldn't resist. With the information you've added, I think this adds up to an accidental or possibly intentional suicide. She was a very worldly 29 years old and she knew better than most that Hollywood doesn't last forever, but you could see in her final roles that she was putting on the pounds, her male relationships weren't working out and now comes the news that her studio was ending her contract. Plus a "heart condition" at that age? That's enough for plenty of women in a drunken state to muse about ending it all. The compact garage would have filled quickly with carbon monoxide but autos were only 20 or so years old at the time and the dangers of this silent killer might not have been well known. Even if the car had no heater, the warmth of the engine in a tight space would have offered some warmth plus the fur coat. The locked door might have been the last straw. Such a shame. A pretty blonde adored by millions who could see that she couldn't hold her youth forever. Yes, she deserves to be remembered for much more than being the beautiful corpse at the center of a murder mystery but she wasn't the right sort of soul for the meat grinder that was and still is Hollywood. In that sense, she's not unique any more than hundreds of other victims of the Dream Machine. Ask Peg Entwistle. Ask Carole Landis. Ask Inger Stevens and Jean Seberg and many more who didn't even make it that far in their careers. The ride always comes to an end, for some much sooner than others.

[@keetahbrough]

And the corruption of society is the fact that they compromised everything good and whole and intact, to fracture and break and destroy.. for an economy. Money and fame being man made by-products; of zero importance, in reality.

[@fraser_mr2009]

Her death was ruled a tragic accident by investigators. She wasn't murdered as there were no signs of foul play on her body.

[@MrBuddybones]

The “date” DiCicco brought to the Trocadero was Margaret Lindsey, a friend of Thelma’s and known lesbian. Never understood why she was with him at the party. Beard? Friend only? Weird.

[@mariacardenas4665]

That’s Strange

[@terr777]

Bravo!

[@MrKgbronx12]

Wow! You figured her death out just like that; wasn't even there. Just goes to show how infantile the detective work was back then. I was already thinking how did she wipe her mouth if she died from carbon monoxide poisoning. He obviously hit her in the mouth before she got to the car. Also, what a beautiful tribute to her.

[@larryaldrich4351]

Mysterious circumstances, similar to George Reeves and David Jannsen.

[@ardiffley-zipkin9539]

Excellent documentary. I also watched Part One. Bad men or women are often the cause of many peoples downfall. What a shame that the same Hollywood Hypocrites who took advantage of her in life then cut her out of het last film. A harmless Laurel & Hardy film which I have seen. God rest her soul. She was a beautiful woman. Thanks for adding St James Infirmary, a great old Blues song. Looking forward to more of your work.

[@emmalee7995]

You did such a good job telling Thelma's story I learned so much but I think it could have been suicide because people sometimes people keep their demons to themselves and portray a happy depiction to hide it from the world.

[@keetahbrough]

xo

[@johngarbarini8474]

The coroner found bruises on the inside of TT's throat, as if a bottle had been forced down it. Hal Roach was informed of TT's mother, who had hired a private detective, whose report pointed at Luciano. Roach turned white when Luciano's name was mentioned, and pressed Mrs.Todd to drop the matter. TT got mixed up with bad men, who wanted to use her club for gambling, drug, and gun running. Gun running was Luciano's specialty.

[@MsVanorak]

that's what i think too. he wanted to move in on the failing cafe and install illegal gambling (in california at that time). Todd knew that gun/drugs running and prostitutes would follow and said 'no' - which probably wasn't something that luciano took too well. She had given up drinking for quite some time on her drs advice but luciano wanted to drink a toast to something and when she declined to drink with him he forced a bottle of champagne down her throat. i found a newspaper snippet reporting that. She also had broken ribs and possible broken nose. why threaten the head waiter at the trocadero for no reason? she was beat up somewhere else and put in the garage with the engine running. the loss of her contract at rko studios would have been a good reason for suicide to be plausible. a few people knew but either it was in their interest to keep quiet or they were frightened. I think it was similar for Marilyn monroe - died at the cal-neva lodge in the company of some mob men and her bedroom death scene staged with a 24+ hour discrepancy on her time of death. strange thing that the same names and studios keep coming up in these hollywood mystery deaths. rko studios and one of the bosses there.

[@4evagrace789]

I don’t think anybody did anything to her I think something to do with her medication 😢Obviously she was sitting in the middle bc when they open the car her head was already at the drivers side.🥺 something about the position doesn’t sit right with me🤔

[@richardswinbusk7787]

Sorry but I have been a follower of Miss Thelma Todd for years her brilliant talent first, her tragic passing last It was just an unfortunate accident There is no reason to assume any other

[@paulbarton7886]

was she chauffered from the Trocadero to where she lived in her own car or did the chauffeur use another car?

[@susantaft7599]

I heard of miss Todd in a skit on the Carol Burnett skit but I did not know the story only the name

[@gwilson664]

How do you die of monoxide poisoning in a convertible phaeton?

[@LOVEisBLUE-k9j]

The Phaeton was a V-12. Powerful engine emitting a hell of a lot of fumes in a confined space.

[@cm9439]

A better book about Thelma Todd's death is Testimony of A Death: Thelma Todd: Mystery, Media and Myth in 1935 Los Angeles by Patrick Jenning and Marshall Croddy.

[@meowmeow8402]

@cm9439. May I ask where you purchased this book? I tried to purchase this book through Kindle but could not. Thank you.

[@cm9439]

@@meowmeow8402 I found it on Amazon.

[@donaldhelgeson6769]

The truth finally comes out about the death of Thelma Todd, thanks to Hal Roach

[@MrDravenLee]

Thelma ❤❤❤🥰😘

[@marcyboyd1698]

I think Roland killed her or a man named Paul

[@dgf6275]

Case Closed. Brava 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@keetahbrough]

I really enjoyed what she did, with her will lol. It shows how clever a woman she really was.. ;)

[@Daemonicuss]

Why is my comment deleted?

[@nicolefrederick4918]

I'm not sure how your comment was deleted, unfortunately, I have noticed that KZbin has been coming through and deleting a lot of comments (without my consent) and I can't even go back and review them. I don't have any filters set - so, I must assume it's KZbin just being KZbin and preemptively deleting things without my approval. I wish I knew how to reverse that process. I am usually pretty busy and can't respond to all comments, but I did see your previous post and I found it very insightful! I'm so happy you enjoyed the book, I did find it well written and very eye-opening on Hollywood's darker secrets. Makes one really wonder how many things have been covered up, I can think of a few other crimes off the top of my head! One I will briefly mention in my next video.

[@Daemonicuss]

@@nicolefrederick4918 Dear Nicole, Thank you so much for taking the time to explain what happened. I was pretty irritated by the removal because I kept on wondering what I said what was so wrong. I still don’t know and I guess it is maybe because I listed two links of where I read the book and where I got the idea. It really sucks that KZbin deletes comments without you (and others) knowing and without your consent and approval and no way to reverse or alter that process. I now wonder how often this has happened to me in the past and I blamed the people of the channel? When I posted I never ever expected you to comment on my post, I just wanted to contribute to the very great made video you posted and wanted to add my 2 cents into the mix. The funny thing was I just read the book about Fallen Angels and while I was watching your video I thought I will reference Fallen Angels as a comment. And lo and behold it was mentioned in the video! I really gave a little roar because I saw you mentioned it, since it is the most compelling and convincing statement I read in many books. I do wonder where she must have been that Sunday (15 December 1935) the full day! The coroner said she must have died around Monday morning (if I remember correctly from more sources), so she must have been away Sunday, since she also had different food in her stomach, that wasn’t served at the Trocadero Club. Also, I found it strange when I read Fallen Angels that it seems there neighbours had heard her beat on the door of the villa for 10 minutes a day before her death. I never knew this after reading a 2015 book about her that in which they described everything in details from her birth to her death. It was the name I said in the previous post (I won’t repeat it because of fear of removal). Thank you for the compliment of being insightful and thanks again for the reaction because now it all makes sense to me again ;-). I already gave a thumps up and now I am also subscribed to your wonderful channel. Keep up the great work sweet lady, I will be curious what you will post more in the future.

[@ruthnrivera2769]

Rest in peace 😘🥲🥀🕯️🪦💐too bad 😞😔 she would bee a more greater 🌟like Luci Ball,she was first comedian woman 💜🤪i love Hollywood classic 🎬🎞️🎭🎥💯😘🤩😍🥰Tunner Classic and The Movie 🎥 🤩🎞️🎭🎬Channel 📺i love the 20s and 30s to the 50s i thought it was a mafia lover? But i didn't know that problely her director West was her killer 🥷🧛🦹Soo young and beautiful, 🤣🤣❤️her movies with Laury and Harby 🤪😜🤣😂🥲😭 And she was Soo sweet and desent and want to bee 🤵👰💒and bee a 🤰🤱👪 Too 😢 he destroyed her dreams and her mom lost her little boy and huspend and her daughter, poor lady 😭 🛐✝️✡️😇 Thanks 👍👏👏is a sad 🔚 of one a beautiful blonde 🌟💋💯of classic Hollywood clásico. And they were Soo abused and mead 🧟🧛🦹

[@ruthnrivera2769]

A great super a classic 🌁 Hollywood 🌟🎥🎞️🎬🎭📺🤩💋💯❤️💜🥲😭🔚🥀💐🌼

[@barbarapineda9062]

Arc you's hardly knows her's and also, she's a victorians female, born 1900s yrs ago, that's m. Granny generational, she's born 1908s Thelma Todd younger's, sister's, sister's also it' fact she's was a gorge...n... her's primed and the individ...did took controls of her's, that's time's individ... had too do what's mentors or do told there's the door's exited goes.out she's, not the only beautiful actresses, either's many fished n...the sea's,

[@richarddavenport31]

HER MOVIES WILL LIVE ON FOREVER, THAT WAS HER LEGACY!!!!!

[@richarddavenport31]

Thank you for this documentary. this lady had a strong spirit, and i believe that she was murdered by West TOO, AND HER SPIRIT AS A GHOST STILL HAUNTS THE PLACES WHERE SHE LIVED

[@richarddavenport31]

WHAT HAPPENED TO HER BROTHER WHEN HE WAS ONLY 10, REALLY AFFECTED ME. I AM SURE SHE CARRIED THAT AWFUL MEMORY AROUND ALL HER LIFE!!!!

[@stewartkee6115]

I'm sorry but the argumeant put forward is contradicting itself. If she was capable of walking up the steps and getting into the garage and was too drunk to realise the danger she was in because of her alcohol level, then why should we think its murder? If it only took a few minutes for the fumes to kill her then why would she have to be locked inside the garage? Its more than likely that it was simply an accident.