The Ice Cream Blonde: The Whirlwind Life and Mysterious Death of Screwball Comedienne Thelma Todd

Although beautiful blonde actress Thelma Todd (1905?–35) never found more than minor fame in the late silent and early sound film eras, interest in her has seemingly not waned even 80 years after her death. She was undeniably a talented comedienne, but the continuing interest has been owing to the mysterious and hitherto unsolved manner of her death—accident, suicide, or murder? Previous books such as Andy Edmonds's Hot Toddy and William Donati's The Life and Death of Thelma Todd delved into the mystery (Todd was found dead in her car in the garage). The latest attempt is by Morgan (The Mammoth Book of Hollywood Scandals ). Although the author seems to be presenting some information not published since the fan magazines it may have first appeared in, the book is largely a mélange of minor factoids about parties Todd attended and what she wore. There seems to be little if anything of significance added to what is already known, and Morgan disconcertingly speculates on what the actress was feeling and thinking during certain events.