The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 9

9 DECEMBER 20, 1935. PART I. FRIDAY MORNING. Friends From All Walks of Life Pay Final Tribute at Thelma Todd' Funeral HOTEL LEFT WEST WOULD West and Actress' Mother at Funeral Service Thelma Todd's Mother Discloses Own Story NOTABLES BOW HEADS BY DI CICCO DROPINQUIRY at the Luplno party had assembled. Thelma TodiTs ex-Husband Former Actor Says Death He replied and she then said she thought she had better stay.

yi Flowers Wee Bedeck Kirk "That is the last time I saw her of Thelma Todd Plainly an Accident alive, and the last time that I Departs After Hearing of Grand Jury Request NEW YORK, Dec. 19. (Exclusive) BY EDWIN SCHALLERT "My daughter's death was accidental. I am convinced of that. Suicide is entirely out of the question.

She was too happy for that. Murder Is unthinkable. She had no enemies who would wish to cause her death." Just before the funeral ceremony vesterdav. Mrs. Alice Todd, mother spoke to her, and I cannot believe that she would have spoken to any one else on the succeeding day Recognlzedly an expert in the cre Hundreds Gather Outiide; without speaking to me.

ation of mystery plays for the screen, Pat Dl CIcco, former husband or Thelma Todd, left -the Hotel Del monico here tonight shortly after It "Thelma's health has Been very Roland West yesterday proffered the a 10,000 File Past Bier in Morning Hours eood the Dast few years, and she of Thelma Todd, concerning whose 2" ''Mi took eood care or nerseu. adoui became known that the Los Angeica county grand Jury had asked him to return to Los Angeles to appear be four sears ago. after a tonsil opera same solution for the death of Thelma Todd that he had previously offered. In his opinion it was due to tlon. a doctor told us that she had fore that body in its investigation Into the death of the actress.

accidental causes. a heart murmur, and said that this might be due to the tonsil condition. Beneath leaden skies, in a chapel Piled high with fragrant flowers of tribute, last rites were conducted yesterday for Thelma Todd, screen "The whole thing has been built It had been reported that he in death there have been a host of conjectures and suspicions, made that statement regarding the woman who "held first place In her life." "Even as she came first In my life, so I was first in hers," said Mrs. Todd, momentarily sobbing. "That I know.

There wasn't a day that I wasn't with her. We were constantly together." FIRST PUBLIC STATEMENT up Into proportions that are exag At that time sne sunerea a lew falntlngs snells but she has not been troubled in that way for several tended to make a Christmas, visit to his mother In her Smlthtown gerated," he said. "Tragic and in (L. home, but he could not bt vears. She did not use wain ue effably simple was Thelma Todd's located there.

cause she had Injured her ankle death, and the manner of it a true expression of her character. DENIES RECONCILIATION Before he checked out of th once while skiing and had mjurea It again later while playing in comedies. But she was vigorous and Mrs. Todd's statement, the first she has given publicly, throws light TOO CONSIDERATE hotel, Dl Clcco this afternoon denied that he and his former wife healthv. and she could outwalk ai "She was too considerate to at tempt to rouse anyone to gain en most anybody when she wanted to, even despite the trouble that she were about to remarry before her mysterious death.

actress, whose sudden death proved a tragic puzzle last Monday. Nearly JOO close friends and associates of the actress attended the obsequies which were private. Every bench in the Wee Kirk o' the Heather In Forest Lawn Memorial Park was filled. HUNDREDS OUTSIDE Across the winding drive up to the little church on the green hillside, gathered four or five hundred of the uninvitedthere to catch, a trance to her apartment. She knew on many obscure pnases oi me tragedy which occurred presumably early last Sunday morning at Caa-tellamare.

Her revelation pertaln-lne to all the facts that she knew re had with her ankle. it was near dawn, and so she went "It was merely coincidence than was at the Trocadero Saturday "I know Thelma was considerate to her car in the garage, closed the door, and perhaps after a little Tf returned home at an hour night when she was there too," ha said. "I did not pay any attention annmaehinff morning, like 4 ClOCK, garding the final time she saw her daughter on Saturday night, as well as subsequent happenings, was full while turned on the motor in order ana fminrf th. door loctcea. sne to warm the garage.

mleht decide not to rouse anybody and comnlete. to her. We were in two different parties. I merely observed her as she was dancing, but I don't know with whom she wa3 dancing. "I am sure that she never tele That would be Just like her to wait "I have felt from the very be phoned anyone on Sunday, and that ginning that Thelma's death was due she was not seen on that day.

It glimpse, perhaps, of the flower- until daylight, knowing that it was only a matter of two or three hours until someone would let her in. She to accidental causes," saia Mrs. DENIES SHE HAD ENEMIES "After our divorce two years ago Todd. "The circumstances were she did not communicate with her mother, she would not have communicated with anyone else, and I never worried about time anyway typical of her. That she turned on the motor In her car in order to I saw her only about five times, and never alone.

Our divorce was as, laden casket, or to pick out celebrities of tha stage and screen among the mourners; -There was an overwhelming sense That was also typical of her. personally did not telephone her dignified as that of any couple in WITHOUT FEAR mother to ask her whereabouts. Hollywood, and all this talk that "it would be aulte natural of her keep warm, without thinking of the danger from the monoxide fumes, Is more than possible. Thelma was Impetuous. She was careless In little things.

She was not mechanical-minded. Often she would have some DISTURBED HIMSELF would not have wanted her to consented to it out of gallantry la nAneonc. 1X7 anViA4 mrt omtpohla to go to her car rather than inconvenience anybody. The loneli agreement. of mystery at the bier.

None seemed able to fathom or understand the quirk of fate that snatched the gay young actress from the flower of life and placed her there In a bright casket of orchid brocaded worry, even though I was disturbed myself. ness of the walk would not irignten "I have no theory as to the causa her, because 6he had no tear none little trouble with a car, ana not it is regrettable that so many of her death. It certainly is con whatsoever. Neither would tne ais have th least Idea of what the dlf extraneous considerations have en fusing. But she had no enemies.

tance that she had to walk deter her. If she made up her mind that tered into the whole affair, but that There was no reason why she should have committed suicide. And she latin. EMBLEM Of OCCASION Acuity was. Much as she might have heard of carbon monoxide poisoning, I am sure she might have been heedless of the danger on the was the thing to do.

it wouia De Is to be expected with Hollywood In the spotlight as it Is," declared never took those threatening letters verv like her to go to tne garage, Just down the path, scores stopped the man who was known as Miss seriously. and sit in the car waiting until ennr of the moment. It was so Todd's best friend. AKKKn AnvirR nv TRIP morning. It would bs very like her to to view a masterpiece of statuary in the park which seemed to be an emblem of the occasion.

It was characteristic of her to be that way. It is also the expression of the close the door to shut out the wind, I don't think the letters were a man who, from the side of the TELLS OF LAST DRIVE "I cannot believe that my daugh and then forgetting momentarily publicity stunt. She always put her the group called "The Mystery of screen, knows more perhaps about about that door being closed, career first and never. got into Life." ter was alive on Sunday and that melodramatic thrillers and mystery smelly turn on the motor to keep warm. If her face wes Injured it would be she nhoned anybody on mat aay, themes than any other.

Even in the sermon there was mention of that aura of the mysteri After Miss Todd's body was found. I know she would have phoned to WON FILM SUCCESS due to her falling over when she Dl Cicco said, he telephoned A. me first thing. That was almost Li I ous. The text, from John xlii, was: became unconscious.

I am sure of One of the first films with which habit of life with her I would have 1 1 i- that, because my daughter was hap Ronald Button, who was both his and his ex-wife'i lawyer, and asked him whether he should cancel his West won success was "The Un heard from her, I know. People "What do thou knowest not now but thou shalt know here py, very happy, and she had no known Purple." from a stage play who sav that they saw her or talked enemies." trip to New York, for which he had that he himself had produced with after." TRIBUTE FROM PASTOR Richard Bennett In New York im to her must be mistaken. Certainly she would never 1st a whole day Dass without communicating with mediately after the World War. It Delano Police 1 "Life Is full of mystery and un dealt with a strange and powerful me. electric ray that figured in a mys Chief Resigns "When I drove to the Trocadero with her Saturday evening she was In the best of spirits.

Roland West tery plot. expected events," commented the pastor. Rev. Harold L. Proppe of the Plrst Baptist Church of Hollywood.

In her going I have lost a great Later West directed a film called "The Monster." and still later made made arrangements the previous Thursday. But the lawyer told him to proceed with his plans, as he was unable to throw any light on tho affair, he said. He denied that he was the dark haired man whom Jewel Carmen wife of Miss Todd's partner, says ha1 saw with the actress Sunday He also denied statements attributed! to him that California politicians were capitalizing the case for th sake of publicity. said to her Jokingly when we left Mrs. Alice Todd, center, mother of Thelma Todd, pictured between Roland West, close friend of the dead actress, and Mrs.

May Whitehead, maid of the actress, as they entered church in Forest Lawn Memorial Park to attend funeral. nm- phota DELANO, Dec. 19. (Exclusive) his famous silent screen version of that she must be home at 2 clock, Expected for some time, the resigna motlon- and she answered laughingly 'two tion of Austin Reynolds as cmei oi a mar personal friend aftd the picture Industry has lost velniu actress." Police will become effective Decern' five. They kept repeating that back and forth, while he leaned on the TRAGEDY GARAGE SLEEPER ber 31.

His successor has not been There were truckloads of flowers door of the car as we were pre named by the Council, which ac "The Bat." For his friend Josephj M. Schenck he undertook "The Dove," with Norma Talmadge, which was off the thriller path a romantic melodrama, instead. APPEARED IN "ALIBI" "Alibi" was West's earliest talking frnm those near and dear to the ac cepted Reynoldss resignation. paring to take our leave. Finally I said: Yes, I think four hours is tress, from scores of celebrities of th utiirn and screen world, and TELLS OF HIS MOVEMENTS enough time at any frnm artUans who served her DEBATED GOING IN The funeral service at Forest Lawn was private.

Earlier in the year-old treasurer of Thelma Todd' "On the way to the Trocadero picture, and a path-breaking effort, then achieved notable success. As the title Implied, that too hinged we discussed various personal mat Sidewalk Cafe, said yesterday. day the public paid Its tribute, VIEWED BT 10,000 "Had there been any unusual noise or disturbance after 3 o'clock last Sunday morning, I would have Jumped up and found out what was ters, but nothing of great unpor on a crime, and the activities of Smith explained that he slept In tance. We talked about the party, criminals. Ten thousand persons, it was es the apartment directly above the the matter," C.

Harry Smith, 70- timated, filed through the drawing Irene Robertson, Joseph Schenck, George Stone, Charles Smith, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. W.

Schafer, Chester Vanderlip, Lois Wilson, Marion Wilkinson. Charlotte Williams, Jean Neermg, 1 Grace Poggl. Katie McDonald. Jack Ludon and Mr. and Mrs.

Wallace Ford. Mb Elmasslan, operatic singer, launched the obsequies by singing: "I Know That My Redeemer Llv-eth." Quietly the clergyman spoke. He gave his text and spoke of the mystery of life. FRIEND OF ALL "As her pastor I wish to pay tribute to her genuineness," said Mr. Proppe of Miss Todd.

"She was one of the most sincere persons I have ever been privileged to know. She was also still later west directed a new version of his successful film, "The garage where Miss Todd's body was and Thelma debated whether she would go right In or drive home with me. She Intended to drive A(vn it Pierce Brothers mortuary found last Monday, where he lives chapel In the morning for one last END COMES Bat," which was called "The Bat Whispers," and followed that with home with me, but when we lnok at the face of Miss Todd as with his wife, who is now visiting Its Ifl va till in death. The Corsair," which concerned reached the Trocadero she asked the doorman whether the guests rum-running. Since the release In Detroit.

TELLS OF MOVEMENTS "I c'osed up the cafe at 3 o'clock of that picture In 1931 hi has been Inactive. SUDDENLY IN FAMILY Father and Brother of Film Not since the death of Will Rogers, it was said, have so many persons viewed the body of a ctoema personality stilled In death. The multitude lined up three abreast In front of the chapel, waiting to get Sunday morning," he said. "I made MAKERS OF aiimwe of the actress" counte HENRY VIII Actress Struck Down by At times the line strung FILM SUED up the cash in the register, locked the doors and put out 'he lights. I left the cafe about 2:18 o'clock and went up to my apartment, arriving at about the same time Bob Anderson, one of our bar boys, brought up Miss Todd's car and backed it into the garage.

I.offered to drive Bob down to the cafe but he said he would Just as soon walk. "I am very sure of the time I 1 1. Alt Mi NEW YORK, Dec. 19. VP) Francis Death Without Warning LAWRENCE (Mass.) Dec.

10. (IP) Sudden death struck twice in the immediate family of Thelma Todd, film actress, before the blonde bep.uty. herself, was found dead In Hackett, the author of "Henry out for two blocks east and west of the mortuary. CONGREGATION MEMBERS From 1:30 am. until 1 p.m..

when the doors finally closed, humanity came in a steady stream persons from all walks of life, including hundreds of children, Scores of church members who knew Miss Todd and her mother, v- Alice Todd, from their having one of the most honest persons I have ever dealt with. She was extremely congenial at all times, the same sweet person. "She was friend to all with whom she came in contact. She always recognised old friends under all circumstances. She was a great lover of children.

She always welcomed children wherever she was with as much hospitality at she would welcome the most powerful sued the producers today of "The Private Life of Henry VIII," Eng lish talking picture, charging went to sleep, about 8:30 o'clock, her garage near Santa Monica, after reading in bed. I know be plagiarism. Parts of his bock were pirated, he told the Federal District Court, early this week. Her father. John S.

Todd, a for of motion-picture magnates. "to excite, by representation and misrepresentation, in said motion cause I have two clocks, one in the kitchenette that keeps perfect time and another in my bedroom that does not. I always set the cripple by the good clock. I was awake CHARITY RECALLED mer Alderman of this city, collapsed in New York and dted In the street shortly after Thelma made her bow picture, the same emotions as com t'laAllialJ' She was very charitable. At plainant had invented and created attended regularly servicrs at vnr Fl-st Baptist Church In Hollywood, a l.o Joined the throng passing through the chapeL LAST CHRISTMAS PRESENT Miss Todd lay In a silk-Uned cas-Vct rind in a blue satin pajama en- In Hollywood.

A brother, William, Thanksgiving time I know that she in his book." then 8 years of age, was killed in packed, paid for and personally again three or four hours later and got a cup of hot water, a regular Hackett named as defendants distributed thirty well-filled baskets an accident several years ago. to the needy. She had twenty-sev habit of mine. SOOTHES HIS NERVES en families on her Christmas list. nfmble a 1935 Christmas present Parties Planned frnm her friend.

Dorothy Callahan "It soothes my nerves and Induces sleep. I went back to bed and slept till between 11:30 and 11:45 o'clock, got up, shaved and dressed Miss Todd had never' seen the gift, since It was not to be opened until rhrUtmas on Playgrounds and went bark to the caie. Her long bobbed blonde hair was combed back over a silken pillow CHATEAU YQUEM It's smart to serve this rare wine of select vintage fully aged in wood. Everyone likes- Its CHAMPAGNE TASTE. Sold By the Owl Drug Roberts Liquor Stores, Vons Markets and other better dealers or phone CApitol 4261 Alexander Kcrda, producer and director of London Film Productions, Ltd, and United Artists Corporation.

He demanded an injunction against the showing of the picture, surrender of the films and an accounting cf all profits. ANGELENO RULED INSANE SAN FRANCISCO. Dec. 19. UP) Municipal Judge Alden Ames declared William Stewart Dodd, 22 years of age, Insane today and ordered the former Los Angeles youth committed to Mendocino State "During all that time In the apartment I heard no unusual a sweeping mass or curis.

Over the casket was a great With a prayer the service closed and those In the church filed past the casket. Above the casket stood an excellent picture of Miss Todd, showing her In a pensive mood. It was Harvey Prlester's favorite picture of the actress. He placed It there, above her casket, at the request of Miss Todd mother, he said. Individual blossoms were plucked from many of the bouquets to be taken to Mrs.

Todd for memory's sake. The body was cremated. Los Angeles city school playground Christmas celebrations, directed by supervisors of recreation, both of the school department and the W.P.A. recreation project, will begin today, according to the announcement yesterday of O. A.

Webb blanket of white roses, peeping up 1 sound or anything to make me think anything out of the ordinary had happened. The wind was blowing the trees noisily and the surf was tm verrreen twigs, which was nrovided by the mother of the ac with -unusual violence and C. L. Glenn, who are in charge pounding tress. Nestled on the blanket was a disk of white roses and lilies of the valley also from the bereaved of more than 100 vacation school which mignt possiDiy nave re- playgrounds, vented me from hearing anything.

mother flower mat miss iwo loved so well MUSIC OF ORGAN Most of the flowers were taken from th mortuary to the Wee Kirk the Heather for the private funeral service, but others were delivered to the church. At o.m. to the Wee Kirk on UtS? BUT HOTiSttHIS ttiMM TO t6 EAS7 i I Ms rsjjsTw 7 a green hillside of the Memorial pari began the alow strains of "organ musto as nearly 200 Invited guests elowly filed In and took their Th dress mother, sad-eyed and Get Him ffi rmhiinar. arrived with Roland wf rirvM friend and business part mm these new Interwoven bocus tor 41 Miss Todd. She walked Christmas.

You have the greatest fciJ mjLm bravely up the curving walk to the little church supported on one side bv Mr. West and on the other by Yoa mar talk about turkey all you like but nothing tops off a Christ-mas dinner (or any other dinner, for that matter) quite like a Santa Fe Ggtr! That's why Santa Fe is "tops" on every smart Christmas list. For when you give HIM Santa Fe 'syou give him not only something rtallj wants but something he would pick for himself! Mild and mellow; fragrant and cool! Every inch a man's cigar! Every box a package of pleasure! Ask for the special koliday pack whereve Ugh grade Ia PP1" shapes. 95cm $5.73 pf bos. 3 variety wonderful colorings and pat terns to choose from.

He will like them May Whitehead, maid of Mlse Todd. CELEBRITIES IN TRIBUTE ntheri who came to pay their last packed in tne interwoven 00. Remarkablv oood-looking Socks at respects Included Sid Grauman, theatrical Impresario: Hal Roach. Ida Luplno, Sally Filers. Patsy Kelly.

Mr. and Mrs. Olivet Hardy, Mr. and Mrs. Stan Laurel, ivan toeaen, i run Pitts.

Zaruhl Elmasslan. Mr prices you woiii ouwiu 2 pairs $1.00 75c and $1.00 ihe pair Some excellent ones 3 pairs $1.00 1 and Mrs. Ray Hays. Catherine Hunt-: er. Minna Gombell and Mr.

and u'r a Ronald Button. Hirver Prlester. who some time 0 ago was reported to have been en -1 rys gaged to Miss louu ma It her ctosert friends, took charge Jin idiutc isjik wvaMi of all the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Todd. greeiea guesu ana a i as SOCK: THE directed the morticians In charge, PASTOR SPEAKS yzs -r others he greeted were Charlie Thelma Dodge.

Mr. and Mrs I rr Henry Holtsman. Mrs. Jean Allen..