BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime Season 6 Episode 3

Ep 3. The Tinseltown Murder of Thelma Todd

  • March 27, 2020
  • 25 min
  • 8.2  (41)

In the third episode of season six of BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime, viewers are taken deep into the investigation of one of Hollywood's most infamous unsolved murders - that of actress and businesswoman Thelma Todd. The episode, titled "The Tinseltown Murder of Thelma Todd," delves into the various theories surrounding her death and tries to unravel the mystery of what really happened to this beloved celebrity.

Thelma Todd was found dead in her car in the garage of her home in December 1935. The celebrity was a well-known figure in Hollywood, having appeared in over 120 films during her career. Her sudden death was a shock to those who knew her, and it wasn't long before rumors began to circulate about what might have led to her untimely demise. Some suspected foul play, believing that Thelma was murdered, while others believed that her death was an accident or a suicide. To this day, no one knows for sure what happened to Thelma Todd.

The episode opens with a brief biography of Thelma Todd and her rise to fame in Hollywood. Viewers get a glimpse of her enduring appeal, with pictures of her scattered throughout the episode. From there, the investigation begins in earnest, with hosts Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej exploring the various theories surrounding her death. They speak to experts in the field of criminology, as well as people who knew Thelma or were familiar with the case, to try and piece together what really happened.

One theory that is explored is that Thelma's death was caused by a mob hit. At the time, her business partner in a popular diner, which was co-owned with notorious gangster Charles "Lucky" Luciano, was suspected of skimming money from the business. Some believe that Thelma was killed as a warning to her partner, or as retaliation for their criminal activities. Ryan and Shane investigate this theory, speaking with mob experts and visiting Thelma's former restaurant along the way. The hosts do an excellent job of presenting this theory in a way that is both intriguing and plausible, leaving viewers wondering if this could be what really happened.

Another theory that is explored is that Thelma's death was an accident. Some believe that she accidentally left her car running in the garage and succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Others speculate that she may have died as a result of a fall or head injury. However, Ryan and Shane are quick to point out some inconsistencies with this theory, including the fact that there were no signs of struggle or forced entry, and that Thelma was known to be a cautious driver.

As the investigation continues, viewers are taken on a journey through the seedy underbelly of Hollywood in the 1930s, with tales of gangsters, bootleggers, and corrupt officials. Ryan and Shane do an excellent job of setting the scene and making viewers feel like they're right in the middle of the action. They interview people who lived in the area at the time and explore the different neighborhoods where Thelma frequented. It's a fascinating glimpse into the history of Hollywood and the personalities that shaped the movie industry during its early days.

Overall, "The Tinseltown Murder of Thelma Todd" is a captivating and well-researched episode of BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime. Ryan and Shane are at their best, presenting the facts in an engaging and entertaining way that will leave viewers hooked from start to finish. While the mystery of Thelma's death remains unsolved to this day, this episode does an excellent job of exploring the different theories and presenting them in a way that is thought-provoking and compelling. Fans of true crime will not want to miss this one.

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Description
  • First Aired
    March 27, 2020
  • Runtime
    25 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.2  (41)