Watch White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd

White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd is a dramatic thriller film from 1991 that stars Loni Anderson, Maryedith Burrell, and Robert Davi. The movie tells the real-life story of Thelma Todd, a popular Hollywood actress who was found dead in her car in the early hours of December 16, 1935, under suspicious circumstances. Anderson plays the role of the vivacious Thelma Todd, who is known for her beauty, charm, and comedic talent. She runs a successful restaurant called Thelma Todd's Sidewalk Cafe in the posh area of Pacific Palisades that becomes a popular haunt for Hollywood celebrities, including gangsters and mobsters. Her business partner is the shady actor and producer Roland West, played by Davi, who has a romantic relationship with Todd.

The film is set in the Great Depression era and depicts the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the dark side of the entertainment industry, including corruption, jealousy, and violence. Todd's sudden death shocks the Hollywood community and the public, and suspicions arise that she was murdered. Burrell plays the role of Alice Franklin, Todd's loyal and intelligent secretary, who becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation due to her connection with West.

The movie follows the investigation into Todd's death by the LAPD led by Detective King, played by Peter Bogdanovich, who is impressed by Todd's talent and beauty and empathizes with her predicament. The detectives uncover a web of lies, secrets, and conspiracies as they delve deeper into the case, including Todd's complicated relationships with West and her former lover, the powerful gangster Lucky Luciano.

White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd is a well-acted and engaging movie that recreates the fascinating world of Golden Age Hollywood and the mysterious circumstances surrounding one of its tragic stars. Anderson delivers a convincing portrayal of Todd, capturing her wit, vulnerability, and spirit. Burrell is also excellent as the devoted secretary who becomes entangled in a deadly game of love and greed, while Davi portrays the charismatic but flawed West with nuance and depth.

The film's production design and costume are also impressive, evoking the glamour of the 1930s era and creating a convincing atmosphere of nostalgia and intrigue. The screenplay by William Bast and Paul Huson is well-paced, balancing the thrills and drama of the murder investigation with the exposition and characterization of the main players. The movie also includes some nods to the real-life events and personalities associated with Todd's death, such as the cameo appearance of Bogdanovich, who is a renowned film historian and director himself.

Overall, White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd is a satisfying and engaging movie that combines true crime, Hollywood history, and a touch of romance and melodrama. It offers a compelling insight into the life and death of one of Hollywood's forgotten stars and raises intriguing questions about justice, power, and fame.

White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.