JAMES "JIMMIE" FIDLER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/14/1941 - HFSID 31792

JAMES "JIMMIE" FIDLER
Letter from Fidler to columnist Louis Sobol, asking if his supposed friend has been talking badly behind his back about his recent Washington testimony
Typed letter signed: "Jimmie", in green ink, 3 pages, 8½x10½. October 14, 1941. In part: "Dear Louis: Word comes to me - word I find it difficult to believe - that you join others in night club discussions and criticism of my Washington testimony. I say I do not believe it, despite the fact that I am told by one who sat in on such discussions. Is it true, Louis? Is it true that you, for whom I have always held such great admiration and to whom I am grateful for many boosts, have joined the throng of wolves cracking at me - for imaginary wrongs done them?". High school dropout and movie extra James "Jimmie" Fidler (1900-1988) became one of the hottest gossip columnists in the United States between the 1930s and the 1950s. His gossip column Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood was syndicated in 360 papers, including the Los Angeles Times and the New York Post. He also began broadcasting a radio version in 1933. His radio show, known for its biting commentary and trademark sign-off "Good night to you, and you, and I do mean you!", was heard by 40 million people each week at its peak. Fidler continued broadcasting in one form or another until retiring from radio in 1983. He expanded into film with segments on Fox Movietone News. Louis Sobol (d. 1986) was an entertainment columnist ("New York Cavalcade") for the Hearst Newspapers. Normal mailing folds. Creased throughout. Small tears at folds. Heavily toned. Lightly soiled, with stray pencil marks across. Corners slightly worn and creased. Otherwise, fine condition.