JAMES "JIMMIE" FIDLER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 2/7 - HFSID 31815

JAMES "JIMMIE" FIDLER
The Hollywood gossip columnist and radio host writes to Louis Sobol, thanking the friend for his help and advice with the dispute involving actress Constance Bennett. The actress sued Fidler in 1938 for $250,000 due to his reporting that she snubbed fellow actress Patsy Kelly.
Typed letter signed: "Jimmie", in green ink, 2 pages, 8½x11. Hollywood, California. February 7. In part: "Dear Louis: Thank you so much for your efforts, your telegram, your letter, etc., etc...Per your suggestion, I had Harry Brand talk with Joe Schenck, who in turn is talking with La Bennett. If that doesn't fix the thing up, I shall cease trying and will let it go to trial if she wants it that way... Thanks again for your helping hand. Oldtime newspaper men like Gene Fowler, Sid Sutherland, Gene Towne and others tell me I'm a fool for trying to stop it. They say the jury would probably award her seven cents, which would be worth a million dollars in publicity to me...It's just that my fool Southern blood doesn't crave stabbing at a woman - any woman - in public". 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. Light surface creases. Corners slightly worn. Lightly toned. Small tears on folds. Paper clip crease on top margin. Otherwise, fine condition.