In the era dominated by movie studios, E. J. Fleming’s book “The Fixers” sheds light on the behind-the-scenes actions of studio executives such as Eddie Mannix and Howard Strickling.
These “fixers” were responsible for covering up scandals involving stars, manipulating evidence and investigations to protect the studios’ assets.
The book delves into infamous Hollywood incidents like the murder of director William Desmond Taylor and the deaths of personalities like Paul Bern and Thelma Todd.
Among the lesser-known tales is the demise of comedian Ted Healy in December 1937.
Healy, known for his vaudeville acts and role in creating the Three Stooges, met his tragic end after an altercation at Cafe Trocadero on the Sunset Strip.
According to Fleming, Healy was assaulted by three men – Albert Broccoli, Pat DiCicco, and Wallace Beery, the latter being a prominent MGM star.
Fleming suggests that MGM orchestrated a cover-up, particularly shielding Beery’s involvement in Healy’s death.
He portrays Healy as down on his luck, engaging in a fatal confrontation with Broccoli, DiCicco, and Beery at the Trocadero.
Witnesses recall Beery striking Healy in the presence of others, leading to a fatal outcome for the comedian.
Despite reports attributing Healy’s demise to natural causes related to alcoholism, Fleming argues that MGM influenced the coroner’s findings.
Following the incident, Mannix and Strickling swiftly arranged for Beery’s departure from Hollywood, sending him on a supposed European vacation to evade scrutiny.
To further obfuscate the truth, the fixers ensured the silence of Trocadero staff, who were allegedly on Strickling’s payroll.
A concocted narrative involving drunken college students as assailants was disseminated, remaining a persistent myth surrounding Healy’s death to this day.
However, recent investigations by Larry Harnisch have cast doubt on Fleming’s version of events.
Harnisch uncovered discrepancies in the timeline, revealing that the altercation occurred two nights prior to the reported date.
Additionally, he disproved claims of Beery’s European trip in December 1937, citing his presence in filming activities and other public appearances during that period.
Eyewitness testimonies recount Healy’s interactions at the Trocadero, with speculations about the identities of his assailants, including the possibility of involvement by Beery and DiCicco.
The circumstances surrounding Healy’s demise remain shrouded in mystery, perpetuating the legend of his tragic end amidst the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood.
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