GANGSTER METHODS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 120, 17 November 1937, Page 13

GANGSTER METHODS

AUTHORITIES ALARMED

LOS ANGELES CASES

(United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright.)

{Received November 17, 9 a.m.)

LOS ANGELES, November 16.

An epidemic of violent crimes has roused the fear that Los Angeles is becoming a gangster stronghold.

The fatal shooting of Hymie; Miller, movie actor and cafe owner, while he was in bed early in the morning, is attributed to the vengeance of a New York gang. Other recent crimes have borne a gangster imprint, notably the shooting dead of George Bruneman, also a Hollywood cafe owner, while sitting in a beer parlour a few weeks ago. Three blood transfusions on Miller proved futile. The police said that he died without providing a single clue to the identity pf his slayer. Ironically, it was a film entitled "A Slight Case of Murder" in" which Miller was scheduled to participate today. Recent crimes are causing great fear among cinema people. Officials claim to have uncovered a plot to "bomb the homes of certain Jewish film notables. The wildest rumours are being circulated concerning unrevealed cases of blackmail and extortion. It is even reported that several film studios enlisted the aid of the underworld to provide strikebreakers recently, after which the imported gunmen decided to remain, owing to the lush pickings in the studios. It is believed Mr. Thomas E. Dewey s vigorous campaign as special prosecutor has caused a wholesale influx of desperadoes from New York. Gambling houses are flourishing and are supported by film stars and other affluent people who wager fantastic amounts.

A noted screen actress who is an associate of a notorious gangster is. suspected of using her friendship with a high public official to warn the gambling ring of impending raids. The authorities are most alarmed and are planning to establish a special rackets bureau similar to that of Mr. Dewey. Emissaries of the district attorney are at present in New York endeavouring to recruit detectives experienced in gangster methods.