Thelma and Lowell's Diary: May 23, 1943

They see 'Star Spangled Rhythm'; President Taft's widow dies in Washington

The couple’s alarm clock didn’t go off this Sunday morning and Lowell was almost late for work. With both their husbands on day shift, Thelma and her BFF Vangy visited and ate their dinners together. When Lowell got home, he and Thelma took in a morale-boosting, star-studded variety show movie, Star-Spangled Rhythm, at the National Theatre. (She called it Star-Spangled Banner in her diary, a natural mistake.) Her review: “It was swell.” The movie, with headliners Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, was available for showing for eight weeks, which was unusual at the time.

The widow of President William Howard Taft died in Washington. To read about her remarkable life, you’ll need to be a paid subscriber. Upgrade by clicking here.