Underwood Reigned in Paper’s Glory Days

Cecilia Rasmussen’s “L.A. Then and Now” feature (Nov. 28) on the wonderful, lurid, interesting days of the old Herald-Express was right on. Not only did reporters make up quotes, but the artists actually painted in flames on buildings where fires has been extinguished! And the afternoon competition accelerated when the Mirror was founded in 1948 -- oh, would Aggie Underwood get furious if the upstart tabloid had a photo the Her-Ex did not.

Cliff Dektar

North Hollywood

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The era of Agness Underwood as city editor of the Los Angeles Herald-Express was a time to remember. Rasmussen brought back many memories to this native Angeleno.

As a public relations neophyte in the late 1950s, I found that an encounter with Underwood would always test the mettle of the best flacks in town. She was something out of a movie script, but I don’t think any present-day actress could match her drive and enthusiasm for news reporting.

Thomas C. Buckley

Pasadena