 Charles Chaplin (qv) hired famed press agent  Russell Birdwell (qv) to publicize this film. Just prior to the  premiere, Birdwell wrote columnist Hedda Hopper (qv) a note  saying: "I contend that Charlie Chaplins Monsieur Verdoux is the  greatest and most controversial picture that has ever come from the  Hollywood mills. If I lose I will publicly eat the negative of the  film in front of the Chaplin studios. Sincerely, Bird." After shed  seen the film, Hopper wired back: "DEAR BIRD: START EATING. HOPPER."