Happy Birthday, John Hodiak

Actor John Hodiak was born April 16, 1914. After working in radio (where he voiced the comic strip character Lil' Abner), Hodiak got his big break in movies when he was cast opposite Tallulah Bankhead in Alfred Hitchcock's Lifeboat. Despite some ups and downs (including a stretch in the late 1940s when he was branded "box office poison"), Hodiak continued to find success on screen and the stage. He originated the role of Lt. Maryk on Broadway in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, a role that won him acclaim. Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he suffered a heart attack and died October 19, 1955 at the age of 41. During his Hollywood career, John Hodiak made a number of visits to Suspense. In honor of his birthday, here are some of his performances on "radio's outstanding theater of thrills." "Dateline: Lisbon" - John Hodiak stars in this tale of wartime espionage and intrigue with Nazi and Allied agents swirling around the city. (October 5, 1944) "The Case History of a Gambler" - Travel back to the 1920s for the rise and fall of a racketeer. (December 17, 1951) "Gold of the Adomar" - A sunken ship and the promise of treasure provide the backdrop for this exciting story. (January 19, 1953)