John Hodiak

The stunning intro of John Hodiak was Bond-like in "The Harvey Girls" when Garland says, "You're Ned Trent" and he turns. He is somewhat lost in all the Garland gush, though well deserved gush it was for the talented Garland.

My first hero was born in John Hodiak. I wanted to look like Hodiak when I grew up. That velvet voice, eyes of fire, pencil-thin mustache, white teeth and a smile as wide as a shark. I'll never forget it. Guys like Hodiak, who never quite reached full stardom, fascinate me. Broadway, of course, later on rewarded him with wonderful reviews for "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial" only a few years before he died. So, perhaps, it helped knowing that his early promise was rewarded by his peers albeit circuitously. He died so young, but a cortege that went around the block spoke volumes about the man. Never an unkind word and praise from people like James Garner, Lucille Ball and Angela Landsbury, Even Anne Baxter, his ex-wife, was crushed when he died. A man much loved had passed so prematurely. I don't know about Hodiak, but in the long term, for me, that is better than an Oscar.