Information on Merton Hodge

Merton Hodge played a unique role in the cultural landscape of New Zealand and the United Kingdom during the early to mid-20th century. His life and work offer a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of medicine, theatre, and the LGBTI community during a time when societal norms were vastly different from today.

Born on March 28, 1903, in Taruheru, Poverty Bay, New Zealand, Merton Hodge was a multifaceted individual, balancing his passions and professions as a playwright, actor, and medical practitioner. His early education was at King's College in Auckland, followed by medical studies at Otago Medical School, from where he graduated in 1928 with an MB ChB degree. Hodge's commitment to medicine was evident as he pursued post-graduate studies at Edinburgh University, but it was clear that his heart also lay in the world of theatre.

Hodge moved to England in 1931, where he achieved international acclaim with his comedy play "The Wind and the Rain." This play, which humorously and insightfully explored human relationships and societal norms, was not only a critical success but also a commercial one. It ran for 1,001 performances over three years at St. Martin's Theatre in London's West End and for six months on Broadway in New York. The play's popularity extended beyond English-speaking audiences, as it was translated into nine languages and toured globally.

While in the UK, Hodge immersed himself in the bohemian and theatrical circles, associating with notable figures like Ivor Novello, Tallulah Bankhead, and Noel Coward. This period of his life was marked by a rumored romantic relationship with actor Geoffrey Wardwell, hinting at Hodge's probable LGBTI identity. However, the nature of their relationship remains speculative, as it was a time when societal acceptance of LGBTI relationships was minimal, and personal lives were often kept private.

In 1952, Hodge returned to New Zealand, where he married and settled in Dunedin. This return marked a significant change in his life, perhaps indicating his desire to reconnect with his roots or a search for a different kind of fulfillment. Tragically, his life came to an early end when he died by suicide in 1958 in Dunedin at the age of 55.

Further information can be found at:

• wikipedia.org