Episode 153 – May Whitty

After she came to Hollywood and made her American movie debut at age 72, Dame May Whitty carved out a niche (and earned two Oscar nods) by playing outwardly cranky dowagers with hearts of gold. In two of her visits to Suspense, she played to and against that type. First, in "The Black Shawl," she's a woman seeking companionship from Maureen O'Sullivan while hiding a secret (originally aired on CBS on July 27, 1944). Then, a part-time job makes her a prisoner in her own home in "My Dear Niece" (originally aired on CBS on January 24, 1946).