Bodeen's nascent career as a stage actor and playwright initially garnered moderate acclaim with the production of notable plays such as "Escape to Autumn" and "Thing of Beauty", showcasing his burgeoning talent and laying the groundwork for future endeavors.
As his stage career continued to evolve, he made the pivotal decision to transition to Hollywood, where he commenced his journey as a reader, allowing him to hone his skills and gain valuable industry insight.
Lewton, a prominent figure in the film industry, extended an offer to Bodeen to serve as a research assistant, collaborating with renowned author Aldous Huxley on the development of a script for an upcoming project.
Following this initial assignment, Lewton made the decision to invite Bodeen to join his unit, which was responsible for producing a series of low-budget horror films.
As Bodeen became an integral member of Lewton's team, he found himself surrounded by a close-knit group of talented individuals, including the acclaimed director Jacques Tourneur, the skilled editor Mark Robson, the accomplished composer Roy Webb, and the gifted writer Ardel Wray.
The collective ensemble, comprising talented individuals, acquired an abundance of expertise and knowledge by meticulously studying and analyzing a diverse array of classic horror films, including Paramount's esteemed and iconic production, Island of Lost Souls, which was initially released in the year 1932.
Their inaugural collaborative effort was the creation of the cinematic masterpiece, Cat People, which premiered in the year 1942. This project was initially conceived and imposed upon the group by the studio chief of RKO, the renowned Charles Koerner, who had a distinct and specific vision for a film that would incorporate a cat motif as its central theme.
Noted film scribe Bodeen poured his heart and soul into crafting a script that would delve deep into the realm of psychological terror, a task he accomplished with remarkable efficiency, completing the project in a mere 24 days. This remarkable feat was all the more impressive considering the film was produced within the confines of a tight budget. Initially, Koerner, the film's director, was somewhat disillusioned with the final product, but fate had other plans. The movie went on to shatter box office records, its phenomenal success potentially even playing a crucial role in the financial salvation of the studio, which was facing the very real threat of bankruptcy.
Bodeen's creative endeavors continued to flourish as he contributed to two additional installments in the series: The Seventh Victim (1943) and The Curse of the Cat People (1944). The latter, a poignant exploration of childhood isolation, showcased Bodeen's skill in crafting a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of juvenile loneliness.
In tandem with his work on the Val Lewton series, Bodeen collaborated with Herman J. Mankiewicz to co-write the sentimental film The Enchanted Cottage (1945),a cinematic endeavor that blended elements of fantasy and drama to create a captivating narrative.
As Bodeen's contract with RKO Radio Pictures came to a close in 1947, he embarked on a freelance writing career, devoting himself primarily to crafting compelling teleplays that would go on to garner multiple nominations from the esteemed Writers Guild of America. Throughout this period, he remained a prolific and influential contributor to various film journals, sharing his insights and expertise with a wide range of audiences. Furthermore, Bodeen's vast knowledge and passion for the world of cinema led him to author several notable books, including a comprehensive and meticulously researched tome dedicated to the illustrious career of the legendary director Cecil B. DeMille.
