“The Invisible Man” (1933) starring Claude Rains / Z-View
The Invisible Man (1933)
Director: James Whale
Screenplay: R. C. Sherriff based on The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells
Stars: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, Henry Travers, Una O’Connor, Forrester Harvey, Holmes Herbert, E.E. Clive, Dudley Digges, Harry Stubbs, Edgar Barrier and Walter Brennan
Tagline: You’ll hardly believe what your eyes won’t see
The Plot…
Dr. Jack Griffin (Rains) perfects a formula that renders him invisible. The serum also effects his mind making him power hungry as it slowly drives him insane. Unable to find a cure, Griffin goes on a killing spree. How can you find a killer that you can’t see? Many more will die, if the police don’t figure out a solution.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
When I was a kid, The Invisible Man wasn’t one of my favorites of the classic Universal Monsters. Years later, watching as an adult, I loved it. The Invisible Man was directed by James Whale, who also helmed Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein. These three films assured his place in movie history.
The cast consists of players who would have long and notable careers. Claude Rains plays The Invisible Man in a role where the star is seldom seen on screen! Gloria Stewart plays Rains’ love interest. She would have a career that spans 80 years with perhaps her most famous role (in The Titanic) coming when she was 87! Other familiar faces include Henry Travers, Una O’Connor, Forrester Harvey, Holmes Herbert, E.E. Clive, Dudley Digges, Harry Stubbs, Edgar Barrier and Walter Brennan!
The Invisible Man was based on a novel written over 120 years ago, the film is 90 years old, yet it still resonates. That’s because the movie is played straight. It doesn’t have a monster with fangs, or a creature that rises from the dead. What it does have is a brilliant scientist who goes power crazy. And that is something we can relate to. It has special effects that were ahead of its time. The Invisible Man is one of the classic Universal Monster movies. If you didn’t like it as a kid, give the film another shot.
The Invisible Man earns 5 of 5 stars.
