The Invisible Man (Universal Studios Classic Monster Collection)

 

 

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Among classic horror movies, "The Invisible Man" has never really loomed as large as Dracula, Frankenstein or the Wolf-Man. However, this classic adaptation of H.G. Wells' sci-fi novel is still a pretty entertaining affair, with an increasingly crazed Claude Rains chewing the scenery with invisible teeth. I just wish they hadn't added a token love interest.

A strange man (Rains) arrives at a hotel in Iping, wrapped up in goggles, bandages, scarves, and heavy clothes. He spends most of his time hidden away in his room, doing odd scientific experiments -- but after a fight with his landlord, he reveals that he is actually invisible. Up next: After shedding his clothes and bandages, he goes on a rampage through the town... still totally unseen.

The invisible man -- aka Dr. Jack Griffin -- escapes to the house of Dr. Kemp, a former coworker whom he turns into his frightened "partner." Just like anybody who's turned invisible would, Griffin plans a reign of terror over the entire world. As the police begin a country-wide hunt for a man they're unable to see, there is only one way that Griffin can be drawn out...

"The Invisible Man" isn't quite as well-known as Universal's vampires, monsters and werewolves, mainly because he's just an average guy who turned invisible. It's still a freaky idea, though -- not only is Griffin unable to become visible again, but ordinary people are being tormented by a criminal that could literally be anywhere. Except a paint factory.

And classic director James Whale manages to insert plenty of ghastly moments, such as a crazily laughing Griffin removing his false nose and goggles, turning his bandaged face into a skull-like mask. And he maintains some of the weird humor from H.G. Wells' original story, which you pretty much expect from a person who's invisible -- at one point Griffin dances down the street, wearing only a pair of pants and singing "Here we go gathering nuts in May!"

The downside? Some of the deviations from Wells' original story weaken the movie badly, especially the inclusion of Gloria Stuart as Griffin's girlfriend. All she does is cry, mope and make doe eyes. Seriously, what was the point of that character?

Fortunately, Claude Rains manages to single-handedly carry the entire movie -- he's grandiose, insanely malicious, and chews the scenery with unseen teeth. He's a little hammy at times, mainly because his face is invisible for 99% of the movie, but it's a truly spellbinding performance. There are a lot of good smaller performances among the villagers and the police, although that landlady's grating screech makes me wish the Invisible Man had bandaged HER head.

"The Invisible Man" isn't quite as memorable as the other Universal monster flicks, but it's still an effective piece of sci-fi horror -- and Claude Rains puts in a great performance without showing his face.

This movie is 1 of of the 6 classic monsters

i saw it 3 in a half years ago on AMC'S Monster fest 2000
not that bad of a movie i liked it then i kept seeing it pop up on AMC throughout the weeks to come .. its really hit the spot light of Special Effects and even a little bitta humor in the movie i like it and i think every1 should buy the private collection movie of this classic universal SHOCKER

'Invisible Man, The' is one of the most sucessful Universal monster movies of the thirties, along with 'Frankstein' and 'Dracula'. A superior adaptation of a H.G. Welles novel, the movie has humour, suspense and a excelent development of the story that made this movie actual for all ages.
Claude Rains (the actor that made 'Phantom of the Opera) gives life to Jack Griffin, a young scientist that discover a strange formula to turn himself invisible and goes crazy along the process. The movie has some great scenes,like the tricks that Griffin plays with the people of a little village and the persecutions of the police, always confused by the inteligent and unusual invisible enemy. Great special effects for the time makes the movies even more valuable and Rains gives a strong and convincible performance, although all the time 'invisible' for the public.

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5.0 out of 5 stars He may be invisible, but The Invisible Man is a must-see
The Invisible Man is one of the most impressive Universal "monster" films of the 1930s, a motion picture masterpiece still as vibrant and engaging now as it was in 1933... Read more

Published on April 5 2004 by Daniel Jolley

5.0 out of 5 stars Claude Raines was spectacular!
Even though we don't see him till the very last scene, Claude Raines gives probably his best performance. Read more

Published on Nov 14 2003 by Michael A. Newman

5.0 out of 5 stars A deserved classic
Though this marvelous film was made 70 years ago, it holds up beautifully today. The primary reason is the riveting performance by Claude Rains, who is seen on screen full face... Read more

Published on July 7 2003 by Candace Scott

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Science Fiction Film For Its Time
THE INVISIBLE MAN can be an enjoyable movie - particularly if you don't take it too seriously. By the standards of the early 1930's the special effects are good enough and the... Read more

Published on July 7 2003 by Patrick Doherty

4.0 out of 5 stars Impressive Early Horror Film
The original INVISBLE MAN is now 70 years old, and obviously it shows some age by being a bit static and talky. Read more

Published on Jun 21 2003 by Westley

5.0 out of 5 stars TERRIFIC!
The Invisible Man is a great flim! It stars Claude Rains as thne invisible one, Griffin. And during the end of the middle his partner calls the police while his is staying in his... Read more

Published on April 6 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Classic from James Whale
James Whale was one of Universal's best directors in the 1930s; hell, let's just say he was one of Hollywood's best directors. Read more

Published on Feb 12 2002 by T. Beers

5.0 out of 5 stars The Invisible Man
It was around 1934 when I first heard about this movie. Its debut came the same time as the Depression, therefore I never saw The Invisible Man in the movie theatre. Read more

Published on Nov 15 2001 by Al Smart

5.0 out of 5 stars CLASSIC that holds up just fine
Most people balk at the prospect of sitting down for a 68 year old film. It can sometimes be an academic exercise. Read more

Published on Nov 1 2001 by TheBandit

4.0 out of 5 stars An Allegory of the Outcasts of Society
Jack Griffin is a brilliant scientist who has some ideas that his peers think dangerous and unethical. Read more

Published on Sep 27 2001 by Michael R Gates

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