The Invisible Man (1933)

Director: James Whale

Writers: H.G. Wells, R.C. Sherriff, Preston Sturges, Philip Wylie

Composer: Heinz Roemheld

Starring: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harrigan, Henry Travers, Una O'Connor, Forrester Harvey, Holmes Herbert, E.E. Clive, Dudley Digges, Harry Stubbs, Donald Stuart, Merle Tottenham, Walter Brennan, John Carradine, Dwight Frye

More info: IMDb

Tagline: Catch me if you can!

Plot:  Working in Dr. Cranley's laboratory, scientist Jack Griffin was always given the latitude to conduct some of his own experiments. His sudden departure, however, has Cranley's daughter Flora worried about him. Griffin has taken a room at the nearby Lion's Head Inn, hoping to reverse an experiment he conducted on himself that made him invisible. Unfortunately, the drug he used has also warped his mind, making him aggressive and dangerous. He's prepared to do whatever it takes to restore his appearance, and several will die in the process.

My rating: 7.5/10

Will I watch it again?  Yes.

INVISIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD...YARRRRR!

I thought for sure I'd seen this before but after it was all over, I realized I hadn't and that's a damn shame.  It's really good.  I love how it starts off with Jack (The Invisible Man played by Rains) already invisible and on the run.  He hadn't committed any crimes yet but he was striking out on his own.  What happened?  Later in the picture we find out from his former boss and lab partners but it almost doesn't matter.  Perhaps it would have to audiences of 1933 as this was a new character.  The really kick ass thing is that Jack goes on a crime/killing spree and he's gleefully laughing all the way.  I loved it.  Most of the picture is spent trying to catch him and the coppers try all kinds of things to stop him.  And the special effects look great and hold up really well.  James Whale must've just loved hearing Una O'Connor scream her damn head off because that's what she does in his pictures.  Look, I like the broad but there comes a tipping point where her shrill voice has me reaching for the remote.  The sets are great, acting and so on.  I REALLY dig James Whale's pictures.  That guy knew how to create some thick atmosphere.  The Universal Legacy Collection also has the four sequels (I'm really looking forward to these) and the Abbott and Costello picture with the IM.  You only get a couple of extras (for this film) in the way of a commentary and a 35 minute featurette on the making of the film , James Whale and the sequels that they spawned.