The 1933 pre-Code science fiction horror film The Invisible Man, directed by James Whale and produced by Universal Pictures, stars Claude Rains as Dr. Jack Griffin, a brilliant chemist who discovers a serum that renders him invisible. Loosely based on H.G. Wells’s 1897 novel, the film follows Griffin as he takes lodging in the English village of Iping while attempting to reverse the effects of his secret experiment, which gradually alters his mental health and drives him insane.
Production History and James Whale’s Directorial Run
Director James Whale took on The Invisible Man following the success of his 1931 film Frankenstein. According to background details on the production, Whale directed the science fiction feature for Universal Pictures before starting work on The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). The 1933 film features Gloria Stuart as Griffin's fiancée Flora Cranley, William Harrigan, and Dr. Kemp. Flora Cranley is the daughter of Griffin's employer Dr. Cranley.
Unlike standard horror features of the period, the film balances dark subject matter with moments of comedy provided by the innkeepers, Mr. and Mrs. Hall. Forrester Harvey portrays the clumsy Irish innkeeper, while Una O’Connor plays his perpetually startled wife. Griffin eventually abandons his initial, harmless pranks to embark on a reign of terror, aiming to prove his superiority over other people before descending entirely into murder.
Legacy, Sequels, and Remakes
The original film spawned various follow-up sequels that proceeded without Whale or Rains. Later studios also produced remakes and alternative takes on the H.G. Wells property, including the 1992 feature Memoirs of an Invisible Man, directed by John Carpenter and starring Chevy Chase alongside Daryl Hannah.
Related reading