An Invisible Man- and a Little Greenish One…
See someone you’re not going to see tonight on Svengoolie- no, not the former governor of New York- it’s “the Invisible Man!”
This is truly one of the classic Universal horror films- based on the famous H.G. Wells novel- and a true technical marvel at the time of its release!
We hear the story of the scientist Griffin, who has discovered a serum, based on a rare plant that can render a human being invisible! This amazing accomplishment comes with a price, however…the drug’s effects- a) are NOT reversible- so Griffin must search for an antidote- and – b) cause a gradual deterioration of the mind-changing Griffin from the calm caring man of science that he was-into a raving murderous menace!
We see not only the mass hysteria created by the Invisible Man, and the attempts of the authorities to capture him and bring him to justice-but also, the incredible power that invisibility brings to Griffin, and the savage cunning he uses
to punish his “enemies.”
The film is loaded with terrific actors- the Invisible Man, Claude Rains, puts in an outstanding performance that is even more outstanding when you consider that he is mainly acting with his voice! Also along for the ride-Henry Travers as Griffin’s father- but better known as Clarence, the angel out to earn his wings in “It’s a Wonderful Life!” You’ll catch John Carradine in a cameo, and Walter Brennan as well- and ditsy Una O’Connor, who also appeared in “Bride of Frankenstein!”
Most importantly, you’ll see Gloria Stewart as Griffin’s true love-perhaps the only person who can get through to whatever sanity he still possesses. Many people today recognize her more for a role she played 64 years after this movie- that of the elderly Rose in “Titanic!” And- the entire film is directed by the great James Whale, who also brought us the first two Karloff “Frankenstein” films.
You’ll learn about how the special effects were done- a remarkable feat for that time period- and why a black velvet suit was so important to the production! And- for all those who ask for it, over and over again, at this time of the year- it’s the visit from the feisty leprechaun who joins Sven for a musical duet and a few knocks on the noggin. Maybe Sven would have been better off invisible to avoid the wee fellow’s wrath!
So, settle down with a Green River or a mug of green beer, and enjoy the “Invisible Man”- which will run back at the normal late night spot on sister station Me-TV, 1 am- since we won’t be losing any hours this weekend (unless you have TOO MUCH green beer, in which case, you’re on your own…)
This is truly one of the classic Universal horror films- based on the famous H.G. Wells novel- and a true technical marvel at the time of its release!
We hear the story of the scientist Griffin, who has discovered a serum, based on a rare plant that can render a human being invisible! This amazing accomplishment comes with a price, however…the drug’s effects- a) are NOT reversible- so Griffin must search for an antidote- and – b) cause a gradual deterioration of the mind-changing Griffin from the calm caring man of science that he was-into a raving murderous menace!
We see not only the mass hysteria created by the Invisible Man, and the attempts of the authorities to capture him and bring him to justice-but also, the incredible power that invisibility brings to Griffin, and the savage cunning he uses
to punish his “enemies.”
The film is loaded with terrific actors- the Invisible Man, Claude Rains, puts in an outstanding performance that is even more outstanding when you consider that he is mainly acting with his voice! Also along for the ride-Henry Travers as Griffin’s father- but better known as Clarence, the angel out to earn his wings in “It’s a Wonderful Life!” You’ll catch John Carradine in a cameo, and Walter Brennan as well- and ditsy Una O’Connor, who also appeared in “Bride of Frankenstein!”
Most importantly, you’ll see Gloria Stewart as Griffin’s true love-perhaps the only person who can get through to whatever sanity he still possesses. Many people today recognize her more for a role she played 64 years after this movie- that of the elderly Rose in “Titanic!” And- the entire film is directed by the great James Whale, who also brought us the first two Karloff “Frankenstein” films.
You’ll learn about how the special effects were done- a remarkable feat for that time period- and why a black velvet suit was so important to the production! And- for all those who ask for it, over and over again, at this time of the year- it’s the visit from the feisty leprechaun who joins Sven for a musical duet and a few knocks on the noggin. Maybe Sven would have been better off invisible to avoid the wee fellow’s wrath!
So, settle down with a Green River or a mug of green beer, and enjoy the “Invisible Man”- which will run back at the normal late night spot on sister station Me-TV, 1 am- since we won’t be losing any hours this weekend (unless you have TOO MUCH green beer, in which case, you’re on your own…)
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