The Invisible Woman (1940)

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Excellent, a Must See

n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

The Invisible Woman, the third installment of the Invisible Man series, was a let down. When the movie began, it seemed to have a good idea. However, the writers, director, and producer had no idea how to turn it into a good movie. It seemed like after the release of The Invisible Man Returns (1940), Hollywood tried to rush and get another sequel out. Therefore, this movie was not quality. Do not waste your time. After seeing 27 minutes of this film, I have concluded that I am done with the Invisible Man, only finding the first 2 movies a success.

Brassy model Kitty Carroll (a delightfully vivacious performance by Virginia Bruce) volunteers to be a guinea pig for an invisibility experiment conducted by dotty old duffer Professor Gibbs (an endearingly eccentric portrayal by John Barrymore). Complications ensue when three bumbling gangsters steal Gibbs's invisibility machine so they can make their nefarious boss Black Cole (Oskar Homolka in fine oily form) invisible.Director A. Edward Sutherland relates the enjoyably silly story at a brisk pace and maintains an amiable lighthearted tone throughout. Moreover, it's acted with zest by an enthusiastic cast: John Howard as smooth playboy Richard Russell, Charles Ruggles as blundering butler George, Margaret Hamilton as shrewish housekeeper Mrs. Jackson, Charles Lane as the sadistic Mr. Growley, Shemp Howard as the klutzy Frankie, and Donald McBride as the doltish Foghorn. The clever script by Robert Lees, Gertrude Purcell, and Frederic I. Rinaldo offers a wealth of witty dialogue. The practical old school special effects possess a certain quaint charm. Kudos are also in order for Frank Skinner's bouncy score and Elwood Breden's crisp black and white cinematography. A frothy'n'funny romp.

Kindly ignore the scathing comments of some of the professional critics. Collectively, the reviewers herein have provided a much more balanced assessment of this fun film: a refreshing comedic take on a subject otherwise treated seriously, except for the later "Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man". Seems rich playboy Richard Russell(John Howard) has been supporting old Professor Gibbs' dubious efforts at inventing. But Russell is suddenly informed by his accountant that he is broke, hence can no longer support Gibbs' research. However, Gibbs says he's on the verge of a revolutionary invention that makes people invisible, and is reversible. Gibbs puts an advertisement in the paper for a volunteer guinea pig. The first to respond is a charming model, Kitty(Virginia Bruce), who has recently been fired by her excessively strict boss, Mr. Growley(Charles Lane), who lives up to his name. Kitty would like to become invisible to help her teach Mr. Growley a lesson. Probably the funniest part of the film is where Kitty, in her invisible guise, descends on Mr. Growley, creating havoc in his office and the outside showroom area. Much reminds me of "9 to 5". Fortunately, in response, Mr. Growley institutes a more lenient attitude toward his girls, and gives Kitty back her job, not knowing she was the angry spirit.When gangster Blackie learns of this wondrous invention, he sends 3 goons(Shemp Howard, Edward Brophy, and Donald McBride) to steal it and bring it back to his Mexico hideout. He wants to become invisible, so he can return to the US. The goons enter Gibbs' lab when he's not there,and stuff his complicated electronic equipment in their car. But when they try it out in Mexico, they can't get it to work. So, Blackie orders that they kidnap Gibbs so he can show them how it works(They're missing the liquid potion part of the formula). They take visible Kitty, as well("We're not going for a drive, we're being taken for a ride" she quips). When they get to the Mexican hideout, it's visible Kitty who manages to become invisible, and knocks the gangsters unconscious. She then proceeds to firm up her flirtation with Russell, who feels he has a gold mine in this invention.I haven't mentioned Russell's butler, George(Charles Ruggles), who has a significant role in dealing with Kitty's invisibility in Russell's mansion or fishing lodge. Among other things, she picks up a cat, which George interprets as a flying cat, and throws it to George.Currently available at YouTube, although that copy has a number of pauses in the first half. Just back up a little and run it again.

I watched this with low expectations even though it has plenty of well known actors in it. It seemed like one of those so bad there fun to watch low budget movies. Boy was I surprised. It was very funny and entertaining from start to finish. Very unusual part for a woman in those days. Sorta like watching Lucy. Every one of the actors know they are not playing Shakespeare and seem to be having a hoot. Special effects aren't too shabby either. The length is perfect with action from start to finish. Not a dull moment. Highly recommend this for anybody. If you can get kids to watch a B&W movie they will love this. Slapstick and sophisticated jokes all in one.