The Invisible Woman (1940)

The Invisible Woman, released in 1940 is the third in the Invisible Man series. This is the first film to not be a direct sequel to the original film, and this film is much more of a direct comedy than it is a sci-fi/horror film. This film was an early example of sci-fi/comedy. The Invisible Woman and the Invisible Man Returns were both released the same year, because of how well the Invisible Man Returns did in the box office another related film was demanded, and they were able to get this out by the end of the year. Critics were mixed in their reviews of this film, some stating it as just silly but adding nothing to the series, and others saying that it was funny and a good time. I tend to agree with the second group. I quite enjoy this film a lot, and find it quite humorous. Some critics say that John Barrymore is the only thing that saved the film, but I disagree with that, I thought Virginia Bruce as Kitty, the Invisible Woman was absolutely delightful, and also it was fun seeing Margaret Hamilton (best known as the Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz) as the housekeeper for the professor (played by stage and screen legend John Barrymore), also can't fail to mention the appearance of Shemp Howard (famous for the third stooge of the Three Stooges, also the brother to the original Curly of the Three Stooges, who he would replace after Curly's career ending strokes). Overall I would say that the film is well cast, and the actors played their parts quite well. This film was more of a slap-stick comedy, than it's predecessors, who had comedic elements, but were still sci-fi/horror films. This one removes pretty much all of the horror elements, and stands up as a straight up comedy. The film is funny, even after all of these years. Also though the film is a comedy, those special effects that were featured in this film were top notch and beautifully done. I think that overall this film stands up as a great film, and though not truly related to the original film in anyway other than the invisible person, it is one of my favourites of the series. The film was also considered quite risque for 1940, considering that even though she is invisible it is made very clear, and much ado about the fact that Kitty is nude throughout most of the film, and the sexy scene where she puts on her stockings was considered borderline-lewd. Would I recommend this film? Yes, this is a great film, and a lot of fun to watch. However I wouldn't say it is a must-see film, but it is a great classic and a fun film. I don't know, there is something about comedic films of this era that I appreciated much more than more recent comedies, there is something about it that speaks to me, whereas new comedies really don't as much. So if you ever get an opportunity to watch this classic, don't miss that chance.