INVISIBLE AGENT-1942-Nazis want the
indivisibility formula created by Frank Griffin, the original
“Invisible Man” in this kind of sequel to THE INVISIBLE MAN
RETURNS. Two enemy agents (Sir Cedric Hardwick and Peter Lorre) visit
Griffin's grandson Frank (Jon Hall) whose working as a printer under
an assumed name. They try to get the formula from him but he escapes
and goes to the US for help. The government wants the formula too but
he refuses until he learns of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He agrees
to help but only if he is allowed to become the “invisible agent”.
While parachuting into Berlin he becomes invisible and contacts
German double agent Maria (Ilona Massey) who dines with the head of
the secret police (J. Edward Bromberg) and there's lots of invisible
comedy. For a while Frank puts on cold cream, sunglasses and a robe
to become almost visible. Later he's kidnapped by Lorre (who's
suppose to be Japanese; his outings as Mr. Moto got him in the mood).
Once again Frank escapes their clutches and Lorre kills Hardwicke
then commits hari-kari. Fortunately Maria can fly a plane and she and
Frank stop bombers headed to destroy NYC! Keye Luke appears as a
doctor in one scene.
Released right after Pearl Harbor bombings this
is one of the many propaganda like science fiction films released at
the time. The SFX are good (they were nominated for an Academy Award)
and director Edwin L. Marin doesn't go overboard with the comedy
bits. Screenwriter Curt Siodmak (who also penned THE INVISIBLE MAN
RETURNS) had fled Germany (first to England) in 1937. His depiction
of the Nazis are evil but incompetent.
Director Marin had
previously made A CHRISTMAS CAROL and A STUDY IN SCARLET (both with
Reginald Owen) and later many westerns. Lead actor Jon Hall returned
to invisibility two years later in THE INVISIBLE MAN'S REVENGE, though playing a different
character.
Thanks for reading!
