The Invisible Ray

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Alex K 11/22/2024 One of the last horror films that was overseen by Universal founder Carl Laemmle. After the studio was taken over by it's new owners, who didn't like horror films, movies like this weren't made as often, and the studio that basically invented modern horror cinema as we know it changed... until a few years later but at the time horror was on the outs at Universal. The film, a sci-fi laced horror film is a fun time starring Karloff and Lugosi, two of the studio's biggest stars at the time in their third pairing. This time Karloff in the role of the villain, a tragic mad scientist and Lugosi in a rare heroic role. These two actors showcase their talents and make up for a script that occasionally has some lags. Also along for the ride are Frank Lawton and Frances Drake as the romantic leads, a pair who never have enough chemistry to be convincing, and future Oscar nominated character actress Beulah Bondi (neither of her nominations were for this film). Lambert Hillyer's direction is solid, he was an able craftsman who put together an entertaining film. The film also features typically fine production values as Universal did try to put all they could into their horror films at this time. The sets are grand and the special effects great for their time. The film overall is fun, it has an interesting story that the script sometimes loses as it attempts to become profound, but the profundity never really lands, however what does is the cat and mouse elements between Karloff and the rest of the cast that make up the second half of the film. See more Jay W 11/20/2024 Boris Karloff plays a mad scientist. He may claim to be a sane scientist, but no one that says, "They all laughed at me...well, we'll see who laughs now." is well-meaning scientist. He takes a group of 5 people to Africa to find "Radium X". The scientist is poisoned and begins to glow. He gets jealous that other people are getting credit for his discovery. And he wins the Noble Prize. So really this is a lot like the discovery of normal Radium. Karloff's motivation does not make a lot of sense. They kind of hand wave things away by saying that the Radium X makes people act crazy. Radium X may be dangerous, but at least it gave us the PowerPuff Girls. See more Robert R 04/22/2024 A classic Science Fiction Classic that showcases Bela Lugosi in an extraordinary role. The special effects are extremely powerful for this film. One of his best. See more Michael C 01/16/2024 Once again, the on screen combination of the late Boris Karloff and the late Bela Lugosi drew me in to see "The Invisible Ray". Aside from affirming my belief that Bela Lugosi was actually a very good actor who did not deserve to be typecast, the movie as a whole was just mediocre and was not very memorable. The movie does have its positive highlights. The cast is uniformly good in their respective roles. The story overall is fine. That is all. In the end, "The Invisible Ray" is a forgettable movie, but it is at least entertaining. Don't make a point to see it because it is not that good, but if you do, you won't be too disappointed. See more cbl 4 01/11/2024 2 of the greatest icons of the horror genre together in one movie . Though not in the class with Dracula or Frankenstein, this is a very good adult scary flick with a supporting cast of serious actors. See more CodyZamboni 01/08/2024 Watchable low key horror sci fi tale. Boris Karloff getting radiated by asteroid in Africa. He controls its' power to destroy boulders, statues, and goes homicidal when his wife strays. Gets mad when fellow scientist Bela Lugosi uses the ray to cure people, The big attraction here are the 2 Universal monster stars, Was nice seeing Lugosi in a heroic role. and Karloff brings menace and sadness in his lust for revenge and power. See more Read all reviews

The Invisible Ray

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