The Invisible Woman

19401h 12m Directed by A. Edward Sutherland
5.7
(78 votes)
ComedyHorrorScience Fiction

Overview

Kitty Carroll, an attractive store model, volunteers to become a test subject for a machine that will make her invisible so that she can use her invisibility to exact revenge on her ex-boss.

The Invisible Woman

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Unseen but Not Unforgettable: A Review of "The Invisible Woman"

Maya Ellison
Maya EllisonSep 11, 2025
The Invisible Woman, a 1940 comedy-horror film, is a fascinating blend of science fiction and revenge tale that, despite its age, still manages to entertain and intrigue audiences today. The movie tells the story of Kitty Carroll, a beautiful and charming store model who volunteers to be the test subject for a machine that can turn her invisible. Her motivation is not purely scientific curiosity, but a desire to use her newfound power to exact revenge on her former boss, who she feels wronged her. This premise sets the stage for a series of comedic misadventures and horror elements that make for a unique viewing experience.

The film's strongest aspect is its ability to balance humor and horror, creating a tone that is both lighthearted and suspenseful. The special effects, considering the time period, are impressive and effectively convey the concept of invisibility. The cast, led by Virginia Bruce as Kitty Carroll, delivers performances that are engaging and fitting for the film's comedic and dramatic moments. The character development, while not deeply profound, is sufficient to make the audience care about Kitty's plight and root for her as she navigates her invisible state. The themes of empowerment and revenge are timely and timeless, adding a layer of depth to what could have otherwise been a straightforward comedy.

Despite its charms, "The Invisible Woman" is not without its flaws. The pacing can feel a bit rushed, with some scenes and plot points feeling somewhat abrupt or underdeveloped. Additionally, the film's horror elements, while effective in creating tension, are not as pronounced as they could be, making the movie feel more like a comedy with horror undertones rather than a true horror-comedy blend. The runtime of 72 minutes, while standard for films of its era, contributes to the feeling that some aspects of the story are not fully explored. Nonetheless, these shortcomings do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the film, which remains an entertaining and intriguing watch.

In conclusion, "The Invisible Woman" is a captivating film that, despite some limitations, offers a compelling narrative, engaging characters, and a blend of genres that was innovative for its time. For fans of classic cinema, science fiction, and those interested in the evolution of the comedy-horror genre, this film is certainly worth watching. Its ability to balance light-hearted humor with elements of suspense and its exploration of themes such as female empowerment make it a memorable and impactful viewing experience. While it may not be as polished or complex as modern films, "The Invisible Woman" retains a certain charm and appeal that makes it unseen but not unforgettable.

CAST

Virginia Bruce
Virginia Bruce
Kitty Carroll
John Barrymore
John Barrymore
Professor Gibbs
John Howard
John Howard
Richard Russell
Charles Ruggles
Charles Ruggles
George
Oskar Homolka
Oskar Homolka
Blackie
Edward Brophy
Edward Brophy
Bill
Donald MacBride
Donald MacBride
Foghorn
Margaret Hamilton
Margaret Hamilton
Mrs. Jackson
Shemp Howard
Shemp Howard
Frankie
Anne Nagel
Anne Nagel
Jean

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