The New Invisible Man is a 1958 Mexican science fiction thriller film written and directed by Alfredo B. Crevenna (Bring Me the Vampire; House of the Frights; Santo vs. the Martian Invasion), based loosely on the character from H.G. Wells’ novel, The Invisible Man. The original title is El hombre que logró ser invisible.
It should not to be confused with the British science fiction television series of the same title that aired on ITV 1958 to 1959.
Main cast:
Arturo de Córdova, Ana Luisa Peluffo, Raúl Meraz, Augusto Benedico, Néstor de Barbosa, Jorge Mondragón, Roberto G. Rivera, José Muñoz.
Plot:
Scientist Luis (Augusto Benedico) gives his new invisibility formula to his jailed brother, Carlos (Arturo de Cordova). Carlos escapes and is reunited with his beloved Beatriz (Ana Luisa Peluffo), but the invisibility potion turns him into an insane megalomaniac who plans to rule the world.
The invisible madman murders Luis and begins committing acts of sabotage until Beatriz tricks him into a standoff with police…
Reviews:
A surprisingly entertaining Mexican take on H.G. Wells’ Invisible Man yarn from prolific German-born director Alfredo B. Crevenna (he made 151 movies in Mexico!). The scummy characters are well-delineated, the special effects are agreeably well-done, there’s a splendid ’50s ambiance with great lighting and plenty of real outdoor locations (as opposed to the studio sets that can beleaguer such movies), plus it all moves along apace. Worth a look for a late-night smile.
Adrian J Smith, MOVIES & MANIA
Other reviews:
“This overwrought version of the tale makes an interesting contrast with James Whale’s 1933 version of the same story, which seems positively subdued by comparison.” Robert Firsching, AllMovie
“Another low-brow Mexican horror film, but the effects are a bit of a step up … While not up to par with the Universal horror film that influenced it, this is a tolerable south-of-the-border rip off.” Paul Corupe, Letterboxd.com
Choice dialogue:
Carlos: “There’s nothing worse than injustice, Beatrice.”
Carlos: “I don’t want my body back. I don’t need it anymore.”
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