The Rio Theatre continues its dive into classic monster movies of the past with a screening of director James Whale’s pre-code science fiction horror thriller, THE INVISIBLE MAN, based on H.G. Wells‘ 1897 novel. The film remains something of a visual effects landmark, boasting awe-striking special effects that still seem remarkably trailblazing some 80 years later. Also notable is the American film debut of legendary stage actor Claude Rains, as well as actress Gloria Stuart (perhaps better known to more contemporary audiences for her role as Rose in James Cameron‘s TITANIC).

While researching a new drug, Dr. Jack Griffin (Rains) stumbles on a potion that can make him invisible. When he reveals his new ability to his old mentor (Henry Travers) and his fiancée (Stuart), it’s clear that a side effect of the potion is insanity. Jack goes on a violent rampage, and the police struggle to hunt him down, unable to see their target, while his mentor and his former partner (William Harrigan) desperately try to devise a plan to capture him.

“In his first cinema role, which must have been easy for him to play since it amounts to very little more than an offstage noise, Claude Rains gives an alarming performance, almost as frightening when he is present as when he is not.” (TIME Magazine)

“The many special effects — some retouched on film by hand — are quaint by today’s digital standards, but that only makes them all the more fun.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

Wednesday, October 14
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

THE INVISIBLE MAN (James Whale, 1993 / 71 mins / PG) Working in Dr. Cranley’s laboratory, scientist Jack Griffin was always given the latitude to conduct some of his own experiments. His sudden departure, however, has Cranley’s daughter Flora worried about him. Griffin has taken a room at the nearby Lion’s Head Inn, hoping to reverse an experiment he conducted on himself that made him invisible. But the experimental drug has also warped his mind, making him aggressive and dangerous. He’s prepared to do whatever it takes to restore his appearance.