Two bitter rival scientists are working separately on their own invisibility formulas. Their mentor proclaims he will bestow an award on the scientist who finishes their formula first. Not only that, but he’ll also throw his daughter’s hand in marriage in there for good measure. Problems arise when a thief snatches the formula and becomes invisible so he can steal a priceless necklace.
It’s always interesting to see a Japanese rip-off of an American monster movie, especially one from this far back. Boasting early effects work from Eiji Tsuburaya (who would go on to create the effects for Godzilla just a few years later), The Invisible Man Appears is a breezy bit of fun. If you’re a fan of Invisible Man films in general, you should get as much enjoyment out of this as I did.
I will say all the stuff with the stolen necklace is a tad dull. It would’ve been much better had the Invisible Man been let loose to run amok instead of having a ring of jewel thieves be the real culprits. At least that gives the film its own unique vibe, but it ultimately winds up feeling more like a crime thriller with horror/Sci-Fi elements thrown in.
That’s kind of a moot point though when the invisibility scenes are so much fun. There’s a 10-out-of-10 sequence where the doctor’s cat turns invisible and starts tearing up the house that is a complete riot. The scene where the Invisible Man unwraps himself and undresses is quite similar to the old Universal movies, and while it’s a little cruder than its inspiration, it’s a treat to watch, nevertheless. Sometimes the wires are visible when the Invisible Man is holding something, but that kind of adds to the fun. The camerawork that represents the Invisible Man’s POV is also well done.
There is one aspect in which this film manages to one-up the American version. In the original, the Invisible Man rode a bicycle. In this one, he drives a motorcycle! And I don’t mean like in one brief shot. I’m talking about a legit chase scene complete with extras diving out of the way of the speeding bike!
In short, The Invisible Man Appears is worth seeing (pun intended).
AKA: The Transparent Man.
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