Invisible Ghost (1941)

 Invisible Ghost (1941)

During the 1940's, Bela Lugosi, who ten years prior was one of the biggest names in the horror genre, after his legendary appearance as Dracula in Universal's 1931 film Dracula, had become nothing more than a supporting character, or a very low-budget b-film actor.  Some of those low-budget b-films were better than others, with 1941's Invisible Ghost definitely being a diamond in the rough.   This would be the first of nine films that Lugosi would do with Sam Katzman and Monogram Pictures, of those nine low budget films, some like Invisible Ghost were really well done, while others like Black Dragons, would be absolutely terrible.  Lugosi wasn't the reasoning for the films being bad, he took each role very seriously, and would give as much passion playing in a low budget role as he would in a big film like Dracula.   Bela Lugosi was one of the greatest actors of all-time, he was a true professional, and passionate actor.  Though he got cast in some bad low budget films, some of those low budget films would also go on to be some of my favourite films of his, such as Invisible Ghost, White Zombie, and Bride Of The Monster.

Invisible Ghost was directed by Joseph H Lewis, with a screenplay by Al and Helen Martin.  The film was produced by Monogram Pictures and Banner Pictures Corporation, and distributed by Astor Pictures Corporation.   The film was released in 1941 and would open to positive critical reception.  The film has been hailed by film reviewer Leonard Maltin as being "Better written and directed than most of Bela's 1940's cheapies...".   Honestly that is pretty true, this film is a well written classic horror film, with great mystery and suspense elements, and is similar to an Edgar Allen Poe style of storytelling.  This is an effective low budget horror/suspense film, and Bela Lugosi gives a fantastic performance in the film.  Invisible Ghost has also gone by the names Murder By The Stars, The Phantom Monster, and The Phantom Killer

Invisible Ghost stars Bela Lugosi Dr Charles Kessler, Polly Ann Young plays his daughter Virginia Kessler, John McGuire plays both Ralph Dickson (Virginia's boyfriend) and Paul Dickson his twin brother, Clarence Muse plays Evans the Butler, Terry Walker plays Cecile Mannix a housekeeper, Ernie Adams plays the gardner Jules Mason, George Pembroke plays Police Lieutenant Williams, and Betty Compson plays Mrs Kessler (Dr Kessler's wife).  This film has a great cast, who brings the characters to life really well, especially when led by the amazing Bela Lugosi as Dr Kessler.  This film revolves around the Kessler family, and their house where a string of mysterious murders keep occurring.  As the film goes on, and as the Kessler's and the police work together to figure out who is causing the murders, an original and interesting psychological horror story unfolds.   

I really enjoy Invisible Ghost, it feels like a classic horror film, and the plot is actually original, rather than tell just another version of films that we have already seen.   Lugosi's performance in this film is a performance that would be worthy of a Universal production.   If you haven't seen Invisible Ghost I highly recommend checking it out, it is a beautiful horror film from 1941, and shows that even a low budget b-horror film can still be well done.   There is something magical about classic black and white films, where actors like Bela Lugosi can bring to life the most ghastly characters, in a way that captivates us, and scares us, but also enchants us.  I don't know that there ever lived a greater actor than the great Bela Lugosi.   Though it was a low budget b-horror film, I really feel like Invisible Ghost is a must see classic horror film, and has a place in any horror film collectors library, and if you come across a copy of this film I highly recommend picking it up.