A semi-sequel to the 1933 Universal horror masterwork
The Invisible Man, The Invisible Man Returns stars
Vincent Price in the title role. Condemned for a murder he did not commit, Price begs doctor
John Sutton to inject him with the invisibility serum invented by
Claude Rains in the first film. Sutton does so, even though he warns Price that the serum will very likely drive him insane. Sir
Cedric Hardwicke co-stars as the genuine murderer, a colliery owner who framed Price. Though his behavior veers dangerously close to homicidal, Price is able to mete out retribution to Hardwicke without stooping to murder. As he gradually weakens, Price is recaptured and rushed to the hospital, where his life is saved by an emergency blood transfusion. Price's face is revealed to us for the first time as he vows his undying love to leading lady
Nan Grey. Taking a less playful approach to the grim goings-on than director
James Whale had in
The Invisible Man, The Invisible Man Returns is a grim little morality play, containing vestiges of
The Count of Monte Cristo and distinguished by an odd preoccupation with the mechanics and minutiae of death (a characteristic trait in the screenplays of
Curt Siodmak). The film helped to solidify the cinematic reputation of
Vincent Price, though it would be years before he'd specialize in horror on a full-time basis. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide