THE INVISIBLE MONSTER

Richard Webb

THE INVISIBLE MONSTER (12 chapter Republic serial/1950). Director: Fred C. Brannon.

A man who calls himself the Phantom Ruler (Stanley Price) is determined to take over the nation with an invisible army. He already wears a black cloak which makes him disappear under a certain kind of light. Now he has enlisted the often unwilling aid of illegal immigrants who work in various disciplines. PR and his thuggish helpmates -- who are almost constantly outwitted by handsome insurance agent Lane Carson (Richard Webb) -- try various means to get money and chemicals. Along the way Lane and his pretty assistant Carol (Aline Towne of Radar Men from the Moon) face danger at every turn. 

Stanley Price and Douglas Evans

There is no suspense over the identity of the Phantom Ruler because he is unmasked in chapter one, although his actual name or occupation is never revealed. However, the serial itself does work up some suspense over how Lane and Carol will finally capture the elusive mastermind. The couple are nearly immolated by a stream of gasoline and a fiery truck explosion in chapter two, and are trapped by a river of fire in a mine in chapter five. In chapter seven Lane is tied to a railroad hand-car loaded with explosives and sent hurtling toward an express train as Carol tries to prevent the collision with her automobile. In chapter eight Lane manages to free himself from a pit below a trapdoor when the house above is set on fire. 

Richard Webb takes aim

Lane has a condescending attitude when he first finds out that a woman is to be his partner. "Isn't this an unusual job for a woman?" he sniffs. However, he is eventually won over by Carol's courage and aptitude. Webb [Captain Midnight] makes the perfect serial hero, stalwart, strong, square-jawed, and both "dreamy" and heroic in bearing and appearance. Towne is also capable as a serial leading lady, although she is less colorful than others. Price underplays his role of despicable monster and manages to be convincing if unexciting. Lane Bradford [Zombies of the Stratosphere] is sneeringly effective as the chief thug in the Phantom Ruler's employ. John Crawford is his helpmate, and the "foreigners" forced to help them include John Hamilton, Douglas Evans [The Crimson Key], Dale Van Sickel and George Meeker. Tom Steele and Marshall Reed, both of whom were in very many serials, also make appearances on opposite sides. Stanley Wilson's excellent score expertly compliments the action -- and there is plenty of it in this exciting serial. 

Verdict: Despite the absence of an unknown archenemy and flying, costumed hero, this is still a fun cliffhanger serial. ***.