The Invisible Man (1984– )

Adapted from the classic novel by H.G. Wells, this six-part serial dramatizes the story of a mad scientist who makes himself invisible and terrorizes everyone.

Stars:

Pip Donaghy, David Gwillim, Gerald James

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Pip Donaghy	...	The Invisible Man (6 episodes, 1984)
David Gwillim	...	Dr. Samuel Kemp (3 episodes, 1984)
Gerald James	...	Dr. Edward Cuss (3 episodes, 1984)
Lila Kaye	...	Mrs. Jenny Hall (3 episodes, 1984)
Merelina Kendall	...	Lucy (3 episodes, 1984)
Ron Pember	...	Mr. George Hall (3 episodes, 1984)
Michael Sheard	...	Reverend Edward Bunting (3 episodes, 1984)
Jonathan Adams	...	Teddy Henfrey (2 episodes, 1984)
Helen Gold	...	Rose (2 episodes, 1984)
Nigel Gregory	...	Youth (2 episodes, 1984)
Rachael Heaton-Armstrong	...	Girl (2 episodes, 1984)
Roy Holder	...	Sandy Wadgers (2 episodes, 1984)
Frank Middlemass	...	Thomas Marvel (2 episodes, 1984)
John Quarmby	...	Constable Charlie Jaffers (2 episodes, 1984)
Bernard Stone	...	Shop Owner (2 episodes, 1984)
Anna Wing	...	Mrs. Sarah Roberts (2 episodes, 1984)

Storyline

Adapted from the classic novel by H.G. Wells, this six-part serial dramatizes the story of a mad scientist who makes himself invisible and terrorizes everyone.

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Plot Keywords:

based on novel

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 September 1985 (USA)

Filming Locations:

BBC Television Centre, Wood Lane, Shepherd's Bush, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$700,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min 50 min (3 parts) 27 min (6 parts)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of Tomei ningen (1954)

User Reviews

Engaging drama.

It's been over 40 years since I've read the novel by wells, but as adaptations go this is very faithful, with the Universal 1933 classic being perhaps the only other version that I've reasonably enjoyed. The rest of the Universal series and the many TV movies and series have always, for me, been simple adventures that use the invisibility theme as a means of inventing generally poor story lines.

What I enjoyed about this BBC serial is that the invisibility plays almost second fiddle to the drama as it unfolds. It's only during the later episodes that they are very cleverly, and mostly successfully, inserted into the ensuing drama. Finally let me add that Lila Kaye, as the pub landlady, gives Una O'Connor a good run for her money in the hysterics department.