You won't be disappointed!

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

A good and interesting older sci-fi film. I love the idea of finding a cure for blindness but this particular fictitious form of radium called Radium X also has it's dark side if it falls into the wrong hands (as we see in the film). This movie is a grim reminder that scientific discoveries in real life (as well as in the movies) can be used for good but it can be used for bad/evil if one uses that way.Great film for fans of the science fiction genre. It tells the story of Dr. Janos Rukh (Karloff) who discovered the (fictitious) Radium X, is exposed to the poison and becomes a murderous maniac against the scientists and supporters of the expedition were the Radium X was found.7.5/10

Despite owning The Bela Lugosi Collection DVD from the day it came out, I honestly don't think I've seen this film before. If I have, I've forgotten almost everything about in the intervening years. As it is, it's a pretty fun sci-fi/horror hybrid. The movie has a fantastically Gothic opening, with a group of scientists, Bela Lugosi among them, gathering in an old castle on a dark and stormy night. Using his fancy telescope machine, Boris Karloff shows his audience the history of an asteroid hitting Earth, by reflecting rays off of Andromeda. (Is that possible? It doesn't seem possible.) It's hard to go wrong with Karloff narrating over a series of surreal, astral images. The gist of this really cool montage? There's a new element somewhere in the wilds of Africa.In the first of two major location changes, the scientists pack and head for the jungle. After some moderately racist scenes of African natives, Karloff finds the asteroid and immediately turns this fantastic new element into a death ray. Also, he becomes poisoned with the new element's radiation, now glows in the dark and kill things with a touch. His fellow scientists basically run off with Karloff's discovery, though they still technically credit him. He's still pretty upset. Also, his much-younger wife is in love with another guy. That's a lot of set-up, isn't it? I thought so too. "The Invisible Ray" is a half-an-hour in before we finally get to the movie's main point. It's not exactly a problem, as the movie is actually well paced. But still, as far as revenge quest premise go, it's a bit convoluted. In the second location shift, the action heads to Paris and Karloff can get down to the business of killing those who have wrong him with his brand new radiation powers. Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to betray the guy who can kill with a touch.The main pleasure of "The Invisible Ray" is seeing Karloff play an over-the-top villain. There's some excuse about the radiation affecting his sanity but even before then he seems a little obsessive. Having the great actor scream about "Thieves!" is sort of awesome. The second half is exciting enough and there are several nice touches. An eradicated hand-print appears on the skin of each victim. Karloff destroys one of six statues at a near-by church after claiming a victim. Lugosi discovers the identity of the killer with a especially ridiculous, but fun!, method. Bela does well in another nice guy part. The ending rolls around in an unexpected manner. "The Invisible Ray" maybe demands a little more from viewers as far as plot mechanics go but it's a satisfying thriller that drawls its audience in early and keeps their attention.

Lambert Hillyer directed this science fiction story starring Boris Karloff as Dr. Janos Rukh, who organizes an expedition to Africa to locate a newly discovered meteorite of reputed power. Unfortunately, Janos becomes ill when exposed to it, though Dr. Felix Benet(played by Bela Lugosi) finds a cure for his radiation sickness. When they return to London, Benet uses the radiation to develop a cure for blindness, making him a hero, though Janos becomes embittered by what he considers the theft of his discovery, so uses his newfound power to kill by touch to avenge himself on his perceived enemies... Good film has a fine cast and interesting story, which makes inspired use of its familiar plot to create a moving tragedy.

The thirties horror films that are best remembered are always the likes of Dracula and Frankenstein; and there's a very good reason for that, but there were a number of smaller but nevertheless excellent productions, and The Invisible Ray is certainly one of them. The plot is not particularly original and similar plots have been seen many times before (even way back in 1936) but the way that everything is put together is certainly very imaginative and director Lambert Hillyer has created a very nifty little original horror film. The plot focuses on the good hearted Dr Janos Rukh; a man who has discovered a way to recreate the history of the Earth. His discovery leads him to believe that there may be an unknown radioactive element somewhere in Africa and so he sets off along with a team of esteemed colleagues to find it. However, tragedy strikes while on the expedition and the good doctor ends up becoming exposed to the element; which makes him glow in the dark, and also sends him mad...The biggest draw of the film is undoubtedly the fact that it stars the two biggest horror stars of its day - Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, and both give excellent performances. Karloff really shows what a good actor he is and his character has plenty of meat for Karloff to impress with. Bela Lugosi has a role which is extremely different from what we're used to seeing him in, and it's a great performance from him also; it's nice to see a bit of versatility from Lugosi. The film does get off to a rather slow start; but things soon start to pick up. The second half of the film is the best and that's really when the film gets exciting and Karloff gets a chance to shine (literally). The film does not put its focus on big special effects and largely relies on the actions of the central character to keep things interesting; and it does work very well. The film remains interesting throughout and boils down to a very decent climax that wraps everything up nicely. Overall, The Invisible Ray may not be one of the very best horror films of the thirties; but it's a very good one and comes recommended.