The Invisible Woman (1940)

Dec 18, 2015

The Invisible Woman poster

Universal Pictures
Starring: Virginia Bruce, John Barrymore, John Howard
Directed by: A. Edward Sutherland

Synopsis: A beautiful model named Kitty Carroll (Virginia Bruce) volunteers to be the guinea pig for Professor Gibbs (John Barrymore) when he says he can make her invisible.

Kitty Cameos: This film features cameos by two cats.  The first is a black cat which is seen sitting in Professor Gibbs’ laboratory.

The Invisible Woman - black cat sitting beside desk in lab

The cat is only ever referred to as “Kitty”.  The cat is present throughout many of the scenes in the lab.  Professor Gibbs explains to his sponsor, Richard Russell (John Howard), that he was already able to make the cat invisible but that the effects are only temporary.

The Invisible Woman - black cat being petted by Professor Gibbs

When Professor Gibbs makes Kitty (the woman) invisible he hands the cat to his housekeeper, Mrs. Jackson (Margaret Hamilton) while he turns on the machines.  Mrs. Jackson drops the cat when the machinery starts to work.

The Invisible Woman - black cat being held by Mrs. Jackson

Inevitably, one scene calls for Professor Gibbs to be looking for the invisible woman.  He crawls around on the floor of the lab calling, “Kitty!  Kitty!”  Of course the black cat walks up to him.

The Invisible Woman - black cat approaches Professor Gibbs

Later in the film Professor Gibbs and the invisible Kitty go to Richard’s fishing cabin to show him that the experiment has worked.  Richard is there with his butler, George (Charles Ruggles).  When George shows Professor Gibbs into the cabin he is followed by Kitty, keeping her presence a secret from George.  A white cat is sitting on the back of a chair and arches its back and hisses.

The Invisible Woman - white cat arches its back animated gif

The white cat is later seen sitting in a chair as Kitty helps herself to a drink, much to George’s surprise.

The Invisible Woman - white cat on chair as drink floats

Kitty freaks George out completely when she picks up the white cat.  Still not realizing there is an invisible woman in the room, George cries out, “A flying cat!”

The Invisible Woman - white cat floating animated gif

Kitty gives the cat a voice and ends up throwing the animal at George, who catches it before it can wriggle out of his arms.  George is completely freaked out by a talking flying cat and passes out.

The Invisible Woman - George catches white cat

Final Mewsings: As any cat owner will tell you cats don’t need any help in becoming invisible.

Relevant Links:

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