Universal Studio's The Invisible Man remains a groundbreaking fusion of gothic horror, science-fiction and black humor nearly 80 years after its initial 1933 release. The film was a milestone for all involved. It allowed celebrated director James Whale to (albeit briefly) delay directing a studio-mandated sequel to his 1931 box-office hit Frankenstein, which according to Whale was saddled with a preliminary script that "stinks to heaven." It provided English stage actor (and Hollywood unknown) Claude Rains a starring vehicle as the Invisible scientist Jack Griffin that seemed tailor-made for his theatrical, mannered voice and bombastic stage-informed acting sensibilities. It afforded actress Gloria Stuart one of her most memorable roles as Griffin's love interest Flora Cranley (although she felt typecast in the "long-suffering fiancée/damsel in distress" roles largely afforded her, she clearly enjoyed continuing her association with director Whale and her place in such an important work.) Special effects wizard John P. Fulton pioneered multiple exposure techniques to facilitate a transparent man swathed in various degrees of undress, removing his bandages to reveal the invisible horror within, visuals that remain vital and convincing to this day. And screenwriter R. C. Sherriff's screenplay retained enough of British novelist H. G. Wells' intent to largely please the literary titan (who had final script approval) while streamlining Wells' social concepts and conflicts to ensure a clear narrative. In fact, Wells' only complaint about the script concerned the introduction of a drug (Monocaine) that drove the Invisible Man insane; Whale and Sherriff had introduced this concept to ensure Griffin would remain a largely sympathetic character, in spite of his megalomania and murderous tendencies. And finally, producer Carl Laemmle, Jr. and Universal were delighted that Whale had delivered a huge hit at a time of serious financial crisis at the studio. The Invisible Man has stood the test of time as a tour-de-force for its cast and crew, and an important part of Universal Studio's "monster" franchise.