JOHN P. FULTON: HOW HE MADE THE INVISIBLE MAN

Universal's early 1930's horror cycle began with DRACULA in 1931, which was quickly followed by FRANKENSTEIN in the same year. In 1932, THE OLD DARK HOUSE and THE MUMMY were released. The monsters seen in these films were the masterful makeup creations of U's head of the makeup department, Jack Pierce. However, in 1933, THE INVISIBLE MAN was filmed, which relied on skillful trick photography instead of makeup for the titular H.G. Wells character.

Claude Rains starred as The Invisible Man.

John P. Fulton was behind the fantastic special effects in this movie. Together with cinematographer Arthur Edeson (who was behind the camera for FRANKENSTEIN), Fulton created some of the most startling and believable images thus far seen on the silver screen.

Fulton had a long career and he had a hand in matte painting, process filming and visual effects in such films as DRACULA, THE BLACK CAT (1934), THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935), THE INVISIBLE RAY (1936), DRACULA'S DAUGHTER (1936), and many more.

In this article written by Fulton for AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER for their September, 1934 issue, he explains what went on behind the making of THE INVISIBLE MAN.

SUPER RARE INVISIBLE MAN TEASER POSTER

Once again, descriptions of the special effects created for movies from years ago are compared in context with film making today, such as in the description below which makes the excuse for the work of John P. Fulton as "primitive" compared to contemporary CGI. I'm not a hardcore traditionalist when it comes to visual effects, but I have seen plenty of inept and overused CGI that couldn't hold a candle to Jack Pierce and John Fulton's collective masterful effort seen in Universal's THE INVISIBLE MAN (1933).

The poster seen here could also be considered a "primitive" example of Karoly Grosz's work for Universal. Instead, I assert that it is vibrant and atmospheric. Nevertheless, I give them the benefit of the doubt for not clearly articulating the point.

I have included the auction house's larger images with watermarks.

Auction Lot Description:
The Invisible Man (Universal, 1933). One Sheet (27" X 41") Style A, Teaser, Karoly Grosz Art.
By 1933 Universal Studios had scored a tremendous success with their push into the horror arena with films based on classics such as Dracula (1931) and Frankenstein (1931), both relying on horrific makeup and gore. With The Invisible Man they turned their eye toward special effects as the fright factor in this glorious adaptation of the H. G. Wells novel. The studio brought in the director who made the "Frankenstein Monster" so exciting, James Whale. He brought to the horror film a tongue-in-cheek element which almost 85 years after the film's release makes it so very enjoyable. Claude Rains, who only appears on camera briefly in the film but whose voice is the epitome of pure evil, is brilliant in the role of a scientist whose work drives him mad. Yet it is the special effects that are the stars of this film. Though appearing somewhat primitive by today's CGI standards one can only imagine the jaw-dropping impact the effects of wizard John Fulton and his team produced in 1933. Heritage is pleased to present for the first time this impressive Advance or Teaser one sheet. In only a few instances did the studio produce a teaser for their horror greats but when they did they were often outstanding as is this poster! Perhaps one of the most impressive of all of the great Universal horror posters, we believe this would be a cornerstone in any advanced collection. The poster has minimal restoration to address a small chip from within the lower left black area near the bottom border as well as an additional horizontal fold above the upper fold and mirrored below the lower fold. There was some fold separation in the upper vertical fold and within the upper fold but with no paper loss at all. There was a tiny chip from the upper left border and that is the only touch up done within the border. The colors are as vibrant as the day the poster was printed and there is almost no paint used in the restoration. Included is a snipe which was lifted off of the poster in restoration. Very Fine on Linen. 

Estimate: $80,000 - $160,000. 

SEEING THROUGH THE INVISIBLE MAN

In numerous classic Universal horror films, shrouding the production under a veil of secrecy added to the mystique and built anticipation before the film's release. This is done a little less frequently today, but other marketing techniques have taken its place, such as the pre-release viral hype of movies like THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT and SNAKES ON A PLANE.

The April 1934 issue of MODERN MECHANIX "unofficially" reveals the secret techniques that were used in the filming of THE INVISIBLE MAN, released the previous November. The one-page feature describes the use of filters, film stains and optical printers that made the invisible man seem to "disappear" on screen. It was a fabulous effect that thrilled audiences around the world.

Conventional, or to use the more current term "practical" makeup may have also had a role in the invisible man's on-screen disappearing act. The article speculates that either blue or orange-red makeup would have been applied to actor Claude Rains, and by the use of filters, these colors would have been visible or invisible on film. If makeup was applied, then it would have most likely been done so by the uncredited head of Universal's makeup department, a certain Frankenstein monster maker by the name of Jack Pierce.