The Body Disappears is a 1941 American comedy film directed by D. Ross Lederman and starring Jeffrey Lynn, Jane Wyman, Edward Everett Horton and Herbert Anderson. It was produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures as a second feature.Dick p.40
Plot Unconscious after his bachelor party, Peter DeHaven (Jeffrey Lynn) is transported by his friends to the college dissecting room as a practical joke. Professor Shotesbury (Edward Everett Horton) mistakenly injects him with a serum that makes him invisible. While invisible, DeHaven learns that his fiancée, Christine (Marguerite Chapman), is only marrying him for his money. He also falls in love with Shotesbury's daughter, Joan (Jane Wyman). Meanwhile, Shotesbury is committed to a sanatorium by his colleagues for his claims about invisible monkeys and men. DeHaven and Joan, by this time also invisible, go to release Shotesbury from the mental hospital, which they achieve by making him invisible as well. All the while time is running out for DeHaven to receive an antidote. In the end, all receive the antidote, and DeHaven ends up with Joan. However, Shotesbury's servant Willie suddenly becomes invisible upon sitting down in the witness chair.
Cast
+Uncredited (in order of appearance)Jack Mowercourt clerk at Doc Appleby's testimonyJohn Hamiltonjudge listening to Doc Appleby's testimonyCharles DrakeArthur, attendee at Peter's bachelor partyHank Mannjanitor at Professor Shotesbury's collegeRoland Drewproducer of playGeorge Meekerproducer of playDick Elliottproducer of playEddie Kanestage manager of playLeslie Brooksbridesmaid in playWedgwood Nowellfaculty member at Professor Shotesbury's collegeHouseley Stevensonfaculty member at Professor Shotesbury's collegeFrank FergusonProfessor McAuley, faculty member at Professor Shotesbury's collegeRomaine CallenderProfessor Barkley, faculty member at Professor Shotesbury's collegeCreighton HaleProfessor Edwards, faculty member at Professor Shotesbury's collegeEddy Chandlerpolice desk sergeantStuart Holmesheadwaiter in restaurantGlen Cavenderwaiter in restaurantFrank Sullyattendant at rest homeHarry Lewiselevator operator at Professor Shotesbury's collegeJohn DilsonDr. Jasper at rest homeSaul Gorssrest home attendantVera LewisMrs. MoggsPaul Stantonprosecutor at hearing for Professor Shotesbury
Critical reception Writing in AllMovie, critic Hal Erickson described the film as "an agreeably daffy comedy with science-fiction undertones," having "all manner of looney complications" and "still fresh and funny after nearly six decades." A review of the film in TV Guide described it as a "funny B movie" with "fine special effects [that] highlight this variation of the 'invisible man' theme," noting further that "Horton and wide-eyed Best [give] fine comic performances." Critic Dennis Schwartz described the film as a "delightful screwball comedy" and "the kind of old-fashioned comedy that can cheer you up with a few laughs if you are down, or if you are in a silly mood make you feel even sillier."
References
Bibliography Dick, Bernard F. The President’s Ladies: Jane Wyman and Nancy Davis. Univ. Press of Mississippi, 2014.
External links