Watch Invisible Dr. Mabuse

Invisible Dr. Mabuse is a German crime thriller from 1962, featuring the iconic supervillain Dr. Mabuse, a character created by Norbert Jacques in his novel "Dr. Mabuse der Spieler" and made famous by filmmaker Fritz Lang in his series of films in the 1920s and 30s. This version of the menacing mastermind's story is one in a series of films made about the character during the 1960s, which offer a blend of crime, mystery, and touches of the supernatural.

The movie stars Lex Barker, an American actor best known for his roles as Tarzan in the 1940s and 50s, who portrays FBI agent Joe Como in this outing. The cast also features the talented Karin Dor as Maria Sabrehm, Siegfried Lowitz playing Inspector Ha, and the presence of Wolfgang Preiss, although not visible for the larger part of the film, senses through his deeds as Dr. Mabuse.

Invisible Dr. Mabuse is a unique installment in the franchise as it introduces an element of science fiction to the series with the theme of invisibility. The plot centers around Dr. Mabuse, who despite being thought dead for years, seems to have found a way to return from the grave, this time wielding a terrifying new power that renders him invisible. This makes him an even more formidable opponent as he continues his relentless pursuit of wealth and domination by orchestrating a series of crimes that seem impossible to solve.

The narrative kicks off with a baffling heist that bewilders the police. Treasures are stolen without a trace, and the heists are executed with impeccable precision, suggesting that the crimes are the work of no ordinary thief. As the frequency and audacity of these crimes grow, the authorities grow ever more desperate to find a lead. It becomes apparent that an invisible force is at play, one that can penetrate the most secure establishments without being detected.

Enter Joe Como, an accomplished FBI agent with a track record of cracking the most challenging cases. Como is called to Berlin to assist the local police force and his expertise quickly leads him to suspect that a new form of technology might be at the heart of these crimes. His investigation points toward the involvement of the infamous Dr. Mabuse, whose criminal mind and contempt for humanity are legendary.

Maria Sabrehm, a beautiful and enigmatic character with her own connections to Dr. Mabuse, becomes entwined with the investigation. The chemistry between Maria and Joe adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the storyline, as their relationship evolves amidst the tension-filled backdrop of chasing a man who cannot be seen.

The atmosphere of the film is appropriately dark and suspenseful, as it should be for a story involving such enigmatic and menacing characters. Director Harald Reinl, known for his knack for creating gripping thriller and adventure movies, harnesses the elements of mystery and fear associated with the concept of invisibility to offer audiences a gripping cinematic experience.

The movie is characterized by its combination of traditional detective work with a speculative twist, echoing the heightened anxiety of the Cold War era, during which it was produced. The fear of the unseen enemy and the power of science wielded irresponsibly reflect the societal concerns of the time, adding depth to the film beyond its role as simple entertainment.

Siegfried Lowitz’s role as Inspector Ha provides a solid grounding in police procedure and rationality, serving as a foil to the almost supernatural feats of Dr. Mabuse. His procedural and methodical approach offers a contrast to the more dynamic and intuitive methods of Agent Como.

While Invisible Dr. Mabuse might not boast the elaborate set pieces of a big-budget Hollywood film, it makes excellent use of its resources to create suspense and a sense of peril. The narrative is a cat-and-mouse game that takes the characters through a series of twists and turns as they chase shadows, trying to outwit an enemy who always seems to be one step ahead.

The film’s use of the invisible antagonist theme predates the more recent fascination with invisible characters in cinema, setting a precedent for the psychological terror that invisibility can inflict. The eerie soundtrack, period set designs, and performances that balance on the edge of film noir and science fiction all contribute to a movie that is not easily forgotten.

Invisible Dr. Mabuse is a delightful entry in the Mabuse series for fans of crime thrillers, especially those who appreciate the fusion of classic suspense with speculative elements. It is a testament to the enduring allure of the supervillain archetype and the human fascination with the battle between good and evil, where the greatest weapon can often be the one that is unseen.