The Invisible Man (1975 TV series)

The Invisible Man was a short-lived American science fiction television series that aired on NBC during the 1975-1976 season. It was based loosely on H.G. Wells' novel The Invisible Man, but significantly diverged in tone and premise.

The series starred David McCallum as Dr. Daniel Weston, a scientist working for a private think tank called Klae Corporation. Weston develops a device that can render objects invisible, including himself. However, an unforeseen side effect is that the process also makes him gradually more unpredictable and unstable.

Instead of using his invisibility for personal gain or malice, as in Wells' novel, Weston becomes a reluctant secret agent. He is blackmailed by the Klae Corporation (specifically by his superior, Walter Carlson, played by Craig Stevens) into using his invisibility for covert missions in exchange for continued research into a cure for his condition. He is aided by his wife, Dr. Kate Weston (played by Melinda Fee), who is aware of his secret and works to help him both in his missions and in finding a way to reverse the invisibility.

The series featured a blend of science fiction, action, and espionage elements. A key visual element was Weston's costume: a custom-made suit and bandages which allowed the viewer to see him when he was invisible; without them, he would be completely unseen. The series was known for its use of special effects to depict Weston's invisibility, including floating objects and disembodied voices.

Despite its interesting premise and the popularity of David McCallum, The Invisible Man was cancelled after only 13 episodes. Reasons for its cancellation included low ratings, competition from other shows, and reported production difficulties. A pilot episode with a different actor (originally, the role was filled by John Considine), director, and tone was filmed before the series was reworked with McCallum in the lead. The original pilot was significantly darker in tone.