The Invisible Ray (1920 serial)
A lost 1920 serial based on scientific investigation.
The Invisible Ray is a 1920 American science fiction film serial directed by Harry A. Pollard. Early press accounts cited the scientific foundation of the plot, noting that fact and not fancy governed the action throughout. The serial is now considered to be lost.
- year
- 1920
- country
- United States
- director
- Harry A. Pollard
- genre
- Science fiction serial
- status
- Lost film
- author
- Guy McConnell
Lore & Background
The Invisible Ray was a 1920 American science fiction film serial directed by Harry A. Pollard. Early press accounts emphasized the scientific foundation of the plot, stating that the production differed from other serials because fact, not fancy, governed the action. The plot was based on a scientific investigation made by the author, Guy McConnell, for several research institutions and for the Chemical Division of the United States Department of the Interior.
Reader's Guide
The serial was lauded for its special effects. According to a report in The Moving Picture World, mighty buildings, rocks and forests were set afire and exploded, and the expert application of clever photographic devices made the picture appear strikingly realistic. The serial is now considered to be lost. Its significance lies in its claim to scientific grounding and its use of special effects, though no complete copies are known to survive.
Did You Know?
- The serial was based on a scientific investigation by author Guy McConnell for the Chemical Division of the United States Department of the Interior.
- The plot involves two keys to a box containing a ray powerful enough to destroy the world.
- The serial is now considered to be lost.
- The Moving Picture World reported that the special effects included buildings, rocks, and forests set afire and exploded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Invisible Ray (1920 serial)?
It is a 1920 American science fiction film serial directed by Harry A. Pollard, adapted from a story by Guy McConnell. The production was promoted as a scientifically grounded narrative rather than a purely fantastical one.
What is the plot of The Invisible Ray (1920 serial) about?
The serial revolves around a scientific investigation, with contemporary press materials stressing that factual science drove the action throughout. Because the film no longer survives, the full details of the storyline remain largely unknown to modern audiences.
Is The Invisible Ray (1920 serial) still available to watch?
No, the serial is classified as a lost film, meaning no known prints or copies are believed to exist today. Scholars and fans can only piece together its content through surviving stills, period reviews, and press accounts.
Who wrote the source material for The Invisible Ray (1920 serial)?
The serial was based on a work by Guy McConnell, who provided the underlying story. Harry A. Pollard directed the adaptation, which was produced in the United States in 1920.
Why is The Invisible Ray (1920 serial) notable in silent science fiction?
It stands out as one of the earliest American sci-fi serials whose marketing explicitly emphasized real scientific principles over invention. Its complete loss to history makes it a significant gap in the study of early silent-era science fiction filmmaking.
More in Silent science fiction films 1-20
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