Billy Bevan, born in 1887 in Orange, New South Wales, Australia, made a significant impact on American cinema as a comedic actor. He appeared in The Invisible Man Returns (1940) and The Lodger (1944), where his expressive pantomime and timing shone through in the frantic pace of the films. Initially breaking into the industry with the Sigmund Lubin studio in 1916, Bevan became a star in Mack Sennett comedies, often recognized for his trademark derby hat and drooping mustache. His ability to steal scenes with a friendly presence made him a memorable figure in the cult film landscape.
The Invisible Man Returns
Sir Geoffrey Radcliffe (Vincent Price) is sentenced to death for the murder of his brother Michael, a crime he did not commit. Dr. Frank Griffin, the brother of the original invisible man injects the prisoner with an invisibility drug. As Radcliffe's execution nears, he suddenly vanishes from his cell. Detective Sampson (Cecil Kellaway) from Scotland Yard guesses the truth while Radcliffe searches for the real murderer before the drug causes him to go insane. The Radcliffe family owns a mining operation. The recently promoted employee Willie Spears (Alan Napier) is promoted within the company, stirring Radcliffe's suspicions. After forcing Spears' car off the road, Spears is frightened into revealing that Richard Cobb (Sir Cedric Hardwicke), Radcliffe's cousin, is the murderer. After a confrontation, a chase scene ensues during which Radcliffe is struck by a bullet from Sampson. Cobb is fatally injured by falling from a coal wagon but confesses to the murder before he dies. Now cleared of all wrongdoing, Radcliffe, dying from blood loss and exposure, makes his way to Dr. Griffin. A number of Radcliffe's employees volunteer to donate blood to Radcliffe. The transfusion succeeds, making Radcliffe visible again, allowing the doctor to operate and save his life.
