The Unknown Purple is a lost 1923 American silent mystery film that was written and directed by Roland West.

Plot

After his release from prison, an inventor develops an eerie purple light that renders him invisible, enabling him to seek revenge on his unfaithful wife and his crooked business partner.

Cast

Production

Film historian Scott MacQueen cited "The Vanishing Men", a treatment West had targeted for film in 1921, as the inspiration for the film. In that way, it’s also inspired by H.G. Wells’ novel The Invisible Man, which wouldn’t get a proper adaptation until a decade later in 1933. The film was adapted from a stage play which was written by Roland West and Carlyle Moore. Comedian Johnny Arthur made his feature-length debut in The Unknown Purple.

Release

The Unknown Purple was released in October 1923.

Reception

In a contemporary review, Variety described the film as an "exceptionally well-made picture - among the best of its type - a mystery." The review praised the photography of Oliver Marsh and the acting by Henry Walthall and Alice Lake.