I suppose that modern audiences might find this film a tad bit slow, but taken in the context of 1932, it's a true gem, and one of a handful of early horror films that influenced the horror-film genre for decades to come.
As opposed to some of Karloff's Frankenstein films, here we at least get to see Karloff as a man, as well as a monster. He plays not only the mummy, but also the human-like Imhotep revived, who interacts with the various British Egyptologists as a man. When I was around 12 years of age, my grandmother (with whom I lived) went off one dark and stormy night (yes, really) to babysit, and I stayed home and watched this film on television. It was the only time that a horror film every truly scared me.
I am adding a paragraph here from my original review to comment on the recent Blu Ray edition. Is it worth the upgrade? Yes, I think it is. It's an excellent print. There is some footage taken in Egypt -- probably old documentary stuff -- that is not so clear, but all the footage of the film itself is in remarkably good condition considering it dates to 1932.
The story involves the son of an ancient Egyptian king named Imhotep (Karloff), who is resurrected during an archaeological expedition led by a Brit -- actor Arthur Byron. Naturally, there's a curse on opening things found in the mummy's tomb, but one of the expedition's assistants gives into temptation and is immediately driven mad. Once "alive" again (after having been mummified while alive as punishment), Imhotep escapes after taking the Scroll of Thoth, with the intent of reincarnating his ancient lover. A decade later, the "human" Imhotep assists another expedition in finding his lover's tomb, but Imhotep becomes enthralled with the half white/half-Egyptian wife of a Western official, who strongly resembles his old lover. She, indeed, is drawn to him. He decides to kill her and then bring his old lover back to life through the woman's corpse. Of course, he is thwarted, but not before unleashing a reign of terror.
Karloff is good here...in an early-1930s sort of way. The rest of the actors "do their jobs", but certainly don't stand out. The one exception I would make was Arthur Byron, who was quite good as the older Egyptologist. The sets are believable.
I have 3 criticisms. The lead actress -- Zita Johann -- is...well...very early 1930ish. She was active only for about 3 years...and I think it's obvious why. Oh, she doesn't ruin the film. I just don't think she's very interesting. The special effects at the very end are disappointing. In fact, my third criticism is the climax, which is a bit of a let down.
Nevertheless, I recommend this film. Having not seen it in years, I had forgotten how good it was. It's nice to see such a good print that allows one to really enjoy the film, rather than the old beat-up prints we used to see on late night television back in the 1950s-1960s. Its shortcomings are outpaced by its strong points.
As opposed to some of Karloff's Frankenstein films, here we at least get to see Karloff as a man, as well as a monster. He plays not only the mummy, but also the human-like Imhotep revived, who interacts with the various British Egyptologists as a man. When I was around 12 years of age, my grandmother (with whom I lived) went off one dark and stormy night (yes, really) to babysit, and I stayed home and watched this film on television. It was the only time that a horror film every truly scared me.
I am adding a paragraph here from my original review to comment on the recent Blu Ray edition. Is it worth the upgrade? Yes, I think it is. It's an excellent print. There is some footage taken in Egypt -- probably old documentary stuff -- that is not so clear, but all the footage of the film itself is in remarkably good condition considering it dates to 1932.
The story involves the son of an ancient Egyptian king named Imhotep (Karloff), who is resurrected during an archaeological expedition led by a Brit -- actor Arthur Byron. Naturally, there's a curse on opening things found in the mummy's tomb, but one of the expedition's assistants gives into temptation and is immediately driven mad. Once "alive" again (after having been mummified while alive as punishment), Imhotep escapes after taking the Scroll of Thoth, with the intent of reincarnating his ancient lover. A decade later, the "human" Imhotep assists another expedition in finding his lover's tomb, but Imhotep becomes enthralled with the half white/half-Egyptian wife of a Western official, who strongly resembles his old lover. She, indeed, is drawn to him. He decides to kill her and then bring his old lover back to life through the woman's corpse. Of course, he is thwarted, but not before unleashing a reign of terror.
Karloff is good here...in an early-1930s sort of way. The rest of the actors "do their jobs", but certainly don't stand out. The one exception I would make was Arthur Byron, who was quite good as the older Egyptologist. The sets are believable.
I have 3 criticisms. The lead actress -- Zita Johann -- is...well...very early 1930ish. She was active only for about 3 years...and I think it's obvious why. Oh, she doesn't ruin the film. I just don't think she's very interesting. The special effects at the very end are disappointing. In fact, my third criticism is the climax, which is a bit of a let down.
Nevertheless, I recommend this film. Having not seen it in years, I had forgotten how good it was. It's nice to see such a good print that allows one to really enjoy the film, rather than the old beat-up prints we used to see on late night television back in the 1950s-1960s. Its shortcomings are outpaced by its strong points.