I think that The Mummy is the least frightening of the classic Universal monsters: if attacked, simply maintain a brisk pace while looking for a torch to set fire to the shambling brute - problem solved. Fortunately, The Mummy's Hand (not sure about the relevance of the title, since the whole mummy appears in the film, not just his hand) is just as focussed on delivering chuckles as it is chills, meaning that the whole thing is still quite a bit of fun despite the somewhat tepid thrills.
The film opens in ancient times, detailing how the unfortunate Kharis came to be a mummy; the action then switches to modern day Egypt, where archaeologist Steve Banning (Dick Foran) and his sidekick Babe Jenson (Wallace Ford) discover the location of the secret tomb of princess Ananka.
With the promise of fame and fortune, the pair convince a travelling magician, Mr. Solvani (Cecil Kellaway) to fund an expedition; concerned about her father trekking into the unknown with two strangers, Solvani's beautiful daughter Marta (Peggy Moran) also tags along. Unfortunately for the group of plucky adventurers, Egyptian high priest Andoheb (George Zucco) has sworn to protect the princess's tomb, and reanimates Kharis (Tom Tyler), sending him on a mission to kill.
Its plot is hoary old horror hokum that holds few surprises, but to its credit The Mummy's Hand moves at a reasonable pace (unlike its musty old monster), delivers enjoyable characters (even Lou Costello-style comic relief Ford is bearable), and rounds things off with an exciting finale that sees Kharis carry Marta off to the hidden tomb, where Andoheb intends to turn her into his immortal high priestess.
6/10. I actually enjoyed it more than the over-rated '32 Boris Karloff original.
The film opens in ancient times, detailing how the unfortunate Kharis came to be a mummy; the action then switches to modern day Egypt, where archaeologist Steve Banning (Dick Foran) and his sidekick Babe Jenson (Wallace Ford) discover the location of the secret tomb of princess Ananka.
With the promise of fame and fortune, the pair convince a travelling magician, Mr. Solvani (Cecil Kellaway) to fund an expedition; concerned about her father trekking into the unknown with two strangers, Solvani's beautiful daughter Marta (Peggy Moran) also tags along. Unfortunately for the group of plucky adventurers, Egyptian high priest Andoheb (George Zucco) has sworn to protect the princess's tomb, and reanimates Kharis (Tom Tyler), sending him on a mission to kill.
Its plot is hoary old horror hokum that holds few surprises, but to its credit The Mummy's Hand moves at a reasonable pace (unlike its musty old monster), delivers enjoyable characters (even Lou Costello-style comic relief Ford is bearable), and rounds things off with an exciting finale that sees Kharis carry Marta off to the hidden tomb, where Andoheb intends to turn her into his immortal high priestess.
6/10. I actually enjoyed it more than the over-rated '32 Boris Karloff original.