Grab your bandages and have a good sarcophagus - we’re watching Universal’s original 1932 version of “The Mummy”.
A film in which Zita Johann attempts to break the record for the number of 6’s you can put on your forehead; Edward Van Sloan returns as Van Helsing… er… plays the entirely new character of Dr Muller; and Jack Pierce bakes Boris Karloff for 8 hours at Gas Mark 5.
Having hit gold with their adaptations of Dracula and Frankenstein, Universal decided to add another monster to their roster, and turned to Egypt for inspiration. Returning star Karloff cements his reputation with his baleful portrayal of Imhotep/Ardath Bey, searching for his lost love from beyond the grave. He is ably matched by Zita Johann’s portrayal of Helen and, later, the long dead Anck-es-en-Amon. Makeup maestro Jack P Pierce once again makes a memorable monster, in both his forms. Although this in many ways retreads the story beats of Dracula, it still has its own iconic moments, and it may also surprise new viewers that the shambling figure in bandages they may expect is almost entirely absent. Whilst there are aspects and attitudes of the film that may not sit well with modern sensibilities; it is product of nearly a century ago, and should be taken as such. And as a key film of Universal’s original horror run, it really deserves to be seen.
Watch (or re-watch) to avoid 93 year old spoilers and join us.