Trailers
Description
One by one the archaeologists who discover the 4,000-year-old tomb of Princess Ananka are brutally murdered. Kharis, high priest in Egypt 40 centuries ago, has been brought to life by the power of the ancient gods and his sole purpose is to destroy those responsible for the desecration of the sacred tomb. But Isobel, wife of one of the explorers, resembles the beautiful princess, forcing the speechless and tormented monster to defy commands and abduct Isobel to an unknown fate.
Starring
Awards
Key opinion
Hammer's 1959 production of The Mummy is widely regarded as a visually striking and atmospheric contribution to the horror genre, anchored by the iconic pairing of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. While some viewers criticize its slow-moving plot and formulaic narrative structure, most agree that its production design and lead performances make it a classic entry in the studio's repertoire.
| Acting | Christopher Lee’s portrayal of Kharis is physically imposing and emotive, subverting the trope of the slow-moving mummy with a more aggressive, brutal presence. | |
| Production | The film benefits from high-quality production design, featuring rich period décor and atmospheric sets that successfully evoke the film's Victorian and Egyptian settings. | |
| Acting | Peter Cushing provides a reliable, high-caliber performance that serves as an effective rational foil to the supernatural horror. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is a subject of disagreement, with some viewers finding the dialogue-heavy and contemplative build-up essential to the atmosphere, while others find it tedious and lacking in action. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay vary; some appreciate the thematic depth regarding colonial history and ritual, while others dismiss the plot as predictable, riddled with holes, or inferior to previous versions. |