Watch The Mummy

In 1932, a film was released that would go on to become a horror classic. That movie was The Mummy, directed by Karl Freund and starring Boris Karloff as Imhotep, the resurrected ancient Egyptian priest who seeks to be reunited with his lost love, Princess Ankh-es-en-amon. The story opens in 1921, with a group of British archaeologists led by Sir Joseph Whemple (Arthur Byron) uncovering the long-lost tomb of Imhotep. As they begin to examine the sarcophagus, they break the seal and read aloud the ancient Scroll of Thoth, which has the power to bring the mummy back to life.

Fast-forward to 1932, and we meet the movie's main protagonist, Frank Whemple (David Manners), who is the son of Sir Joseph. Frank and his friend Dr. Muller (Edward Van Sloan) are on an expedition in Egypt when they encounter the mysterious Princess Ankh-es-en-amon (Zita Johann), who bears an uncanny resemblance to the lover of Imhotep. Frank becomes smitten with her, but their romance is short-lived when the revived Imhotep sets his sights on reuniting with his lost love.

The Mummy is a slow-burning horror film, building tension and atmosphere through its well-crafted scenes and characters. Boris Karloff is undoubtedly the standout, with his haunting performance as Imhotep. Though he spends most of the movie shrouded in bandages and wrappings, Karloff somehow manages to imbue the character with an otherworldly presence that is both terrifying and sympathetic.

The film also benefits from its solid supporting cast, particularly Zita Johann as the enigmatic Princess Ankh-es-en-amon. Her chemistry with David Manners' Frank is palpable, and their scenes together provide a welcome respite from the horror and suspense.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is the flashback sequence, in which we see Imhotep's failed attempt to resurrect his beloved Ankh-es-en-amon centuries ago. The scene is shot in a dreamlike, almost surreal way, with the use of soft lighting and an eerie, choral soundtrack adding to the sense of dread.

While some may find The Mummy to be slow-paced and lacking in action compared to modern horror movies, it remains a masterclass in suspense and atmosphere. The film's use of sound and music is particularly noteworthy, with the haunting score by Franz Waxman accentuating the tension in every scene.

Overall, The Mummy is a timeless horror classic that still holds up over 80 years after its initial release. It's a testament to the skill of its director, actors, and crew that the film remains as chilling and effective today as it did back in 1932. For fans of horror movies and classic cinema alike, The Mummy is a must-see.

The Mummy is a 1932 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.