In 1932, Universal Pictures decided to capitalize on the success of Frankenstein and its star Boris Karloff by producing a new horror movie. The initial idea was to create a film based on the real-life exploits of the French mystic Cagliostro, who claimed to have lived for several generations. However, this concept was soon abandoned in favor of a screenplay penned by Nina Wilcox Putnam, which featured the resurrected corpse of an ancient Egyptian prince. This decision was likely influenced by the recent discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb and the resulting national obsession with Egyptology. Universal felt that the combination of Karloff and this topical theme would guarantee a hit, and their instincts proved correct.
Despite the popularity of the Karloff name, Universal was hesitant to greenlight the film. They hired Karl Freund, director of Frankenstein, Dracula, and I Love Lucy, to helm a project whose script closely mirrored that of Dracula, which Freund had previously shot as cinematographer. In fact, The Mummy featured several of the same scenes, dialogue, and even actors as the Bela Lugosi classic. Fellow Dracula alumni Edward Van Sloan and David Manners were also involved in the production. Though the film may have been derivative, it resonated with audiences and is now considered a Universal classic in its own right.The female lead role in the film was given to the uniquely beautiful Broadway actress Zita Johann, who was cast alongside Karloff. However, Johann was not the studio's first choice for the roles of Princess Anck-es-en-Amon and her modern reincarnated counterpart Helen Grosvenor. Originally, Katherine Hepburn was offered the part, but prior obligations prevented her from taking it, much to director Karl Freund's potential dismay.During filming, Johann frequently argued with Freund over how scenes were to be shot. In turn, Freund did everything he could to make the actress uncomfortable, including forcing her to stand on set for days to prevent her dress from getting creased. On the final day of shooting, Johann was even sent onto a stage with live lions while Freund remained safely behind a protective barrier.
Adding insult to injury, several scenes showcasing Helen Grosvenor's past lives were ultimately cut from the final film. These experiences likely led Johann to refer to the director as "the monster." The hypnotic actress also had a penchant for the occult that seemed to come through in her performance, making her the perfect counterbalance to the macabre Karloff.
Universal billed Boris Karloff simply as "Karloff The Uncanny" due to the massive fan following he had gained from his iconic portrayal of Frankenstein.
Before filming, Boris Karloff endured an arduous eight-hour makeup application process each day. This makeup was more time-consuming and painful to remove than the makeup used for his Frankenstein character.
Several scenes depicting the reincarnated soul of Anckesen-Amon as it passed through generations were filmed but ultimately excluded from the final cut, either by the director's choice or due to bans by the Hays Office.
Directed by Karl Freund and written by Nina Wilcox Putnam, Richard Schayer, and John L. Balderston, The Mummy, also known as Cagliostro, Im-Ho-Tep & King of the Dead, is a classic Universal film.
The cast includes Boris Karloff as Im-ho-tep / Ardath Bey, Zita Johann as Helen Grosvenor / Princess Anckesen-Amon, David Manners as Frank Whemple, Arthur Byron as Sir Joseph Whemple, Edward Van Sloan as Dr. Muller, Bramwell Fletcher as Ralph Norton, Noble Johnson as The Nubian, Kathryn Byron as Frau Muller, Leonard Mudie as Prof. Pearson, and James Crane as The Pharaoh.
This black and white film has a runtime of 73 minutes and was released in the USA on December 22, 1932. It is in English and features mono sound mix."
The Mummy (1932)
Directed by Karl Freund and written by Nina Wilcox Putnam, Richard Schayer, and John L. Balderston, The Mummy, also known as Cagliostro, Im-Ho-Tep & King of the Dead, is a classic Universal film.
The cast includes Boris Karloff as Im-ho-tep / Ardath Bey, Zita Johann as Helen Grosvenor / Princess Anckesen-Amon, David Manners as Frank Whemple, Arthur Byron as Sir Joseph Whemple, Edward Van Sloan as Dr. Muller, Bramwell Fletcher as Ralph Norton, Noble Johnson as The Nubian, Kathryn Byron as Frau Muller, Leonard Mudie as Prof. Pearson, and James Crane as The Pharaoh.
This black and white film has a runtime of 73 minutes and was released in the USA on December 22, 1932. It is in English and features mono sound mix."
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