The Mummy (1932) - Universal Classic Monsters | Boris Karloff | Horror Movie Classics

Written By Ken Hulsey

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.

In 1921, a British expedition unearthed the mummified remains of the High Priest Imhotep, who had been buried alive 3,700 years earlier for attempting to resurrect the body of his departed love, Princess Anck-es-en-Amon. Researcher Ralph Norton later discovered the Scroll of Thoth among the Mummy's effects. While trying to translate the inscription, Norton accidentally uttered an ancient spell that brought Imhotep back to life. Horrified, the researcher was driven mad, descending into hysterical laughter. As Norton trembled in fear, the reanimated Mummy reclaimed the scroll and shuffled out into the desert

The Mummy would return ten years later, embodied as the Egyptian priest Ardath Bay (an anagram for "Death by Ra"). Bay directed another research team to the location of his long-lost love's remains, which were then exhumed and put on display at the Cairo Museum. Reappearing, Bay sought to resurrect the soul of Anck-es-en-Amon, unaware that it had since taken up residence within the young socialite Helen Grosvenor. Desperate to be reunited with his love, Bay plotted to mummify Grosvenor and revive her with the same spell that had resurrected him. However, the archaeologists uncovered Bay's true identity and evil intentions just in time, burning the sacred scroll and reducing the Mummy to dust.

The Mummy remains a true horror classic. Karloff delivers a standout performance, his face transformed by Jack Pierce's incredible makeup work. The makeup so convincingly blends Karloff's skin with bandages, creating a mesmerizing visual. Zita Johann is hypnotic as Helen Grosvenor, and the supporting cast all turn in memorable performances. While the script may borrow from other sources, it doesn't detract from the film's enjoyment. This tried-and-true formula, when executed well, has long been a staple of Hollywood storytelling. And in the case of The Mummy, the familiar elements come together to create an enduring classic that is essential viewing, even if it isn't the most original premise.

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.

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."

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."

Fright Favorites: 31 Movies to Haunt Your Halloween and Beyond (Turner Classic Movies) Hardcover

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Turner Classic Movies presents a collection of classic and modern horror films, along with family-friendly cinematic treats that capture the spirit of Halloween. The collection includes reviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and iconic images.

Fright Favorites spotlights 31 essential Halloween-time films, their associated sequels and remakes, and recommendations to expand your seasonal repertoire based on your favorites. Featured titles include Nosferatu (1922), Dracula (1931), Cat People (1942), Them (1953), House on Haunted Hill (1959), Black Sunday (1960), Rosemary's Baby (1968), Young Frankenstein (1976), Beetlejuice (1988), Get Out (2017), and many more.

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