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Boris Karloff, David Manners, Zita Johann, Arthur Byron, Edward Van Sloan ... see more see more... , Bramwell Fletcher , Noble Johnson , Katherine Byron , Eddie Kane , Tony Marlow , James Crane , Henry Victor , Arnold Gray , Leonard Mudie

The Mummy represented Boris Karloff's second horror starring role after his "overnight" success in Frankenstein. Brought back to life after nearly 3,700 years, Egyptian high priest Imhotep wreaks havo... read more read more...c upon the members of the British field exposition that disturbed his tomb (shades of the King Tut curse). While disguised as a contemporary Egyptologist, he falls in love with Zita Johann, whom he recognizes as the latest incarnation of a priestess who died nearly 40 centures earlier. Spiriting Zita away to the tomb, he relates the story of how he had dared to enter her ancestor's sacred burial crypt, hoping to restore her to life. Caught in the act, he was embalmed alive and his tongue was cut out for his act of sacrilege. Now that he has returned, he intends to slay Zita, so that they will be reunited for all time in the Hereafter. Despite its melodramatic trappings, The Mummy is essentially a love story, poetically related by ace cinematographer and first-time director Karl Freund. Jack Pierce's justly celebrated makeup skills offers us two Karloffs: the wizened Egyptologist and the flaking, rotting mummy, who though only seen for a few seconds remains in the memory long after the film's final image has faded. Best line: "It went for a little walk." The Mummy was followed by four stock footage-laden sequels, none of which approached the power and poignancy of the original. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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68% liked it

10,718 ratings

Critics

92% liked it

24 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 12 min.

Directed by: Karl Freund

Release Date: January 1, 1932

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DVD Release Date: August 28, 2001

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Flixster Reviews (517)

  • webalina
    April 4, 2012
    webalina
    Not quite as scary and eerie (after the opening scenes) as many of the Universal horror films, but a fun movie nonetheless. Favorite part is early on when the young archeologist sees Imhotep come alive and walk away with the scroll. One of the scariest sounds I've ever heard is t... read morehis man's hysterical laughter after witnessing Imhotep's resurrection. Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. But afterwards, it seems to slow down. The effects aren't as good as they could be, and it gets a little dull at times. I'm not really impressed with the actress who plays the love interest either. Call this film a good try.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    October 2, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    1932's The Mummy is the film of which all subsequent Mummy films have been judged upon. But there can only be one. Boris Karloff's legendary role is what separates this film among all the other rip offs, remakes that came after it. This film solidified Karloff's stature as one of... read more the horror icons of old school cinema. The film is brilliant and is a must see for horror fans who want to rise above the usual fan, and experience some of the first true monster/ horror films. The film has some effective suspense, an interesting love sub plot, which adds much more emotion to the overall film; and the film has a wonderful cast starring opposite Karloff. The film is a turning point in the horror medium, and stands as a film that all other monster films are judged upon. A stunning classic that has not only effective chills, but hints of human emotion too. This is a definite classic of horror, and it is a superb film of which no remake will ever top. Karloff is a legend. The Mummy is a timeless film that has stood the test of time and if you decide to watch some classic horror films, then this film should definitely be on that list. The cast do a fine job opposite Karloff, and Karloff simply steals the show with his hypnotizing performance. One of the classic horror films ever made. This film is a must for every horror fan. A well constructed film with a well developed plot and great acting is one of the few reasons why this film is a classic. But more significantly, it is because of Boris Karloff's immortal performance as Im-Ho-Tep. One of the key films that shaped horror films forever. A must for classic film fans and horror fans alike.
  • moonrivers
    June 1, 2011
    moonrivers
    No modern CGI f/x, no stunts, no explosions or gunfights, no car chases, and the first is still the best. Why? Because it's more a forlorn and moody poem about lost love than about scaring people. This tale of desire gone too far is carried by the sultry eyes of Zita Johann as... read more the object of desire and, of course, by the master of tormented, Karloff, who will do anything for the one he loves ... anything. Fav scene was where the lost souls meet again after nearly 4000 years. They don't make 'em like that anymore.
  • sanjurosamurai
    November 15, 2010
    sanjurosamurai
    karloff was absolutely perfect for this film, and it is still frightening 80 years later. the art direction is excellent and the costumes work perfectly to transport the viewer into a different world. knowing that the remakes of late have been in the adventure vein, i would lov... read moree to see another horror version of this story for todays audience. a great classic.
  • skeletonking101
    October 15, 2010
    skeletonking101
    the second that boris karloff appeared in the movie and i mean without his dead looking self i said to myself that was the choice of god for him to be in that role and this is definitely the best out of all the universal monster movies
  • ajv2688
    September 6, 2010
    ajv2688
    In my opinion this is the worst of the universal monster movies, the original ones anyway, and not because I don't like mummies. This movie is not suspenseful, not about a monster, and it's very slow and boring.
  • ythelastman89
    August 9, 2010
    ythelastman89
    It's not exactly the crown jewel of the Universal Monsters, but Boris Karloff as Im-Ho-Tep is just too good. He makes the character frightening and realistic, unlike the rest of the movie which is nothing more than a rehash of Dracula. I feel like the attention to detail, lack of... read more character development and pacing make this nothing but an average horror movie for the 30s. The Hammer & Stephen Sommers' versions do the character a lot more justice and make the story what it should have been here.
  • MissMorganLeee
    May 31, 2009
    MissMorganLeee
    its a classic!
  • matertenebraum
    August 4, 2008
    matertenebraum
    I love these Universal horror movies. This one is all atmosphere. The lighting, the focus on Karloff's eyes and his threatening persona carry the film. When I was in elementary school (my kids would say not long after this film was made), I had another kid scare the daylights out... read more of me by describing the internment of the Egyptian rulers. The taking of the body, perfuming it, placing it in a room full of gold, then killing the slaves so that only the priests would know the actual resting place of the body. There was also the bit about being wrapped alive for burial. I'll tell you. The effect of that story, which is portrayed in the movie, put a bigger scare into me than any movie I've ever seen. Since this one was really the only one we would ever see on television, I watched it every time I could. Isn't it interesting that both the Lugosi "Dracula" use a quotation from "Swan Lake" as a theme song. I've always wondered why that is. It is certainly eerie and as the credits roll, it builds in intensity. I was told once that Tchaikovsky would probably do movie soundtracks if he were alive today. Pardon my digressions. It is interesting that the mummy (as a fully wrapped personage) really doesn't appear after the beginning sequence--we just know that old Boris is in the process of decay and will eventually be sent to his eternal reward. As usual, the scientists and those who should know, carelessly leave the young woman unattended and he makes his move. The threatening suavity of Karloff is the high point of the movie. I feel the world received such a gift when these films were made. It is a delight, full of frightening images and classic moments.
  • drblood
    June 24, 2007
    drblood
    Forget all the clones and remakes, this is the only Mummy film worth watching. Karloff is perfectly cast.

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Critic Reviews

October 21, 2010
TIME Magazine

Thoroughly unreasonable hocus-pocus. Full Review

Variety Staff
July 6, 2010
Variety Staff, Variety

The transformation of Karloff's Im-Ho-Tep from a clay-like figure in a coffin to a living thing is the highlight. Full Review

Dave Kehr
September 19, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

The drama may be clumsy, but Freund's lighting is a wonder. Full Review

August 8, 2006
New York Times

The photography is superior to the dialogue. Full Review

Scott G. Mignola
January 2, 2011
Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media

This vintage classic is more funny than scary. Full Review

Scott Nash
August 16, 2010
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs

Dated, but interesting if only to see the origin of the many Egyptian films that were to follow it. Full Review

September 19, 2007
Film4

This spine-chilling movie, shot in the German expressionistic manner, was the first of eight directed by one of the great cinematographers of cinema history. Full Review

Geoff Andrew
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

A sombre and atmospheric depiction of eternal passion and occult reincarnation. Full Review

Cole Smithey
December 5, 2005
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

"It's alive! It's alive!"

Jon Niccum
September 16, 2005
Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World

More atmospheric than terrifying

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The Mummy Trivia

  • Name the movie that stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weizs.  Answer »
  • Which of the following legends is not in the movie "VAN HELSING"?  Answer »
  • In what movie does Brendon Fraser battle to put the mummy, Imhotept, back in his coffin?  Answer »
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