If you haven't noticed, I love the classic horror movies of the 1930s.And this is one of the best. Moody and atmospheric, The Mummy takes some inspiration from German Expressionism, mixes in a healthy dose of Egyptian mystique, adds in a dash of tragic romance and finishes it with a creepy, commanding performance by Boris Karloff.
Even better, this is one of the early horror movies made *before* the induction of the Hayes code, which did its best to suck all the horror and thrills out of film.
There are some obvious references to Dracula, including a few of the same supporting characters in Van Helsing and Jonathan Murray-type roles, but the standout performance besides Karloff's is Zita Johann as Helen. She didn't do many movies, but her exotic looks and obvious chemistry with Karloff make her perfect for this part.
And Karloff ... jenkies! With little more than some sandy-looking makeup, a doleful stare and that deep, slow voice, he creates a monster that is an immortal part of film history. No bandage-wrapped foot-dragger for this movie -- Ardeth Bay is powerful, driven and scary.
An intelligent thriller that stimulates the imagination.
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