By Ray Walton

Released in 1959 by Hammer Films, The Mummy reimagines the familiar Universal monster cycle through a distinctly British gothic lens. Rather than leaning on spectacle alone, the film emphasizes atmosphere, ritual, and obsession, positioning the mummy as both instrument and victim of devotion.

Arriving during Hammer’s rise to prominence, the film reflects a broader shift toward richer color palettes, heightened emotion, and a willingness to blend horror with tragic romance. Its narrative centers less on resurrection as shock and more on loyalty, revenge, and the weight of ancient vows. In this way, The Mummy functions as both creature feature and melodrama, grounded in mood rather than mythic scale.

I hope I am not committing too serious a horror movie crime by watching this before the Universal version, since this was my introduction to the mummy subgenre as a whole. That said, I got the impression that, much like The Curse of Frankenstein, this is a remake that manages to become its own thing rather than a simple retread.

I was especially drawn to the relationship between the mummy and Mehemet Bey, which echoed the dynamic found in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. The story itself is straightforward, with John Banning attempting to stop Bey’s plan to exact revenge on those who disturbed Ananka’s tomb, but the execution is consistently entertaining.

The flashback scenes detailing Kharis’s past left me conflicted. Some moments were unexpectedly gruesome, while others drifted into unintentional comedy. I found myself laughing during a scene where Kharis holds an object up to Ananka’s tomb, which, from the camera angle, looked remarkably like a giant toothbrush. Still, those tonal shifts never fully broke the experience.

The final image of Kharis carrying Isobel through the swamp is genuinely striking. The composition alone makes the moment linger. Is it a good film? I am honestly not sure. But it was a very fun ride and a strong introduction to the mummy subgenre.

Why tonight?

Because this is a film where atmosphere does the heavy lifting, and winter nights reward patience.

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