The Mummy (1932)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Cindy I

  
  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… More
  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 this 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.

• Jeff "

  
  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… More
  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 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.

• moon r

  
  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… More
  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 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.

• danny d

  
  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 love to… More
  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 love to see another horror version of this story for todays audience. a great classic.

• Michael E

  
  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

• AJ V

  
  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.

• Conner R

  
  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… More
  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 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.

• Morgan S

  
  its a classic!

• Cassandra M

  
  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… More
  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 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.

• Dr Blood  

  
  Forget all the clones and remakes, this is the only Mummy film worth watching. Karloff is perfectly cast.

• Matthew Y

  
  Boris Karloff gives another great performance as yet another classic Universal movie monster in The Mummy. When I think of a mummy I think of a bandaged revenge seeking zombie that almost always can't be killed and possesses superhuman strength (for whatever reason). However in… More
  Boris Karloff gives another great performance as yet another classic Universal movie monster in The Mummy. When I think of a mummy I think of a bandaged revenge seeking zombie that almost always can't be killed and possesses superhuman strength (for whatever reason). However in this first version the mummy is a fully revived ancient Egyptian sorcerer with a normal flesh body. This really gives Karloff a role to have fun with beyond the lumbering hulk that was Frankenstein.

• Danny R

  
  The original classic from Universal Pictures, starring the late great Boris Karloff who delivers a mesmerizing performance that embodies the character perfectly as the cursed and mummified Egyptian priest Im-Ho-Tep, who was buried alive 3,700 years ago for the sacrilege of trying to… More
  The original classic from Universal Pictures, starring the late great Boris Karloff who delivers a mesmerizing performance that embodies the character perfectly as the cursed and mummified Egyptian priest Im-Ho-Tep, who was buried alive 3,700 years ago for the sacrilege of trying to restore his dead lover's life, he has now been resurrected by some foolish British archaeologists who open his sarcophagus taking the form of a modern Egyptian he quickly begins his quest to resurrect the soul of his long lost love, which he believe has been reincarnated in a modern women, played by very appealing Zita Johann as the innocent subject on Karloff's obsession. Remarkable makeup by Hollywood legend Jack Pierce, who brilliantly transforms Karloff into the living dead is uncanny and still striking today. The noted German cinematographer Karl Kreund makes his impressive directorial debut with horror classic, he went on to win an Academy Award for his stunning cinematography for the 1937 film "The Good Earth." Credit must be given to the supporting cast for their superlatives performances they include Edward Van Sloan, Arthur Byron, Bramwell Fletcher, Noble Johnson, Katherine Byron, Eddie Kane, Tony Marlow, and James Crane. Crisp cinematography, fine production design, and a superb score, director Freund brings a dream-like German Expressionistic atmosphere throughout this film, like the haunting and surreal close-up of Karloff's piercing, hypnotic eyes and creased leathery face. "The Mummy" is one of the highlights of 1930's filmmaking, it was remade by the British Hammer Studios in 1959, with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Highly Recommended.

• Brandon K

  
  Ugh.

• Anthony V

  
  A classic.

• Jim W

  
  This 1932 version of the Mummy isn't an exciting adventure like the 1999 remake, it's slow but at least creepy due Boris Karloff's performance. Despite being short, the movie accomplishes a lot in the short time.

• Dimitris S

  
  The parodies were imminent after a release so cheesy,thoroughly trifle and yet so charming (which wouldn't happen without miss Zita's provocative body-eloquence). Freund managed to steer the wheel of this considerably spooky but not particularly hollow film,so Karloff's… More
  The parodies were imminent after a release so cheesy,thoroughly trifle and yet so charming (which wouldn't happen without miss Zita's provocative body-eloquence). Freund managed to steer the wheel of this considerably spooky but not particularly hollow film,so Karloff's glance fills in wherever it's necessary!

• hawk l

  
  A masterpiece of Karl Freund cinematography, ground-breaking tracking shots accomplishing a sense of ethereal romance and visual excitement. Karloff is pitch-perfect in the lead. One of the most memorable ingenues in film history.

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