Review of The Mummy (1959) by Julie A — 23 Oct 2008

As I said it before,I do love a good scare from a horror film; especially from a retro horror film, and also I do have a flare for the Ancient Egyptians; and one thing, I never know that Christopher Lee was a horror film actor back then.

I found Mr. Lee's Mummy is so very sympathetic, especially during the flashback when you see him alive. The way he says his lines, with such deep feeling in them, and the pain in his eyes every time he looks at the dead princess are truly moving (well GAH! he had a crush on the princess). And, of course, when he sees Isabel Banning (who looks like the Princess Anaka; DUH! same actress), his eyes immediately soften and he gets that longing look back in them. He's brilliant, absolutely brilliant, as is this film, a true gem of horror movies.

I DO love this movie, with one notable exception: the misuse of the name 'Karnak'. Karnak is a location in Egypt, the modern name of the ancient Nesut-Towi, or variably, Ipet-Iset. It is one of the most impressive temple complexes in Egypt. Karnak is not, and never has been, the name of a god of Egypt. There are plenty of Egyptian gods to choose from; why not actually pick one of them instead of incorrectly using the name of a place? And what was the animal use for the god satute? a rat or a badger? or something? So overall, this mummy movie is very good, and has remained extremely watch-able and entertaining, even now.