Review of The Mummy's Shroud (1967) by Michael K — 24 Nov 2007

Have to confess to never having been a huge fan of Mummy films; there are exceptions, of course, but these flicks do tend to be rather 'one-note' affairs. After all, archaeology is one thing, but grave-robbing is quite another (the former is a legitimate historical-investigation process, the latter a criminal act which deserves punishment ...supernatural or otherwise!).

Anyway. This third entry from Hammer, while certainly one of those lesser efforts, is also undoubtedly a classier attempt than their preceding Curse Of The Mummy's Tomb. One reason is that this was directed by John Gilling (Plague Of The Zombies/The Reptile) from his own screenplay (adapted from Anthony Hinds' story), but it also features decent performances from Andre Morell, Roger Delgado (yes, the original Master from Doctor Who), and a very good role for the GREAT Michael Ripper (as Mr Longbarrow, a kind of PA to the expedition's financier), who really is quite brilliant here; Catherine Lacey hams it up wonderfully as Haiti, the old crone, cackling maniacally into her crystal-ball. The Mummy itself (portrayed by stuntman Eddie Powell), however, isn't particularly impressive-looking (he appears to be wearing a boiler-suit!), which is a huge MINUS for a Mummy film!

For me, I think, Don Banks' score was the most impressive thing about this film, quite awesome in certain scenes.

So. Passable, for a Mummy flick (not the worst I've seen, by any stretch) - but it still amounts to a few caucasian actors in brown make-up, pretending to be Egyptian.