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Variety,
January
10, 1933
The Mummy
(1933)
Universal production
and release. Directed by Karl Freund. Adapted by John Balderston
from the Nina Wilcox Putnam and Richard Schayer story. Boris Karloff
starred. At the Mayfair, N.Y., beginning Jan. 6. Running time, 63
minutes.
| Im-Ho-Tep |
Karloff |
 |
| Helen
Grosvenor |
Zita Johann |
| Frank
Whemple |
David Manners |
| Professor
Muller |
Edward
Van Sloan |
| Sir
Joseph Whemple |
Arthur
Byron |
| Norton |
Bramwell
Fletcher |
| Nubian |
Noble Johnson |
| Professor
Pearson |
Leonard
Midle |
| Frau
Muller |
Katherine
Byron |
| Doctor |
Eddie Kane |
| Inspector |
Tony Marlow |
| Pharaoh |
Maes Crane |
| Knight |
Arnold
Grey |
| Marlon |
Henry Victor |
There are more
reasons that not why "The Mummy" should show a nice profit.
It has an excellent title, some weird sequences and it is the first
starring film for Karloff. Primarily, it lends itself to exploitation.
Any exhibitor who avails himself of a fraction of such opportunities
in this direction should check "Mummy" off in black.
Revival of the
mummy comes comparatively early in the running time. The transformation
of Karloff’s Im-Ho-Tep from a clay-like figure in a coffin
to a living thing is the highlight.
The sequence
in the museum with Im-Ho planning to kill Helen Grosvenor, of Egyptian
heritage, to revive her ancient state, is too stagey (sic). The
mustiness of the tombs excavated is also over-suggestive of the
Hollywood set.
Other members
of the cast are made to figure as the puppets of Im-Ho and to carry
over the dialog during the few times he takes intermissions from
the camera. Zita Johann is attractive, but always role-conscious,
as Grosvenor. David Manners plays opposite her. Scientists, doctors,
nurses and chaffeurs (sic) are the others.
copyright ©
1933 Variety
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