The Mummy's Hand

The Mummy's Hand, a 1940 American horror film, marked the beginning of a long-standing franchise centered around the undead creature, the mummy. Directed by Reginald Le Borg and starring Dick Foran, Peggy Moran, Wallace Ford, and Eduardo Ciannelli, the movie delves into the world of ancient Egyptian mythology, incorporating elements of mystery, romance, and supernatural horror. The story begins with a prologue, depicting the reign of Pharaoh Imhotep (played by Lon Chaney Jr.'s father, John) in ancient Egypt. During this era, the pharaoh's beautiful wife, Ankhesenamun, is in love with a commoner named Nefer. However, this forbidden love is discovered by the High Priest, who subsequently curses Imhotep, condemning him to a terrifying fate: being mummified alive. Imhotep's tomb, filled with gold and treasures, serves as a testament to the power and grandeur of the ancient Egyptians. Forward in time to the present day, we are introduced to two archaeologists, Steve Banning (Dick Foran) and his partner, John Banning (Wallace Ford), who are struggling to make a name for themselves in their field. While excavating a site in Egypt, they stumble upon a map that supposedly leads to the resting place of the ancient Egyptian princess, Ankhesenamun. Intrigued by the prospect of uncovering a long-lost treasure, the duo decides to embark on an expedition into the desert. Upon their arrival at the site, they meet Martyn Ar Abrams (Eduardo Ciannelli), an eccentric magician with a fascination for the occult, and his daughter, Isobel (Evelyn Ankers). Abrams provides the necessary funding for their expedition in exchange for an opportunity to uncover the mystery surrounding the tomb and the secrets it holds. However, the excavators soon discover that they are not the only ones interested in the tomb. The local villagers are wary of outsiders, and the authorities are equally suspicious, leading to an ominous warning from the High Priest, Mehemet (Leon Ames), that outsiders should not interfere with the resting place of the ancient dead. Furthermore, the duo's presence stirs up the wrath of the living mummy, Kharis (played by Lon Chaney Jr.), who serves as the guardian to Ankhesenamun's tomb. As Steve and John delve deeper into the mysteries of the tomb, they are plagued by supernatural occurrences and eerie encounters. It becomes apparent that the forces of darkness are working against them, but the cause remains unclear. Amidst the chaos, Steve develops feelings for Isobel, and they share a romantic dance, adding a touch of romance to the otherwise gruesome tale. As the expedition presses onward, the situation becomes increasingly dire. Kharis reappears, attacking and killing several people, creating an aura of terror among the team. It is eventually revealed that Kharis was resurrected by the powers of Isis, which Imhotep managed to exploit during his own resurrection. The resurrected Imhotep's powers now fuel Kharis, allowing him to sustain life. As the body count rises, the stakes escalate, and the duo must find a way to stop Kharis before it's too late. In a final showdown, Steve uses the magical artifacts, including a scroll written in an ancient language, to put an end to the resurrected mummy's malevolent plans. The movie reaches its conclusion with a sense of resolution and closure. The team manages to close the tomb, trapping Kharis within and ending the cycle of violence. As they breathe a sigh of relief, Isobel's body is found dead, a victim of Kharis' wrath. As the expedition returns to civilization, Steve and John are left to ponder the horrors they witnessed in the desert, while the High Priest's ominous warning is revealed to hold some truth. The Mummy's Hand laid the groundwork for subsequent mummy films, setting the stage for a long-running franchise featuring the undead creature. Its blend of ancient Egyptian mysticism and supernatural horror served as a precursor to the classic monster movies that followed. This pioneering film has stood the test of time, captivating audiences with its tale of love, loss, and ancient terror.