Long before reboots became fashionable, The Mummy's Hand inaugurated the concept, as Universal moved from Boris Karloff's Imhotep to Tom Tyler's Kharis.
To commemorate the landmark switch, Classic Monsters of the Movies' writers/researchers Nige Burton & Jamie Jones analyze the 1940 revision, The Mummy's Hand.
At the outset, Prince Kharis' tale mirrors Imhotep's, with the heartbroken noble attempting to resurrect his beloved Princess Ananka. However, due to the his sacrilegious act, he's mummified (with his tongue removed), becoming the abiding sentinel of the princess' tomb. Centuries later, when an expedition comes upon Ananka's resting place, a high priest awakens Kharis through tana leaves, prompting the mummy to pursue the intruders.
The authors give a thorough, academic assessment of the movie, as well as tossing the spotlight on Kharis actor and western/movie-serial star, Tom Tyler. Bios on his costars include George Zucco, Wallace Ford, Dick Foran, Peggy Moran, Cecil Kellaway, Charles Trowbridge and Eduardo Cianelli. Burton & Jones give equal veneration to the movie's director, Christy Cabanne; its producer, Ben Priva; its writers, Griffin Jay and Maxwell Shane; its composers, Hans J. Salter and Frank Skinner; its cinematographer, Elwood Bredell; its legendary makeup man, Jack Pierce; among other talented contributors. (There's no question that their efforts ushered an influential, if not eternal, effort in the corridors of creepy cinema.)
The illuminating, 36-page, photo-packed edition is a must for horror fans and reboot historians; so say a little prayer to Amon-Ra, get those tana leaves stoked and order Classic Monsters of the Movies: The Mummy's Hand for your collection.
https://www.classic-monsters.com/shop/product/mummys-hand-1940-ultimate-guide-magazine/
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