The Mummy (1959)

Just the other day I was watching television and noticed that The Mummy would soon follow. The entertaining Brandon Fraser yarn I thought but no; Hammer Production Films' 1959 version starring Peter Cushing and the late Sir Christopher Lee. So I thought why not, I had only caught a glimpse of the Dracula version which seemed perfectly enjoyable in an old-fashioned sense and gave this one a go too, keeping in with my original intention to 'watch the films and shows you might have missed'.

From what I understood, Hammer Production Films were known for producing many British fantasy horrors during the 50s, 60s and 70s that were often set in the past, and The Mummy is no different. Starting off in 1895, we see explorers John Banning (Peter Cushing), his father Stephen and friend Joseph enter into a Egyptian temple before they are cursed and an evil mummy is soon commanded to hunt them down back in Victorian London. It's that simple and that silly but if you are willing to give this film a chance, it is surprisingly tense and also very enjoyable. With the British Empire in decline at the time, it even takes a moment to question the morals of the Victorian explorers in Egypt.

The people in front of and behind the cameras all knew this was not to be taken too seriously though, and smartly avoid overcomplicating the plot. It runs from A to B, adding layers to the story here and there, and concludes very quickly all within an 88-minute running time. Unlike many of the cheap Hollywood horror films made today, this one does not skimp on the acting, with Cushing and all of his co-stars delivering entertaining performances. However, it is the title character himself who ultimately steals the show, even if it's just through those eyes, Sir Christopher Lee is fantastic despite enduring many injuries on-set.

Overall this is a very neat and well-crafted horror flick that can still be enjoyed today. Even for 1959, it looks great and there is more than enough to keep viewers in their seats until the credits roll. Now to see what else Hammer have made.