Movie Monday: The Mummy (1932)

Halloween is the time of year where you see all of the usual suspects: vampires, zombies, werwolves, and mummies. Whether these typical characters are for costumes or decorations one thing is for sure, it makes for a spookier holiday. It only makes sense that having the story of these supernatural types in films create a great feeling of fear and fun Halloween spirit!

Today’s Movie Monday is another Halloween appropriate classic movie for October. I am reviewing the 1932 edition of The Mummy starring Boris Karloff.

It would seem to me that Boris Karloff had the knack of creating legendarily scary characters. Not too long before becoming the mummy, Karloff embodied the first rendition of Frankenstein (1931) on the big screens. Maybe it was the voice or maybe it was his eyes that Karloff used to show a range of emotions. Whatever it was that made Karloff such a success in becoming something more terrifying, not too many people have been able to reach the same level since.

Let’s not forget, Boris Karloff also played another character that would later become notorious on the big screens. Although Karloff never took on this particular role in film, he created a memorable character in the play version of Arsenic and Old Lace. I can’t help but feel like Karloff’s character in The Mummy is the most similar to what he played on the stage in Arsenic and Old Lace.

I would be remise if I forgot to mention how talented the leading lady in The Mummy is. Zita Johann may not have been one of the most familiar or famous faces of Old Hollywood, but The 1932 version of The Mummy would not be the same without her. Not only was she able to balance portraying a normal side to her character, but Johann was easily able to transition into another side that was much more complicated.

Although there have been many renditions of this story, I feel like this 1932 version is the best. It may not have all of the action that the newer films do, but I think there is something charming about that and it gives a little more substance to the story. This original story also gives Zita Johann (a.k.a. the leading lady in this story) a bigger role and more autonomy.

The Mummy is another good film to watch not only during Halloween, but also during any point in the year! This is definitely another film that serves to give you all of the spooky vibes while also not having to watch so many gory scenes. So, if you find yourself looking for something original and different this Halloween season, watch the 1932 version of The Mummy!

Much Love,

Sarah