What we flagged
View all categories
Our take
This is a short black-and-white Universal monster picture, light on scares by today's standards. A living mummy guards an Egyptian tomb and strangles those who disturb it, but the violence is bloodless and the mood is more adventure than horror. There is some comic relief, a dash of romance, and plenty of spooky atmosphere. Most children around 8 who enjoy classic monster films will take it in stride.
Uplifting themes
Persistence and a bit of luck reward the two down-on-their-luck diggers. There is a mild thread about chasing a dream and sticking with friends. Light, but a decent note to end on The heroes are likeable chancers, keen and loyal if a little reckless, and never pretend to be role models. The supporting players lean comic. Fine company for an adventure, with little to actually model
Story (may spoil tone)
A couple of young, out-of-work archaeologists in Egypt discover evidence of the burial place of the ancient Egyptian princess Ananka. After receiving funding from an eccentric magician and his beautiful daughter, they set out into the desert only to be terrorized by a sinister high priest and the living mummy Kharis who are the guardians of Ananka’s tomb.
Details
Violence The mummy strangles its victims and the villains talk freely about kill…
The mummy strangles its victims and the villains talk freely about killing, yet nothing graphic is shown. Deaths happen off to the side or in shadow, in keeping with the careful style of the time. A gun is drawn late on
Sex / nudity A gentle romantic subplot runs alongside the adventure, with a little f…
A gentle romantic subplot runs alongside the adventure, with a little flirting between the leads. Nothing goes beyond that, and there is no nudity or sexual content
Frightening A shuffling, bandaged mummy and talk of a soulless creature built to ki…
A shuffling, bandaged mummy and talk of a soulless creature built to kill give the film its chills. The atmosphere is cobwebby and shadowy, though tame alongside modern horror. Younger kids may find the monster creepy
Gore / death / weapons Characters are found dead after the mummy's attacks, though the camera…
Characters are found dead after the mummy's attacks, though the camera shows no wounds or blood. A body or two shows up, discussed more than it is ever seen
Grief / bereavement Old legend touches on an ancient love and loss around the entombed prin…
Old legend touches on an ancient love and loss around the entombed princess. It is background mythology, lightly handled, and unlikely to upset anyone
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
What other parents think.
Be the first family to leave a watch note.
Talk after watching
- The mummy is bound to obey whoever controls it. Who is really the villain here, the monster or the man giving orders?
- This film is over eighty years old. What feels different about how it builds suspense compared with movies today?
Ask ClearAge
The Mummy's Hand
Ask about this guide, or name another film to open its ClearAge page.
