Reviews (8)

From A Lorre Fan!
This movie is a strange one. Some of the acting is bad, the premise of the story is pretty far out in left field, and Ted Healy's attempt at comedy is irritating. But this is quibbling. The whole movie is no more or no less than a stellar performance by Peter Lorre. His mad Dr. Gogol is one of the most over the top performances ever seen.

Yes, this movie is a strange one, but for a Lorre fan, a must-see! Recommended!

A MACABRE FASCINATION.
The macabre Dr. Gorgol (Peter Lorre) is so madly infatuated with the beautiful wife (Frances Drake) of a concert pianist (Colin Clive) that he conceives a diabolical plan...That there is something twisted behind the shaven head and dead face is indicated by an opening sequence in which, enraptured, Lorre watches a Grand Guignol stage performance in which Drake plays a faithless wife put to torture. Lorre later turns her into a waxwork image to be worshipped, serenaded on the piano, and read poetry to in the privacy of his own weird home...This is by far the best of many versions and variants of Maurice Renard's novel LES MAINS d'ORLAC. Karl Freund, the master cinematographer who won himself an AA for THE GOOD EARTH in 1938, is, however, no more at ease direction-wise than he was making THE MUMMY three years prior. However, the film boasts an astounding performance from Lorre in his American picture debut.

A Good Little Gem
Mad Love is an interesting and well made little picture. You've got Karl Freund,Peter Lorre and Greg Toland all working near their peaks and that alone is something to behold. Another beautiful black and white film, some may want to hold off and see if it hits DVD but VHS is not evil-not like Peter Lorre...Fans of classic cinema (and Citizen Kane in particular as this film influenced a young Welles-he sought out Toland as a collaborator based on his work on this and other films) and the almost always entertaining Lorre should pick this up. Not well known but well worth discovering.

Lorre steals the show
The movie itself is not that good. It's rather ludicrous, really: a murderer's hands are affixed to the stumps of a concert pianist whose hands are crushed in a train accident, and the transplanted hands start flinging knives with deadly accuracy. If this was supposed to be the scary part of the film, it didn't work at all. What _does_ work, however, is Peter Lorre's performance as Dr. Gogol, who does the transplant. He's creepy, yet pathetic. You actually feel sorry for him as you watch his descent into madness. He's a sympathetic monster (although he does go a bit over the edge when he shows up with metallic hands and a neckbrace, claiming he's the murderer with his head sewn back in place). There are also some surprisingly humorous bits; Ted Healy as a newspaper reporter, and Gogol's drunken housekeeper, who sees two of everything and thinks wax figures come to life and talk to her (at the end, so does Gogol). Mostly this is for horror fans, although I think most everyone will be impressed by one of Lorre's best performances.

Wonderful and unnerving study of obsession!
Dr. Gogol is a somewhat bizarre, but brilliant surgeon who is obsessed with the beautiful actress Yvonne. He goes night after night to see her perform in a Grand Guignol-style performance as a victim of sadistic torture. When the theatre is closing for the season, he is upset to hear that Yvonne is not returning as she is married and will be joining her husband. He is able to purchase a wax likeness of her from the theatre and this he keeps and fantasizes over, speaking to it as if it were alive. Yvonne's husband, the famed pianist Stephen Orlac is injured in a train accident and his hands are crushed. Yvonne, wary of Dr. Gogol's attentions, but knowing of his reputation as a surgeon, asks him to help her husband. Dr. Gogol, anxious to do anything to keep the object of his desire close by, agrees. He grafts the hands of the recently guillotined knife-throwing murderer Rollo onto Stephen Orlac. After recovering, Stephen finds that he cannot play the paino as he used to, but his hands do have the ability to wield a kinfe with deadly accuracy, and they seem to have a mind of their own! With bills for therapies piling up, Yvonne and Stephen's life seems to be falling apart. Dr. Gogol sees this as a chance to make Yvonne his own. Peter Lorre gives a stellar turn in this role. We are truly able to see his character's descent into madness. Director Karl Freund's expressionist style makes every frame interesting to look at. Some of the comic relief is a bit over the top, especially the batty maid, but overall a great film, well worth a look. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

You have to hand it to the walking dead. What they lack in speed and agility, they more than make up for in sheer single-minded determination. Im-Ho-Tep is a case in point. He's an ancient Egyptian priest, cursed for his terrible crimes against the gods. A team of British archaeologists digs up his sarcophagus, along with a box inscribed with a warning that opening it will unleash death and destruction. You'll never guess what they do. Once freed, Im-Ho-Tep takes on the appropriately evil alias Ardath Bey and gets to the task of resurrecting his ancient lover--which will, of course, require a living human surrogate. While the premise may sound formulaic, The Mummy in fact turns out to be bracingly weird, relying on atmospheric creepiness rather than on jump-out-and-scare-you effects. Boris Karloff gives a terrific performance as Im-Ho-Tep. He has all the malevolence the film requires, but also manages subtler touches; the expression in his eyes as he is wrapped in preparation for being buried alive is absolutely chilling. Instead of forcing him to do all the tedious shambling around that so many mummies resort to, the filmmakers have wisely given Im-Ho-Tep/Ardath Bey a nearly living appearance once he's cleaned up and has a few psychic powers to boot, making him a potent adversary. Stock up on ace bandages and prepare for a good spooky evening. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (57)

Horror Classic that has withstood the Sands of Time!
Karl Freund makes an impressive directorial debut after years of cinemaphotography for the German Silents (and DRACULA) with Boris Karloff starring as the undead Mummy Im-Ho-Tep, later rejuvenated posing as an Egyptian Prince Ardath Bey, once again proving his remarkable versatility as an actor in this creepy original 1932 classic THE MUMMY. The film is a wonderful mixture of horror and romance. Zita Johann is excellent in a dual role as young Helen Grosvenor whom Karloff mistakes for his long lost love. David Manners and Edward Van Sloan (from DRACULA) are a joy to see again as the heroes. Also memorable are Arthur Byron as the Museum Owner ever fearful of the curse awaiting those who disturbed the Mummy's resting place, as is Bramwell Fletcher as the student who breaks up in insane laughter after accidentally reviving Karloff "He went for a little walk. You should have seen his face!" DVD contains a fascinating documentary appropriately entitled "Mummy Dearest" hosted by Rudy Behlmer, and the film commentary by Paul M. Jensen is also guaranteed not to disappoint. If it's creepy terror you're in the mood for, simply turn off the lights, stay close to your loved one, and enjoy - THE MUMMY! PS: Don't miss the trailer!

The Original Universal Horror Film, Still Packs a Punch
My favorite film of all time is the 1999 version of "The Mummy," and sinse long before that came out, I've known of Boris Karloff's 1932 creature feature. But, I always figured it was another one of those bandage wrapped, slow moving - and frankly very stupid "mummy" movies. So I stayed away. Then, I saw the new version on the first day of release (May 7th) and rushed out of the theater knowing I must see the old version. Instead of renting it, I just bought it - and it was superb! The basic story elements are the same in both versions, but instead of the lavish desert settings, huge sets and breathtaking visual effects of the Stephen Sommers version, director Karl Fruend's 30's film relies on mood and atmousphere to chill you to the bone - which it does very well. Boris Karloff plays Imhotep, whom in his native Egypt (3,700 years ago) was buried alive for trying to raise his love Anck-Su-Namun (Zita Johann) from the dead. Flash forward to 1932 were a british team of archeologists dig up his remains and accidentaly revive him. Cleaning himself up, Imhotep prowls around modern Cairo under the alias Ardath Bey, trying to find the reincarnated soul of his past lover. He does so in Helen Grovesenor (also Johann), but his plans might be in trouble as Helen's gurdian Muller (Edward Van Sloan) and her boyfriend Frank Whemple (David Manners, both from Universal's earlier horror film "Dracula") will stop at nothing to save her. As for power, Boris Karloff is a far cry from Arnold Vosloo's running, fighting Imhotep in the '99 version - but is pretty good with some supernatural Darth Vader like telepethy. This is surley one of the most romantic horror films, as one in some way or another feels sorry for Imhotep, as he looks longingly into the eyes of his mummified girlfriend, but the film does manage to generate a few good scares, because Imhotep is no softey, when you look in HIS eyes you'll see death and destruction. And so while the 1999 "Mummy" is my favorite film, the 1932 version proves that in Hollywood's golden age, filmmaker's really knew what they were doing.

the ONLY mummy movie
and we only see the tradititonal 'mummy' image for about 2 minutes.
freund knew that image was a dull one (how like hollywood accountants to home in on the most boring part of a movie and run it to death). this movie is psycholgical, brooding and perverse.
the sexual undertones permeate throughout the film and all here are in top form. a fine example of classic hollywood horror at it's near best.

First and foremost!
Vintage it may be, with performances that at best are highly competent, at worst downright creaky. But make allowances for the fact that it's over 70 years old, and you'll have simply the best horror film EVER. What could prove more horrifying than when Imhotep's mummy, propped in its coffin, catches the light which glints off its eye, slowly opening after 3,500 years in the grave? Or Imhotep's first appearance, as Ardath Bey, to the archaeologists, filling the doorway with subtle malevolence? Or his final moments when, struck down by ancient goddess and protector of women, Isis, he collapses rattlingly into a pile of bones? Boris Karloff is riveting in every frame as the mummy redivivus and actress Zita Johann is radiant as the tormented reincarnation of Princess Ankh-es-en-amon, putting modern day actresses to shame with her blend of exotic beauty, sensuality and dignity. It's the granddaddy of all 'mummy' genre pictures, and quite simply the best!

Totally overated
I like those classic old horror movies, like Frankenstien, the wolfman, the invisble man,etc.But this movie( like Dracula 1931)
was absolutley boring. It had a good first scene in the start of the movie, when Karloff's mummy first comes to life, but after that he becomes a regular man and than the movie becomes a romance melodarma, not a horror movie. Their is no real suspense.
I realize that compared to horror movies today, some the older movies might seem tame, but movies like frankenstien , the wofman and their seguels haves their moments, but this one does not even about a mummy as we know it. Any body expecting to see a traditional monster will be disapointed. If I want to see a drama I will watch citizen cane.
Finally, I like Karloff, he did some great horror B movies, this was not one of them. ... Read more

Reviews (57)

Horror Classic that has withstood the Sands of Time!
Karl Freund makes an impressive directorial debut after years of cinemaphotography for the German Silents (and DRACULA) with Boris Karloff starring as the undead Mummy Im-Ho-Tep, later rejuvenated posing as an Egyptian Prince Ardath Bey, once again proving his remarkable versatility as an actor in this creepy original 1932 classic THE MUMMY. The film is a wonderful mixture of horror and romance. Zita Johann is excellent in a dual role as young Helen Grosvenor whom Karloff mistakes for his long lost love. David Manners and Edward Van Sloan (from DRACULA) are a joy to see again as the heroes. Also memorable are Arthur Byron as the Museum Owner ever fearful of the curse awaiting those who disturbed the Mummy's resting place, as is Bramwell Fletcher as the student who breaks up in insane laughter after accidentally reviving Karloff "He went for a little walk. You should have seen his face!" DVD contains a fascinating documentary appropriately entitled "Mummy Dearest" hosted by Rudy Behlmer, and the film commentary by Paul M. Jensen is also guaranteed not to disappoint. If it's creepy terror you're in the mood for, simply turn off the lights, stay close to your loved one, and enjoy - THE MUMMY! PS: Don't miss the trailer!

The Original Universal Horror Film, Still Packs a Punch
My favorite film of all time is the 1999 version of "The Mummy," and sinse long before that came out, I've known of Boris Karloff's 1932 creature feature. But, I always figured it was another one of those bandage wrapped, slow moving - and frankly very stupid "mummy" movies. So I stayed away. Then, I saw the new version on the first day of release (May 7th) and rushed out of the theater knowing I must see the old version. Instead of renting it, I just bought it - and it was superb! The basic story elements are the same in both versions, but instead of the lavish desert settings, huge sets and breathtaking visual effects of the Stephen Sommers version, director Karl Fruend's 30's film relies on mood and atmousphere to chill you to the bone - which it does very well. Boris Karloff plays Imhotep, whom in his native Egypt (3,700 years ago) was buried alive for trying to raise his love Anck-Su-Namun (Zita Johann) from the dead. Flash forward to 1932 were a british team of archeologists dig up his remains and accidentaly revive him. Cleaning himself up, Imhotep prowls around modern Cairo under the alias Ardath Bey, trying to find the reincarnated soul of his past lover. He does so in Helen Grovesenor (also Johann), but his plans might be in trouble as Helen's gurdian Muller (Edward Van Sloan) and her boyfriend Frank Whemple (David Manners, both from Universal's earlier horror film "Dracula") will stop at nothing to save her. As for power, Boris Karloff is a far cry from Arnold Vosloo's running, fighting Imhotep in the '99 version - but is pretty good with some supernatural Darth Vader like telepethy. This is surley one of the most romantic horror films, as one in some way or another feels sorry for Imhotep, as he looks longingly into the eyes of his mummified girlfriend, but the film does manage to generate a few good scares, because Imhotep is no softey, when you look in HIS eyes you'll see death and destruction. And so while the 1999 "Mummy" is my favorite film, the 1932 version proves that in Hollywood's golden age, filmmaker's really knew what they were doing.

the ONLY mummy movie
and we only see the tradititonal 'mummy' image for about 2 minutes.
freund knew that image was a dull one (how like hollywood accountants to home in on the most boring part of a movie and run it to death). this movie is psycholgical, brooding and perverse.
the sexual undertones permeate throughout the film and all here are in top form. a fine example of classic hollywood horror at it's near best.

First and foremost!
Vintage it may be, with performances that at best are highly competent, at worst downright creaky. But make allowances for the fact that it's over 70 years old, and you'll have simply the best horror film EVER. What could prove more horrifying than when Imhotep's mummy, propped in its coffin, catches the light which glints off its eye, slowly opening after 3,500 years in the grave? Or Imhotep's first appearance, as Ardath Bey, to the archaeologists, filling the doorway with subtle malevolence? Or his final moments when, struck down by ancient goddess and protector of women, Isis, he collapses rattlingly into a pile of bones? Boris Karloff is riveting in every frame as the mummy redivivus and actress Zita Johann is radiant as the tormented reincarnation of Princess Ankh-es-en-amon, putting modern day actresses to shame with her blend of exotic beauty, sensuality and dignity. It's the granddaddy of all 'mummy' genre pictures, and quite simply the best!

Totally overated
I like those classic old horror movies, like Frankenstien, the wolfman, the invisble man,etc.But this movie( like Dracula 1931)
was absolutley boring. It had a good first scene in the start of the movie, when Karloff's mummy first comes to life, but after that he becomes a regular man and than the movie becomes a romance melodarma, not a horror movie. Their is no real suspense.
I realize that compared to horror movies today, some the older movies might seem tame, but movies like frankenstien , the wofman and their seguels haves their moments, but this one does not even about a mummy as we know it. Any body expecting to see a traditional monster will be disapointed. If I want to see a drama I will watch citizen cane.
Finally, I like Karloff, he did some great horror B movies, this was not one of them. ... Read more