Hammer Mummy Retrospective - Egyptology and Razzmatazz

[@CaptClawCaribbean]

For me, Hammer’s first Mummy is right up there with Dracula and Curse of Frankenstein. Hammer’s own take on a classic Universal story, aided by the waning of censorship, which allowed for more action and thrills

[@Foxxy999]

I will forever say that the 1959 The Mummy is the only film that delivers everything you want from a film called The Mummy. All due respect to the the 1999 film, but that it quite a different confection and the Hammer film hits home closer to my heart.

[@ScottFunk-us6ro]

Does it also involve a Daddy, too?

[@bensneb360]

Everyone talks about Dracula and Frankenstein, but Hanmer’s Mummy is just as good

[@omnitrixbearer7364]

Personally, I feel like the first movie takes all of the plot points from the later Universal mummy movies and just make them work. It's probably one of my favorite horror movie reboots of all time.

[@heinrichku6023]

Saw the Universal-sequels later than the Lee- and the Karloff-movie and the stumbling mummies were really awkward and intentional funny at times.

[@TomFrichek]

That's a really good way to put it.

[@DanielAppleton-lr9eq]

I think that the Terminator was actually written so it could adapt elements of movie monsters. NOTE the way in which the mummy is shown in an end scene(11:03 ) - like the Terminator in T2.

[@1kylecurry]

I typically enjoyed The Hammer Films interpretation of "The Mummy". Each entry was a standalone vision within the franchise. The sets & colors used were eye catching. Overall they were entertaining.

[@euansmith3699]

"... and Michael Ripper..." 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@fredbergstrom4866]

Giving one of his best performances in Shroud

[@russelljackson2818]

I watched the entire Hammer Horror corpus for Halloween a few years ago, and I quickly became delighted every time I saw him pop up. He was just as essential to the charm of Hammer as Lee or Cushing.

[@CourteousKitsch]

I've often said that Lee's Dracula entertains me, but Lee's Mummy terrifies me! Thank you for your great in-depth review of one of my favorite series. I understand the other films are all flawed, but they are equally brimming with creativity.

[@DanielAppleton-lr9eq]

Dracula is suave &sophisticated, Frankenstein's creature is not unlike the Hulk & acts like a force of nature, the Mummy is simply on a mission from the days of the Pharaoh.

[@IanBourneMusic]

Lee's "Monster" is pretty scary, too. All three are excellent.

[@ToylandChairman666]

I love the first Hammer MUMMY movie. A reboot of Universal's Kharis films. That's what the Tom Cruise reboot should have been like. A straight-up horror film about a killer mummy.

[@Marveryn]

hammer mummy was the original terminator. It did not sleep, it did not fear. it only kept coming and coming for you. not matter where you ran

[@JF-em6hr]

The vivid colors from Hammer Films is something I hope comes back.

[@TeatroGrotesco]

Egyptology and Razzmatazz Now, that is a showman.

[@garrykanter5773]

Holy shit! When he shoots the mummy, it's like seeing Arnold in The Terminator.

[@garrykanter5773]

Then when he drowns in the mud, he gives the T2 thumbs up!

[@DanielAppleton-lr9eq]

@@garrykanter5773 So I'm not the only one to see that.....

[@maralinekozial9131]

​@@garrykanter5773 um u mean the Terminator gives the thumbs up like the Mummy considering it's like 40 years older of a film 😂

[@James.Sunderland]

I love The Mummy 1959. My favorite Mummy film.

[@fredbergstrom4866]

The 59 Mummy film is the best ever Mummy film. Boris is great, but Lee just brings it as a non stop killing machine. The other 2 next up just missed the mark for me. Michael Ripper is really the only thing worth seeking out Shroud. Possibly his best Hammer performance. As for Blood on the tomb it gets flack, but I have always enjoyed it. Also Valerie Leon looks amazing in it. Great video!

[@spews1973]

Somehow, these long-form videos from Dark Corners never fail to make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. What have we done to deserve this treat when isn't even a Bank Holiday?

[@DarkCornersReviews]

We like to put out a thematically related review of a bad film out on the Monday after a special and next week's bank holiday Monday slot was already taken.

[@DanTheMan2150AD]

The original Hammer Mummy and Blood from the Mummy's Tomb were definitely my favourites of the series when I was marathoning the Hammer films last October. Still gobsmacked that Hammer never made an Invisible Man movie!

[@hcu4359]

Too much special effects for their tightwad producers.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

There was one in the works but I think the technical challenges killed it

[@suedenim]

​@@DarkCornersReviewsI still don't fully understand how they did it so well in the 30s, but I'm guessing the invisibility optical effects would be much harder to pull off in color?

[@christopherwall2121]

​@@hcu4359 That's why they courted Toho for their Nessie movie

[@bezoticallyyours83]

​@@hcu4359 lol

[@HudsonMedia]

Yes! Was hoping you’d get onto to this one at some point. The Mummy franchise is by far my favourite honestly, severely under rated.

[@euansmith3699]

The depth of the damage to the Mummy is really impressive.

[@standardranchstash221]

Love all Hammer’s Mummy films but there’s a special place in my heart for The Mummy’s Shroud., the first one I saw in a cinema on its original release.

[@sauronbagginsd8032]

Love The Mummys Shroud

[@Al_NERi]

One of the things I like best about Shroud is the terrific, lurid publicity campaign that surrounded the release (Beware the beat of the cloth wrapped feet-tag line) the juicy promotional stills that showed up frequently in the fan press. The film itself is a purely enjoyable mummy romp with an exceptionally strong disintegration ending.

[@Wanttowrite]

Watching this, I keep going, "That's where Stephen Sommers got inspiration for his version." Well more movies to add to my watchlist.

[@buzzawuzza3743]

The exotic mysticism always works for me. Retrobution for those who defile the tombs of the kings! To have you show us the truth behind the scenes is a serious treat!

[@rainskilove]

Thanks for all the great work you do! Always a quality watch.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@shannondore]

The Mummy was the first Hammer movie I ever saw. It came on late Saturday night during a creature feature on one of the local channels in the mid seventies. Christopher Lee scared the crap out of me. It would be a couple of years later when I saw Dracula, and he wasn't as scary to me as the mummy.

[@richardjones4466]

The Mummy's Shroud is one of Hammer's most underrated films. Ripper's performance is heartbreaking.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

We have another video about Ripper's Hammer career out next month

[@amb163]

Another excellent documentary, Robin. It really surprises me that your channel hasn't reached 100k yet -- every video is so well done.

[@mjfeder]

Only just found your channel I'm 52 and grew up watching universal and hammer horror films. My favourite horrors of the 70s other than the obvious are The Asphyx and Theatre of blood.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Hope you enjoy the content. There's lots to catch up on!

[@mjfeder]

@@DarkCornersReviews I’m enjoying everything I’ve viewed so far it’s good content. Thanks 🙏

[@13Kooki49]

Nothing makes my night when I realize a Hammer Retrospective drops. I remember it was the 1999 Mummy that made 10 year old me really think of how Egypt was portrayed in these films since my mom is Egyptian. They would portray Egypt in the 30s as if it was from 1800s with turbans, huts, oasis's and market places with camel parking spots lol when Egypt looked more like Paris. Regardless I've always enjoyed Mummy movies despite of the orientalism aspect. I would love to watch some of the latter hammer ones

[@IronSalamander8]

Roger Delgado, AKA The original Master from Jon Pertwee's turn at the Doctor was quite good in Shroud, despite the obvious issues of Hasmid. I really liked inspector Barrani too, I loved that he was honest and refused Preston's bribe, and seemed like a decent man overall. Stanley Preston from Shroud was so much less likeable than Alexander King was in Curse. King wanted money, but came off far more well-rounded, as you pointed out, and much more personable and not as downright arrogant, cowardly, and just nasty like Preston Sr. was. Micheal Ripper is such a great supporting actor, he needs more recognition than he gets, for how well he played a myriad of different characters, and convincingly. I haven't seen Blood yet, but own the other three, all of which I enjoy, although like you, I am aware of the Shroud's shortcomings, but still find it a fun movie. Do for the 3 I have seen, from worst to best; Shroud->Curse->Mummy. Great stuff as always!

[@DarkCornersReviews]

We have a special about Michael Ripper's Hammer career planned for next month.

[@wiseguymaybe]

Obviously see elements of the Hammer films in the Brandon Fraiser The Mummy and The Mummy Returns as well. Great video.

[@davebooshty299]

3:23 THAT Carnac needed An Ed Mc Mahon Also Too.

[@awfulmoviereviews6792]

Good movie ! One of my favorites when I was younger.

[@DanDoty-i5n]

What I loved and still do is the tribute Anthony Hickox did in WAXWORK ( 1988) . Hickox used elements from several Hammer Mummy movies in his scene with The Mummy ( head crushed under foot, spear through the body), And let us not forget The Mummy in MONSTER SQUAD ( Funny that a Mummy would want to hide in seven year old's closet). But the thing that really changed things was Dungeon & Dragons where they really pumped Mummies up and changed them so much in the 1999 version, Great video guys, but keep telling you guys to check out WAXWORK ( 1988 ) that movie was just made for you guys.

[@lallancashire2201]

Great and affectionate look at Hammer's Mummy movies. I love Hammer's version of Jewell of the 7 stars, it being relatively unusual for them to adapt non Dracula Stoker material.

[@kali3665]

Yeah, THIS is one I've been waiting for. I haven't seen all of the Hammer Mummy films, and it's interesting that the first film focuses on Kharis, but there is far more substance with Hammer than Universal ever gave THEIR version of Kharis. And then, as always, Hammer takes its own way for the subsequent films. I still say the 1932 Karloff film is the best Mummy film (especially considering the modern day versions), and I really need to catch up on the Hammer films someday. Thanks for posting!

[@laughingcoyote3739]

Agreed on the original Karloff Mummy. Nothing beats that opening reveal, in my opinion. The pin spot in Karloff's eye when it first opens, the dust falling as his arms pull the bandages loose, it's all perfect.

[@orsino88]

Another triumph of intelligence, research, and sympathetic insight for Dark Corners.

[@20th_century_Ghost]

This is going to be AWESOME!!!

[@marcmcbride5531]

Brilliant, brilliant documentary, we are very lucky to have channels like yours and also Crab Apple who just released an Amicus documentary. Keep up the great work!

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Thanks!

[@joeporter5972]

Great poster! I want to see that movie!

[@heinrichku6023]

Great video again! There's beauty in these colorful portraits of Egypt from yesterday's cinema. That shaped my imagination more than historical facts and when I read something about that time I can't help but imagine it like a 50s movie.

[@darkangel076]

Incredible timing given I just got my Blu-Ray of Blood From The Mummy's Tomb today...

[@jamesabernethy7896]

I've said this before but I like to keep saying it. I found your channel with your short and humorous reviews. I really enjoy these deeper and more respectful dives into older movies. It's a real education.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Thank you.

[@MatD1979]

Wow, what a great review. Great vid today. Thank you, Dark Corners.

[@danthsmith]

What a great video. Thank you very much.

[@RavenHouseMystery]

Thank you for a terrific episode about Hammer's Mummy franchise. Like your previous videos about Hammer's library, Robin does an excellent job laying out the plots of each film, while also giving us a commentary on what Hammer Films was going through at the time. The fact that all the Mummy films are essentially "stand alone" films does confirm that suspicion I have had for a while. Each film seemed to tell its own story, with its own Mummy. As for the order of films, here's my personal list: 1. THE MUMMY (1959) - Easily the best Mummy film and one of Hammer's greatest overall. 2. BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB (1971) - A decent attempt to adapt Bram Stoker's original book "Jewel Of The Seven Stars". 3. THE CURSE OF THE MUMMY'S TOMB (1964) 4. THE MUMMY'S SHROUD (1967)

[@johnwalko1483]

A very well done Documentary on Hammer Films Mummy Series.

[@paulwhiston1836]

I also love the Charlton Heston version of jewel of the seven stars the Awakening unashamedly.

[@Edward-xv3bo]

You (and The Bad Movie Bible) are absolute horror fan internet gold. Thank you so much, great stuff

[@moose6509]

Brilliant stuff ! Gotta love Michael Ripper. Always gave a ten out of ten performance right up to his role of Thomas in Carla Lane´s sublime Butterflies.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

We have a special coming out next month about his Hammer films.

[@moose6509]

@@DarkCornersReviews Can't wait!

[@flixsymmetry]

Wow, an excellent retrospective. I personally like the first film best but they’re all good in comparison to some of the other Hammer horror outings in the late 60s-70s. It’s obvious the Fraser films (especially the first) took bits from all of them.

[@connorbrennan4233]

Funny that a King Kong-like Mummy was proposed for Curse, since Hammer even tried making a King Kong film at one point.

[@john_blues]

I can see some influence on Jason Vorhees in the Mummy, particular in Christopher Lee's. And also the penchant for people to go crashing through windows and doors.

[@chrisleonard2287]

Thank you for another excellent documentary piece

[@jeremycunningham7897]

I love these movies. Thanks for this!

[@MikhailDaken]

This is brilliant. So glad I found this channel 🎉

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Welcome aboard!

[@ConnorNotyerbidness]

My introduction to hammer was via the Mummy films on turner classic movies Before i knew about hammer i spent some time trying to find these mummy movies via looking at universals list of films and it confounded me as a kid that i couldnt find them Honestly i cant say much else about the films, as i honestly dont really remember them beyond that i enjoyed them. Mostly.

[@ConnorNotyerbidness]

Been waiting a long time for this one

[@frankdelorca]

As usual, I come away from your latest subject with fresh appreciation, insight and understanding! It's wonderful to me to see you logically link together these disparate films into a thematic whole. I love the multiple-screen work, too, which clearly and economically reinforce the points you're making. Just a pleasure to watch this. Thank you!

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Thanks. Comments like this make the work worthwhile.

[@l.a.gothro3999]

As usual, you've provided your viewers with a comprehensive and satisfying review. And I *always* learn something! Thanks, Robin!

[@benediktschander7609]

I read all these comments here, and it makes me feel so warm and understood. I have loved the first Hammer Mummy for years and I surely will for years to come, but I sadly never managed to make any friend I've shown it to, to become as passionate about it as I was. But I adore this sad unfairly treated terminator, who just loved his princess so so much, and then when he thinks after 2000+ yrs he finally sees her again and then she is eventually like "put me down" ... his reaction is so awfully heartbreaking! Kharis might just be my favorite monster ever. He breaks my heart like Karloff's Frankenstein Creature, but at the same time he is tough and terrifying like the first terminator. Now that is a great monster. Kharis

[@Gondarth]

This video was incredible, probably one of the best specials I've seen on the channel. I only ever saw the first Mummy film with Cushing and Lee and while it was good, I never felt much of a desire to finish the films. I preferred to stick with Dracula and Frankenstein, and even then, the Frankenstein films were hit-or-miss for me. I just don't think a big Mummy fan in general, and I'm not sure why...

[@DarkCornersReviews]

They're well worth a watch. Each has something different to recommend it

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

Thank you for doing this, it's really appreciated. For me each of the films has something to offer, the first and the last in the series being my favourites.

[@scottmcfarlane7524]

HELL YEAH! lets go!

[@MatthewStewart-1224]

This was a fantastic special gentlemen. Peaked my interest in watching the “sequels”!

[@neilmorris446]

Brilliant video so much info and yet entertaining 👏 that's the way to do it

[@ithinkimaybelosingit]

I remember as a kid in the 90s when the Hammer mummy films were on the TV. I enjoyed the first two. Mummy's Shroud traumatised me. I had never been scared of many monsters, growing up, but the mummy in Mummy's Shroud was so intimidating, and Michael Ripper's death really disturbed me. Even now, because of how it got to me as a child, I struggle to watch that scene. On a different note, I love Heorge Pastell's roles, such a brilliant voice. I always recognise him from Tomb of the Cybermen, which is almost like a Doctor Who, sci-fi mummy story.

[@_Tracker]

The Hammer movies along with the Universal horrors are for me a treasured memory of my childhood. This documentary is well made and informative. And I really like the presenter and his delivery. Thank you.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Thanks. We are just editing our next documentary on Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein due out soon.

[@sarcastanaut]

Well done! I love the Hammer mummy movies!

[@kylepetersen9521]

Fantastic video! I have been really enjoying the Hammer retrospectives. Well researched, excellently presented, entertaining as hell!

[@tikidino]

Another in-depth and informative review of Hammer’s The Mummy series! Always enjoyable when you do the longer docu-series

[@KickItStinky]

BRAVO! Another Hammer Retrospective homerun! Would love to see your take on a retrospective of the Amicus anthologies. Keep up the awesome content.

[@peterbailey6930]

I so enjoy All Hammer films, I have a DVD of the mummy I play it on Halloween each yr. It's one of my favorites. Keep up your great work.

[@michaelfarineau6]

Very well done. Thank you.

[@joeporter5972]

Thanks for another exceptional special.

[@stevenmcnicoll5060]

Marvellous as always. Wonderful to see a shout out to the brilliant Fred Clark.

[@paulcocks7299]

Stumbled across The Mummy on Amazon Prime this evening and was inspired to watch it by having seen this video a couple of days ago. A thoroughly enjoyable film. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm.

[@amygeyer1166]

I always find something that peaks my interest every time I watch you. In this instance I found "Don't take sweets from strangers" and, disturbing is an understatement. For 1960, this was an extraordinary depiction of the subject matter. Well done.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

One that we may review for Streaming in the future.

[@rsacchi100]

Thanks for the rundown of Hammer's Mummies. I still enjoy these films.

[@David-dy7xc]

may I say how much I have enjoyed all the HAMMER deep dives especially your Frankenstein retrospective thank you Dark Corners

[@andrewhaddock7996]

Brilliant as ever.i spent ages trying to bandage my action man cos of these films.

[@williamjackson6705]

For me this is Thee Mummy film. Loved it the first time I saw it 50 years ago. Still love it today.

[@DDlambchop43]

the Hammer mummy films are great! my personal love is Curse of the Mummy's Tomb; it's just...so different. It's half horror, half psychological thriller.

[@thesausagecontinuim1971]

fabulous stuff mate, love these longer in depth vids!!!!

[@rubberneckinc.8937]

Hammer Films are so good even when they aren't very good. Plus (@:30) if there is more of her I don't really think a mummy is needed. Also (@:49) the way the Mummy comes thru the door! Cushing better hope he has a pizza with him! Lee's eyes emote so much. His physicality is full of menace but even with his face almost completely covered he gives you so much with those eyes. Cushing+Lee+Hammer= Glories. P.S. many thanks Robin for mentioning Brendan Fraser (&Karloff) at the end. Even though they're popcorn movies Fraser's Mummy films are quite fun.

[@davidroberts1026]

Absolutely top notch! Great job guys, and thank you!

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Look how beautiful the photography is. Gorgeous technicolor!

[@billjones5741]

32:33 😂 so good. Could never have a hero be like that anymore

[@jmgmarcus808]

I asked for this a long time ago. Thank you so much fellow Hammer brother.

[@keeganmclaren904]

Can you please do a video on the Creature from the Black Lagoon series 1954-1956.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

We are going back to look at the Universal Frankenstein films next, but we will certainly get to the Black Lagoon.

[@earlleeruhf3130]

I rented The Mummy starring Boris Karloft. Except for the 3 Brenden Frazier films and the Tom Cursue one I have never seen any other.

[@Hamicus63]

Great video and glad to see so much admiration for the series

[@FairyPrincess42]

Wonderful video!

[@Al_NERi]

Hammer's The Mummy is my favorite Mummy film of all. The rest of Hammer's Mummy films are all purely enjoyable, better than average (by a mile) tomb raiding romps I'm glad to have. Just wanted to note- what an automatic asset George Pastel was to any production. He was so good also in Stranglers Of Bombay, another villain role.

[@ashleys9397]

STRANGLERS OF BOMBAY, based on the actual historical Indian Thuggee-Kali cult, should be considered for a possible streaming review. Certainly one of the most perverse & therefore unique films to emerge from the Hammer movie-making mill.

[@HieMan-g1n]

1959 The Mummy exceeded my expectations regarding Hammer and was very good. They were always much better at complete, self-contained stories rather than their self-rebooting franchises. It's good that the "sequels" weren't really that.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Having to ressurect the same mummy every time would be tedious

[@bezoticallyyours83]

Yeah watched it this month,and I was pleasantly surprised

[@lindseykipp191]

The first Mummy is my favorite of the Hammer films and one of my favorite horror films of all time

[@RAlanBryan2112]

THIS is so entertaining I had to view it twice. BRAVO To Robin and company for a wonderful feature.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Thanks!

[@bentonmarcum8924]

14:40. I had a cat that could play chess

[@timdornaus]

fantastic video covering this underrated series

[@Nadafingah]

I always got the impression that after the initial film, there is a quick nose dive in terms of quality. But, you’ve got me interested. I was a bit bored by the second film, though I agree Fred Clark is the highlight. But, maybe I’ll try to track down the last 2. Interesting point on The Mummy’s Shroud. My old horror books all show that production still and it’s not even in the movie. Crazy.

[@caryblack5985]

Excellent special as always. Really liked The Mummy and enjoyed Fred Clark as the irrepressible American huckster. He is funny and obnoxious at the same time. The film was so so. Unfortunately I did not care for the other two films at all.

[@StephanieFlynn-y3i]

You just have to love this!!! Again, thank you.