Made in 1971, Blood From the Mummy’s Tomb was the last Mummy picture to be made by the famous Hammer Films Studio.
Valerie Leon plays the dual roles of modern girl Margaret and evil Egyptian Queen Tera, whose remains have been transported back to the London home of her father, Professor Julian Fuchs (Andrew Kier), after an expedition he led in Egypt discovered Tera’s tomb.
Years later, another man from the expedition, Corbeck (James Villiers), wishes to resurrect Tera and use her immense power for his own nefarious ends. With Margaret’s help, they hunt down the relics required for the occult ceremony in which Tera’s soul, which has been sojourning in the identical body of Margaret, will be transferred to her preserved corpse.
While the film is not as blood-soaked as other Hammer films of the period, it has a good atmosphere, but after the slow first half, it does build to a good climax.
Valerie Leon is appealing in the lead role; she was spotted by the producer who saw her in the popular Hai Karate advertisements on TV at the time and wanted her for the lead role. Her voice is dubbed, but she suits the role well, and, surprisingly, she never appeared in any other Hammer films, although she was featured in a few Carry On films and James Bond movies such as The Spy Who Loved Me.
It had a troubled production. Peter Cushing was originally cast to play Professor Fuchs, but shortly after starting, his wife became very ill, and he left the project. Andrew Kier stepped in and did a very good job.
The film’s director, Seth Holt, died one week before filming was to be completed of a heart attack, with directorial duties completed by Michael Carreras. The film was eventually released as a second feature with Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde.
This new 4K scan by Studio Canal is a great transfer, bold with grain still intact. Audio is clear and easy to follow, and this release has some great special features, which include –
NEW ‘Valerie Leon inside the Mummy’s Tomb’ – Short but enjoyable interview where the actress talks of her role in the film and her experiences.
NEW ‘That’s A Wrap’: Kim Newman explores Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb
Audio Commentary with Author/Film Historian Steve Haberman
‘The Pharaoh’s Curse’: Inside Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb
Interview with Valerie Leon and Christopher Wicking
Interview with Sound Recordist Tony Dawe
Interview with Camera Operator Neil Binney
TV/Radio Spots
B&W Lobby Cards Gallery
Colour Lobby Cards Gallery
Behind the Stills Gallery
Trailer.
A good Mummy film from Hammer, nothing outstanding but worth your time if you’re a fan.
FILM – 6.5 PICTURE – 8.5 AUDIO – 7 EXTRAS – 8.5
