Universal Classic Monsters

The Mummy

In 1921, an archaeological expedition led by Sir Joseph Whemple finds the mummy of ancient Egyptian priest called Imhotep. When an inspection of the mummy by Whemple's friend Dr. Muller reveals that the viscera were not removed, Muller deduces that although Imhotep had been wrapped like a traditional mummy, he had been buried alive. It is further revealed that Imhotep's horrific death was punishment for his sacrilege, for attempting to resurrect his forbidden lover, Princess Ankh-es-en-amon. Despite Muller's warning, Sir Joseph's assistant Ralph Norton reads aloud an ancient life-giving scroll, the "Scroll of Thoth". Imhotep rises, escapes with the scroll, and prowls Cairo in search of the modern reincarnation of Ankh-es-en-amon.

Ten years later, Imhotep is masquerading as a modern Egyptian named Ardath Bey. He calls upon Sir Joseph's son Frank and Professor Pearson and shows them where to dig to find Ankh-es-en-amon's tomb. After locating the tomb, the archaeologists present its treasures to the Cairo Museum and thank Bey for making their discovery possible.

Imhotep soon encounters Helen Grosvenor, a woman bearing a striking resemblance to the princess. Believing her to be Ankh-es-en-amon's reincarnation, he attempts to kill her, with the intention of mummifying her, resurrecting her, and finally making her his bride. She is saved when she remembers her past life and prays to the goddess Isis to save her. The statue of Isis raises its arm and emits a beam of light that sets the Scroll of Thoth on fire. This breaks the spell that had given Imhotep his immortality, causing him to crumble to dust. At the urging of Dr. Muller, Frank calls Helen back to the world of the living while the Scroll of Thoth continues to burn.