Movie Review: The Mummy (1959) – Hammer

BACK TO BACK MUMMY FILMS BUT I THINK THE FIRST TIME THAT A HAMMER FILM MAKES AN APPEARANCE On the blog! The Mummy (1959), GIVING the classic Universal monster a fresh, eerie makeover. Directed by Terence Fisher and starring horror icons Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, this version is packed with atmosphere, suspense, and plenty of old-school horror charm.

Story – 7.2/10

The plot follows archaeologists who uncover the tomb of Princess Ananka, unknowingly awakening Kharis (Christopher Lee), a cursed high priest who now serves as a vengeful guardian. Sent by Mehemet Bey (George Pastell), a devout follower of Ananka’s cult, Kharis is ordered to eliminate those responsible for disturbing the sacred burial site.

It’s a familiar story, but Hammer’s version adds depth by focusing more on the tragic nature of Kharis. Through flashbacks, we see how he was punished for his forbidden love for Ananka, making him a more sympathetic monster. It HAS SOME TRULY CLASSIC horror moments.

Monsters/Villains – 8.5/10

Christopher Lee’s Kharis is a terrifying presence. Unlike the stiff, slow-moving mummies of earlier films, Lee brings a real sense of menace to the role. His physicality is imposing—when he smashes through doors or strangles his victims, you feel the power behind his attacks.

What sets this mummy apart is the tragic backstory. He’s not just a mindless monster; he’s cursed, tormented, and manipulated. Lee’s expressive eyes (even through all the bandages) add to the emotion behind the character. Mehemet Bey is also a solid villain, playing the devoted cultist with an eerie calmness that contrasts well with Kharis’ brute force.

Actors/Characters – 8.1/10

Peter Cushing is, as always, fantastic. He plays John Banning, the main archaeologist, with intelligence and charm, delivering his usual precise, sharp performance. His interactions with the mummy create a real sense of danger, and as expected from Cushing, he handles the action scenes with energy.

Christopher Lee, despite having no dialogue, gives Kharis a haunting presence. His body language alone conveys pain, rage, and sorrow, making him one of the best versions of the character put to film.

JOE SCORE– 8.2/10

THE MUMMY (1959) (8.0)

1. The Exorcist (9.25)

2. Psycho (9.22)

3. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (9.0)

4. Silence of the lambs (9.0)

5. REAR WINDOW (8.8)

6. Ed Wood (8.78)

7. VERTIGO (8.65)

8. The Omen (1976) (8.45)

9. The Creature from the Black Lagoon (8.42)

10. Salem’s Lot (8.4)

11. StranGERS on a TRAIN (8.35)

12. The Ghost & Mr Chicken (8.32)

13. It (2017) (8.3)

14. DIAL M FOR MURDER (8.3)

15. Rosemary’s Baby (8.28)

16. SINISTER (2012) (8.25)

17. The Mummy (1999) (8.12)

18. The Phantom of the Opera (1925) (8.08)

19. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) (8.07)

20. THE MUMMY (1959) (8.0)

21. The Wolfman (1941) (7.98)

22. The Lost Boys (7.97)

23. DRACULA (1931) (7.85)

24. The Thing (1982) (7.67)

25. The Fog (7.5)

26. Homicidal (7.12)

27. Halloween (1978) (6.65)

28. The Wolfman (2010) (6.25)

29. Ernest Scared Stupid (5.35)

30. Monster Squad (5.22)