Dawn of the Mummy

Dawn of the Mummy

Year: 1981

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank Agrama

HorrorHorror

When a group of fashion models unwittingly trespasses on an ancient Egyptian tomb, they awaken a vengeful mummy and a legion of long‑dead desert slaves. The cursed undead rise from their centuries‑old graves, driven by an insatiable hunger for human flesh, turning the once‑glamorous expedition into a chilling fight for survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Dawn of the Mummy (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dawn of the Mummy (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Ancient Egypt (Fourth Millennium BC) and Contemporary Egypt

The narrative begins in the fourth millennium BC with slave raiders and a cursed tomb, then shifts to present-day Egypt where models and treasure hunters disturb the same tomb. This time-crossing setup highlights the clash between ancient superstition and modern greed. The film moves between mythic antiquity and current-day peril.

Location

Egypt, Pharaoh Sefirama's Tomb

The primary setting is a remote tomb in Egypt, a windswept desert landscape surrounding an ancient burial site. The tomb’s sealed chamber, sarcophagus, and hidden passageways anchor the story in archaeology and danger. In parallel, modern elements like an oasis locale and a desert camp provide a contrast to the ancient vault.

🏜 Desert 🗿 Ancient Tomb

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:58

Main Characters – Dawn of the Mummy (1981)

Meet the key characters of Dawn of the Mummy (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rick (George Peck)

A wary, capable leader who pushes the group forward and guards the tomb. His pragmatism and occasional reckless streak drive action, and he remains protective of his teammates even as he pursues treasure.

🧭 Leader 🗡️ Impulsive 🛡️ Protector

Tariq

Loyal member of Rick's group who acts as a steadying influence and guard for the tomb. He prioritizes safety and mission focus, often serving as a mediator between impulsive decisions and careful strategy.

🧭 Ally 🗺️ Explorer

Karib

Hot-headed treasure hunter driven by greed, who dives into danger and acts impulsively. His reckless choices lead him into the tomb’s traps and away from the group’s safety.

🔥 Impulsive 🗺️ Explorer

Lisa (Brenda-Siemer-Scheider)

An American model drawn into the tomb’s peril through curiosity and a sense of adventure. Resourceful under pressure, she survives several encounters and plays a key role in the sequence of events.

👗 Model 💪 Survivor

Jenny

A model who becomes infected after touching a cursed artifact; she confronts fear but is overwhelmed by the mummy’s threats.

👗 Model ⚠️ Risk-Taker

Gary

An American director of the fashion shoot who aids in coordinating efforts to evacuate and confront the supernatural menace alongside Lisa and the others.

🎬 Director 🧭 Ally

Melinda

A model who becomes a casualty of the mummy’s assault, illustrating the tomb’s indiscriminate danger.

👗 Model 💀 Victim

June

A model who escapes danger and contributes to the group’s attempt to flee the mummy’s pursuit.

👗 Model 🏃‍♀️ Escapist

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:58

Major Themes – Dawn of the Mummy (1981)

Explore the central themes of Dawn of the Mummy (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Adventure

A perilous expedition into a buried tomb drives the plot as Rick, Tariq, and Karib navigate traps and the unknown. The journey tests nerve, trust, and quick decision-making under pressure. The tomb itself shapes choices and danger at every turn.

☠️ Curse

The tomb’s curse awakens the mummy and its followers, turning a simple vault into a deadly trap. Characters confront supernatural forces, with deadly consequences for ignoring warnings. The curse acts as a reminder that disturbing sacred remains can bring dire retribution.

💰 Treasure

The lure of gold and artifacts motivates robbers and models alike, fueling risk-taking and betrayal. As wealth surfaces, the group grapples with choosing fortune over survival. The treasure’s allure clashes with the tomb’s lethal realities, proving deadly to many who seek it.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:58

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Movies with ancient curses and tomb desecration like Dawn of the Mummy

Unwary intruders awaken ancient evils sealed within forgotten tombs or sacred grounds.If you liked the premise of Dawn of the Mummy, you'll find more horror movies here where explorers and fortune-seekers unleash ancient evils. This collection features similar stories of supernatural vengeance arising from desecrated tombs and forgotten curses, perfect for fans of survival horror against unstoppable, ancient forces.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a group of people, often outsiders or explorers, violating a sacred space. This act triggers a linear, cause-and-effect chain of supernatural retribution. The story unfolds as a relentless siege, pitting modern characters against an ancient, powerful entity that seeks to punish them for their transgression.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared core plot device: the awakening of an ancient curse. They share a dark, fatalistic tone and a focus on survival against a preternatural enemy that cannot be reasoned with. The similarity lies in the specific type of horror threat and the narrative trigger of trespassing.

Fast-paced siege horror movies with gruesome carnage like Dawn of the Mummy

Trapped groups fight for their lives against a relentless, flesh-hungry horde.For viewers who enjoyed the relentless zombie carnage and survival horror of Dawn of the Mummy, this section highlights similar movies. Discover films featuring groups under siege by hordes of monsters, emphasizing fast pacing, extreme gore, and a constant, anxious fight for survival in a confined or isolated setting.

gruesomerelentlesschaoticanxiousgorysiegecarnagedesperate

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is one of sudden, overwhelming attack that traps a group in a confined space. The story becomes a series of escalating assaults as the characters' numbers dwindle through brutally graphic deaths. The focus is on the visceral thrill of survival and the sheer chaos of the attack rather than deep character development.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their core experience: a fast-paced, gruesome siege scenario. They share a high intensity level, dark tone, and a focus on relentless action and graphic special effects. The similarity is in the overwhelming, chaotic vibe and the specific type of horror action.

Unlock the Full Story of Dawn of the Mummy

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dawn of the Mummy in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dawn of the Mummy is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dawn of the Mummy Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dawn of the Mummy, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dawn of the Mummy Summary

Dawn of the Mummy Timeline

Track the full timeline of Dawn of the Mummy with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Dawn of the Mummy Timeline

Dawn of the Mummy Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Dawn of the Mummy that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Dawn of the Mummy Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Dawn of the Mummy

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dawn of the Mummy: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Dawn of the Mummy

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