The Mummy’s Hand

The Mummy’s Hand

Year: 1940

Runtime: 67 mins

Language: English

Director: Christy Cabanne

HorrorFantasyHorror the undead and monster classicsCreepy chilling and terrifying horrorChilling experiments and classic monster horror

When two unemployed archaeologists in Egypt uncover clues to the tomb of the ancient princess Ananka, they secure financing from an eccentric magician and his striking daughter. Venturing into the desert, they soon find themselves pursued by a malevolent high priest and the living mummy Kharis, both sworn protectors of Ananka’s tomb.

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Timeline & Setting – The Mummy’s Hand (1940)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Mummy’s Hand (1940). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1940s

The plot takes place in the era of 1940s adventure serials, with expeditions, ancient curses, and modern scientists chasing legends. The present-day setting contrasts museum scholars and treasure hunters with deadly supernatural forces.

Location

Egypt, Cairo, Hill of the Seven Jackals, Tomb of Princess Ananka

The action unfolds across the Egyptian desert and Cairo's bustling bazaars. The Hill of the Seven Jackals is the moody mountain site where the tomb of Kharis lies, guarding the sacred tana leaves. The tombs and desert landscapes evoke a classic adventure setting, filled with traps, hidden passages, and a looming mummy.

🗺️ Ancient Egypt 🧭 Archaeology

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:28

Main Characters – The Mummy’s Hand (1940)

Meet the key characters of The Mummy’s Hand (1940), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steve Banning (Dick Foran)

An earnest archaeologist who believes a shard from an ancient vase may hide clues to Princess Ananka's tomb. He drives the expedition with a practical mindset, balancing scientific curiosity with risk. His determination to uncover the truth places him in direct conflict with Andoheb's deceit.

🧭 Archaeologist 🗺️ Mystery-seeker

Babe Jenson (Wallace Ford)

Steve's loyal but bumbling sidekick, providing comic relief while proving resourceful in the field. He embraces danger with a rough-around-the-edges bravado and helps pursue Kharis across the hill. His straightforward nature keeps the team grounded amidst chaos.

😂 Comic-relief 🗺️ Scout

The Great Solvani (Cecil Kellaway)

A flamboyant stage magician turned financier who funds the expedition for a slice of the treasure. He is wary of grandiose claims but practical enough to back the venture for profit. His involvement draws Marta into the voyage and complicates the crew's dynamics.

🎩 Showman 💰 Backer

Marta Solvani (Peggy Moran)

Solvani's daughter, skeptical of her father's investment, catches the eye of several men and becomes a key captive in the plot. She exhibits courage under pressure and sharp intuition, providing crucial information about Andoheb's plans. Her fate becomes a pivot around which the mummy storyline turns.

👩‍🎤 Woman 🗝️ Key witness

Dr. Petrie (Charles Trowbridge)

A scientist from the Cairo Museum who evaluates Kharis's living pulse. He represents the rational voice in the expedition but is ultimately killed by the mummy. His expertise underscores the clash between science and superstition in the adventure.

🧪 Scientist 🕵️‍♂️ Expert

Professor Andoheb (George Zucco)

The cunning High Priest who schemes for immortality through tana fluid and uses Marta as a lure. He manipulates both the expedition and the mummy's ritual, showing a dangerous blend of religious authority and alchemical lust for power. His death comes at the hands of Jenson in a moment of self-defense.

🗡️ Villain 🧭 Manipulator

Ali (Leon Belasco)

A sturdy temple overseer who becomes a casualty as Kharis prowls the camp. He embodies the dangers of the tomb and the violence that guards it. His death marks the mummy's widening threat to everyone present.

🧰 Overseer 🕯️ Guard

Kharis (Tom Tyler)

The undead mummy, preserved by tana leaves and driven to guard Ananka's tomb. He is impervious to bullets and becomes a relentless force of danger when awakened. His struggle with the living drives the film's climax as loyalty, fear, and survival collide.

🧟 Monster 🛡️ Guardian

Princess Ananka (Zita Johann)

The vanished princess whose tomb holds the key to eternal life and the mummy's haunting motive. Her presence lingers through the legend and the mummy's devotion. She remains a symbol of lost love and sacred power within the tomb.

👑 Princess 🕯️ Legend

The High Priest (Eduardo Ciannelli)

A venerable authority in Karnak whose interest lies in the secrets of the tana leaves and immortality for his people. He collaborates with Andoheb's plans, blurring lines between religious ritual and dangerous obsession. His role on the hill heightens the tension as the mortal danger grows.

🙏 Priest 🧭 Predator

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:28

Major Themes – The Mummy’s Hand (1940)

Explore the central themes of The Mummy’s Hand (1940), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗺️ Adventure

A globe-trotting expedition drives the story as archaeologists and financiers trek from Cairo to a remote hill, risking danger for relics and a rumored tomb. The pursuit is fueled by curiosity, prestige, and the lure of ancient treasure. The journey tests the team's resolve as they confront deception, traps, and the mummy's menace.

🧪 Immortality

Central to the plot is the tana leaves that grant life to the mummy when brewed. Characters pursue immortality, creating dangerous plans, including attempts by Andoheb to intoxicate himself and his captive Marta. The film explores whether eternal life is a blessing or a deadly trap.

🔥 Danger

The expedition rapidly devolves into peril as the mummy awakens and claims victims. Treachery within the group, hidden passages, and the looming threat of fire and murder keep the tension high. Every decision brings new peril, culminating in a fiery showdown.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:28

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The Mummy’s Hand Summary

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The Mummy’s Hand Timeline

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