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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Mummy’s Hand (1940)

Trace every key event in The Mummy’s Hand (1940) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ancient origins of Kharis and the tana leaves

In ancient Egypt, Prince Kharis secretly loved Princess Ananka. When Ananka died, Kharis stole life-giving tana leaves but was caught and buried alive without a tongue, with the leaves buried with him. Priests retrieve him later to guard Ananka's tomb, and during the full moon the fluid from three tana leaves must be administered to keep him alive; a larger nine-leaf brew can restore movement if the tomb is defiled, though more than nine leaves would make him uncontrollable.

Ancient Egypt, over 3000 years ago Tomb of Ananka, Egypt
2

Banning and Jenson discover a vase in Cairo bazaar

Present-day archaeologists Steve Banning and Babe Jenson uncover the remnants of a broken vase in a Cairo bazaar. Banning believes the shard is a genuine ancient relic, and his interpretation of the hieroglyphs hints at a map to Princess Ananka's tomb. The find sparks a high-stakes quest that will challenge modern methods and skepticism.

Present day Cairo bazaar
3

Andoheb misleads them and sabotages the vase

Andoheb, the Cairo Museum's Egyptology professor, downplays the vase's importance and breaks it on purpose to mislead Banning. He uses deceit to keep the true secret of Ananka's tomb hidden while advancing his own agenda. The incident fuels tension between the archaeologists and the museum authorities.

Present day Andoheb's office/museum in Cairo
4

Dr. Petrie supports the expedition against Andoheb's wishes

Dr. Petrie of the Cairo Museum backs Banning's expedition, seeing potential discoveries in the broken vase. He opposes Andoheb's attempts to block or misdirect the effort. His endorsement lends legitimacy to the quest and alarms Andoheb.

Present day Cairo Museum
5

Solvani funds the expedition in exchange for spoils

Banning and Jenson meet the American stage magician Solvani, who agrees to bankroll the expedition in return for a share of any tomb treasures. Marta Solvani, Solvani's daughter, remains skeptical of her father's investment due to Andoheb's prior insinuations. The financial deal propels the team toward the Hill of the Seven Jackals.

Present day Cairo / Solvani's circle
6

Expedition departs for the Hill of the Seven Jackals

The expedition sets out toward the Hill of the Seven Jackals with Solvani and his entourage in tow. They face the treacherous terrain and the tension between the archaeologists and the powerful backers. The journey marks the start of a dangerous journey toward Kharis's tomb.

Present day Hill of the Seven Jackals
7

Discovery of Kharis's tomb and the tana leaves

Inside the tomb of Kharis, the team finds the mummy and the tana leaves, but there is no sign of Ananka's tomb. The absence of a clear map deepens the mystery as they press on. The discovery confirms the mummy's continued guarding of the tomb's secrets.

Present day Tomb of Kharis
8

Andoheb activates the nine-leaf tana brew

Andoheb captures Dr. Petrie in the mummy cave and forces him to feel the creature's living pulse. He administers the nine-leaf tana brew, reviving the mummy and enabling Kharis to escape with Andoheb into a secret passage to the temple. Petrie dies in the process, sealing Andoheb's dangerous plan.

Present day Mummy cave / secret passage to temple
9

Kharis attacks the camp and abducts Marta

The revived mummy marauds the expedition's camp, killing the Egyptian overseer Ali and abducting Marta Solvani. The threat forces Banning and Jenson to pursue the creature through the rugged terrain. The stakes rise as the group realizes how deeply the tomb's magic can affect the living.

Present day Camp / surrounding hills
10

Banning and Jenson close in on the mummy

Jenson circles the mountain while Banning follows the secret passage they discovered inside the tomb. The chase intensifies as the pair aim to rescue Marta and stop Kharis from finishing the ritual that would grant immortal life. Their pursuit converges on a critical confrontation.

Present day Hill region near tomb and temple
11

Andoheb is killed and the rescue attempt continues

In a confrontation, Jenson shoots Andoheb dead in self-defense, cutting the immortal plot short. Banning presses the rescue of Marta, but the mummy remains the ultimate danger to everyone around. The death of Andoheb removes one human obstacle to stopping Kharis.

Present day Camp / temple area
12

Climax: Kharis is thwarted and set aflame

Marta warns that Kharis must not drink any more tana fluid. As the mummy raises the liquid to its lips, Jenson shoots the container away and spills are imminent. Banning overturns a brazier, engulfing Kharis in flames and destroying the creature.

Present day Temple/cave near Hill of the Seven Jackals
13

Expedition returns home with Ananka's mummy and diamonds

With Kharis defeated, the survivors return to the United States carrying the mummy of Ananka and the diamonds from her tomb. The treasure and the captured mummy signal a successful, if perilous, conclusion to the expedition. The crew reflects on the dangers of meddling with ancient powers.

End of expedition United States

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:06

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