Introduction

Step into the shadowy world of Hammer Films, where ancient curses and Gothic dread collide. Released in October 1964 in the UK and later that year in the US, The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb is the second entry in Hammer’s Mummy series, following 1959’s The Mummy. Written, produced, and directed by Michael Carreras, this film trades the grandeur of its predecessor for a pulpier, more lurid tone, delivering a tale of greed, desecration, and supernatural vengeance.

For fans of mid-century horror, this film offers a rich blend of Victorian adventure, Egyptian mystique, and grisly retribution, all wrapped in Hammer’s signature Technicolor style.

Plot Synopsis

Set in Egypt, 1900 (not 1895), the story follows a British-French archaeological team that uncovers the tomb of Ra-Antef, son of Ramesses VIII. The expedition is led by Sir Giles Dalrymple (Jack Gwillim), Professor Eugene Dubois, and John Bray (Ronald Howard), with financial backing from brash American showman Alexander King (Fred Clark), who plans to exploit the find for a sensational world tour.

Despite warnings from local Egyptian Ahmed (George Pastell), the team transports the mummy to London, where King unveils it to the public. But the sarcophagus is mysteriously empty on opening night. Soon, a series of gruesome murders begins, each victim connected to the tomb’s desecration. The killer? The reanimated mummy of Ra-Antef (played by Dickie Owen), who stalks his violators with silent, brutal efficiency.

As the body count rises, Bray and his fiancée Annette Dubois (Jeanne Roland) race to uncover the truth behind the curse. The climax reveals a shocking twist involving Adam Beauchamp (Terence Morgan), a mysterious figure with a hidden past and a personal connection to the mummy’s legacy.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Terence Morgan — Adam Beauchamp
Ronald Howard — John Bray
Fred Clark — Alexander King
Jeanne Roland — Annette Dubois
George Pastell — Hashmi Bey
Jack Gwillim — Sir Giles Dalrymple
John Paul — Inspector Mackenzie
Dickie Owen — The Mummy of Ra‑Antef / Albert

Supporting Cast

Jill Mai Meredith — Jenny (Beauchamp’s maid)
Michael Ripper — Achmed
Harold Goodwin — Fred
Jimmy Gardner — Fred’s Mate
Vernon Smythe — Jessop
Marianne Stone — Bey’s Landlady

Additional / Uncredited Roles

Chris Adcock — Workman
Ray Austin — Shipboard Thief
Olga Dickie — Housekeeper
Charles Gilliard — Ship’s Doctor
Nora Gordon — Sir Giles’ Housekeeper
Pat Gorman — London Reporter
George Hilsdon — Reporter at Mummy Exhibition
George Leech — Ship Attacker

Release Date

UK Release Date: October 18, 1964
US Release Date: December 31, 1964
Director/Writer/Producer: Michael Carreras
Cinematography: Otto Heller
Music: Carlo Martelli
Studio: Hammer Film Productions
Runtime: 81 minutes
Budget: £103,000

Trailer

Experience the terror of Ra-Antef’s revenge in the original theatrical trailer. While official versions may be scarce, fan restorations and clips are available on YouTube and classic horror forums.

Witness the terrifying resurrection for yourself! (Note: Official trailers may be difficult to find; this is a placeholder for a fan-made or representative clip.

Legacy and reception

Though often overshadowed by Hammer’s The Mummy (1959), The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb has earned a cult following for its lavish production design, gruesome kills, and campy charm. Critics were mixed, citing a slower pace and less compelling characters, but praised the film’s visual style and practical effects. It remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of 1960s British horror.

Where to Watch?

Source: JustWatch

As of 2026, the film is available on:

Amazon Prime Video (rental/purchase)
Apple TV
Hammer Films Blu-ray Collections
Occasional airings on TCM and Shudder (check local listings)

Poster Artwork

Final Verdict

The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers a satisfying mix of mystery, horror, and period adventure. With its colorful sets, eerie score, and vengeful undead, it’s a must-watch for Hammer completists and lovers of vintage horror.