Blood From The Mummy’s Tomb
1971, UK, Directed by Seth Holt
Colour, Running Time: 90 minutes
DVD, Region 2, Optimum, Video: Anamorphic 1.85:1, Audio: Mono
Typically (for a mummy film) this involves the reincarnation of an Egyptian queen in the body of someone who possesses a blood-line connection - Valerie Leon in both roles. Following a boring prologue Leon is given a ring that once belonged to the queen that triggers off the progressive possession.
Leon seems to do a fairly good job of achieving the schizophrenic results that the role requires, but it seems she was probably hired more so due to the fact that she is physically alluring, spending quite a few scenes wrapped in a skimpy nightdress (one apparent nude scene was shot with a double). Nevertheless, she brightens up an otherwise relatively average (maybe slightly above) film. There are a couple of standout sequences, particularly one set in the asylum where a variety of camera angles and timely edits nicely capture the insanity of the moment. Another striking shot is achieved with a scantily clad Leon wandering in apparent slow motion towards the camera, atmospherically lit with a breeze from the side. Generally I found it hard to really enjoy due to the mundane nature of the occurrences (yes, despite some blood-letting and plenty of smooth, bare flesh).
Presented with a pale, grainy but otherwise reasonable picture the disc also comes with ten minutes worth of interviews with several crew members (unnecessarily edited repeatedly with unrelated shots from the film, probably to pad out the meagre running time), some radio spots and stills. Seth Holt directed one of my favourite Hammers, Taste of Fear, something that will hopefully be receiving a DVD release soon. He was apparently enthusiastic about this film but it’s not quite as good as his former work. Surprisingly Peter Cushing actually started as Leon’s father but had to abandon after a day or so due to his wife’s illness. If this hadn’t have happened Cushing’s presence may have improved the film, as it often did. His replacement does a reasonable job however. Holt died near the end of filming and it was completed by Michael Carreras, so it seemed like the movie wasn’t enshrouded with the best of luck. If you quite like the film the disc is worth picking up (it’s available as part of Optimum’s Ultimate Hammer Collection).