Taken from Bram Stoker's Jewel of the Seven Stars, most viewers will probably be more familiar with 1980's The Awakening with Charlton Heston, which I believe is a much better film and another making of Stoker's story The story concerns the daughter (Valerie Leon in a duel role as Margaret Fuchs and Queen Tera, the mummy) of an archaeological professor (Andrew Keir as Professor Julian Fuchs) who is the reincarnation of an Egyptian queen discovered years before on an expedition. When Margaret reaches adulthood, the professor gives her a huge bright red signet ring which had been removed from the queen's severed hand. The ring glows with seven pinpoint dots representing the seven stars. When the stars are aligned properly, the reincarnation is to be complete. (Why the professor gives her this ring when it will accomplish the exact opposite of what he wishes escapes me; perhaps I should view the film one more time!). Add to this the presence of James Villiers as Corbeck, an associate of the professor's and an impressively evil influence on the vulnerable Margaret. Most of the screen time is spent in pursuit of several ancient relics taken from the tomb and murdering those that have them in their possession, for they too are needed to make the final reincarnation complete. I won't give the ending away but will simply say the story ends on a disturbing note. Production values are a bit shoddy, the makeup and special effects not so special. Still, as with all Hammer films, it is atmospheric and enjoyable to watch even if no classic. I was not aware of the English actress Valerie Leon before acquiring the DVD. In 1971 Ms. Leon was the typical Hammer heroine: photogenic and quite buxom. In Blood from the Mummy's Tomb, she portrays a young woman who starts out as a dutiful daughter and ends up very hard-edged -- a credit to her acting skills. The DVD commentary contains interview footage of her and she appears a very nice, genteel person in real life. I was surprised to learn she has red hair and does not sport the jet black wig she wore in the film Most persons familiar with this film know it is somewhat benighted. The director, Seth Holt, died a week before production ceased. Peter Cushing was originally cast to be the professor but withdrew shortly after filming commenced because of his wife's illness and soon, death. Judging from the comments by those interviewed in the commentary, this haunts those persons who were involved in the making of Blood from the Mummy's Tomb to this day. For we who are fans of the House of Hammer, this is a good addition to one's video or DVD library. The DVD contains 9 minutes of the commentary footage previously discussed and contains a rare location photo of Peter Cushing and Valerie Leon. This alone is worth the price of the DVD for fans of the great Mr. Cushing. One cannot help but wonder if this would have been a production of greater quality and popularity had Peter Cushing not had to withdraw (no slight intended to Andrew Weir; he was very good in his role) and if Christopher Lee had assumed the role of the evil Corbeck. No disrespect intended to James Villiers either; it is simply that nobody rivaled Lee and Cushing as a screen team, possibly the greatest in the long history of cinema.
For fans of Hammer, this is a must see. For the horror fan in general it is interesting if not a masterpiece. For everyone else it may be worth viewing late on Friday or Saturday night as long as it is accepted for what it is: an early 70s B horror film by Hammer Studios.
For fans of Hammer, this is a must see. For the horror fan in general it is interesting if not a masterpiece. For everyone else it may be worth viewing late on Friday or Saturday night as long as it is accepted for what it is: an early 70s B horror film by Hammer Studios.