Pagan Professor Morlant(Boris Karloff, absent for far too long) wishes for a rare jewel, sold to him by Arab "shiek" Aga Ben Dragore(Harold Huth)who stole it from an Egyptian crypt, to be buried in his tomb when he passes. Morlant is dying and has his aide, Laing(Ernest Thesiger, up to his usual scene-stealing ways)bandage the jewel in his hand. Unfortunately for Morlant, Laing steals the jewel in a moment of weakness and before long others seek after it such as Dragore, sneaky no-good accountant Broughton(Cedric Hardwicke), and even "padre" Nigel Hartley(Ralph Richardson). Betty Harlon(Dorothy Hyston)and Ralph Morlant(Anthony Bushell)are cousins from bickering families related to Professor Morlant who stood to benefit from anything left by him after his death. What no one counted on was Professor Morlant's "rising from the grave" in search of the stolen jewel..he plans to bow at the altar of his pagan statue hoping for eternal life with the jewel clasped in his hand.
While being deliciously atmospheric with foggy nights and creepy Morlant estate as the setting, this film lumbers along at too slow a pace. Kathleen Harrison is the comic relief as Kaney, Betty's friend who tags along, falling for Dragore and getting into possible peril when the jewel winds up in her hands out of all people. The leads, Hyson and Bushell aren't charismatic or charming enough, but pros Karloff(..the precious few minutes we have him), Hardwicke, Thesiger, & especially Richardson give this some merit. Not really that bad, but could've been so much better.
(added 10/22/11):I have to say that this film has grown on me over time as I thoroughly enjoy the dark, moody photography (the film seems to occur almost entirely at night, giving the picture a proper foreboding as anyone might be hiding somewhere in the darkness prepared to steal the desired jewel)and supporting cast. Like chatty Richardson, who is highly opinionated for someone who shouldn't even be on the premises to begin with, and grumpy, rude Hardwicke who resembled a gargoyle to me. Yes, the plot is slow, but I think it gives the film an appropriate time to set up the variety of characters out to line their pockets if the jewel is attained. And Karloff is at his creepy best, his eyes full of menace, angered at the thievery of his precious jewel. One more thing I thought was fun is the "rivalry" between pagan and Christian ideals as Karloff's egyptologist firmly believes in the power of his god, while Richardson challenges such "immorality". Speaking of Richardson, he definitely in my mind steals the film as a shady priest who, from practically the moment he appears, seems untrustworthy.
While being deliciously atmospheric with foggy nights and creepy Morlant estate as the setting, this film lumbers along at too slow a pace. Kathleen Harrison is the comic relief as Kaney, Betty's friend who tags along, falling for Dragore and getting into possible peril when the jewel winds up in her hands out of all people. The leads, Hyson and Bushell aren't charismatic or charming enough, but pros Karloff(..the precious few minutes we have him), Hardwicke, Thesiger, & especially Richardson give this some merit. Not really that bad, but could've been so much better.
(added 10/22/11):I have to say that this film has grown on me over time as I thoroughly enjoy the dark, moody photography (the film seems to occur almost entirely at night, giving the picture a proper foreboding as anyone might be hiding somewhere in the darkness prepared to steal the desired jewel)and supporting cast. Like chatty Richardson, who is highly opinionated for someone who shouldn't even be on the premises to begin with, and grumpy, rude Hardwicke who resembled a gargoyle to me. Yes, the plot is slow, but I think it gives the film an appropriate time to set up the variety of characters out to line their pockets if the jewel is attained. And Karloff is at his creepy best, his eyes full of menace, angered at the thievery of his precious jewel. One more thing I thought was fun is the "rivalry" between pagan and Christian ideals as Karloff's egyptologist firmly believes in the power of his god, while Richardson challenges such "immorality". Speaking of Richardson, he definitely in my mind steals the film as a shady priest who, from practically the moment he appears, seems untrustworthy.