Bram Stoker’s THE JEWEL OF SEVEN STARS was one of my favorite horror novels when I was younger. I first read it at 15 and couldn’t get it out of my head for weeks. I even preferred it to DRACULA (still do and I still have my original 1968 paperback). When BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY’S TOMB was released in 1971, I missed it as I did so many of the later Hammers and wound up catching it on TV. I immediately knew from the storyline that it was Stoker’s JEWEL and paid extra close attention. Although updating the story to the present time (and even naming the boyfriend Tod Browning!), Hammer’s version is surprisingly faithful to the spirit of Stoker’s novel which is remarkably bloodthirsty and bleak though not as bleak as LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM.
Considering the well documented trials and tribulations that beset the film, it is remarkable that it is as good as it is and just goes to show that a troubled production can turn out alright in the end thanks to the fact that movies have second unit directors and aren’t shot in sequence. Although Andrew Keir replaced Peter Cushing after only one day, I think he suits the role better. He’s more academically intense (like Quatermass) and seems physically more suited to being Valerie Leon’s father. Much has been written about Valerie’s beauty. She may not be a great actress but she has great presence and that’s what’s required here. She is also aided by Hammer’s cameraman and technical staff who enhance what she already has.
It was great to see George Coulouris (30 years after CITIZEN KANE) as the expedition member in the asylum. He appeared in some fascinating low budget Brit cinema in the 1950s (WOMANEATER, MAN WITHOUT A BODY) and always gives an interesting performance. James Villiers is delightfully wicked as the team member who wants to bring Queen Tera back. For those who don’t know the story, a supernaturally preserved Egyptian Queen is waiting to be reincarnated in the present day body of the daughter of the archaeologist who found her. Like the book, the movie depends on atmosphere and creates a sense of unease rather than outright horror although there are several gruesome deaths. (before THE OMEN) BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY’S TOMB is classic late Hammer and deserves the quality release it finally got. Remade 3 times witheach new version getting progressively worse.
The Capsule Critic 