Original subtitles

(SPEAKING EGYPTIAN)

(WHIMPERING)

(WHINNYING)

(MANIACAL LAUGHTER)

(CAWING)

(HOWLING WIND)

What time is it now, John?

It is exactly ten minutes since the last time you asked, darling.

I'm sorry, but it's not like Father to be so late at the diggings.

These old tombs give me the shivers.

Well, perhaps he's found something of special interest.

Yes, that canopic jar. He said he'd assemble it.

Darling, I meant something of real interest.

Like a beautiful desert maiden.

The only maiden my father would be likely to meet

would be mummified, and at least 3,000 years old.

Yes, well I suppose that would be too old even for your father.

- That's better. Can I get you another drink? - Please.

- Unless you are trying to get me drunk. - What?

No, not tonight. But I will once we get back to Paris.

When we get back to Paris, I will let you.

Do you promise that?

(SUDDEN GUST OF WIND)

(PANICKED CHATTERING)

Annette, my dear.

(ANNETTE GASPING)

Oh, mon Dieu!

No, John. Leave her.

(JOHN YELLING)

He did that deliberately.

I am sure you're wrong.

It is not our way to be disrespectful to the dead.

I know all about your ways.

Stealing our stores, inciting our labour force to desert us.

Oh yes, you were grateful at first. Until we found the tomb of Ra-Antef.

Then you took one look inside, and decided you wanted it for yourselves.

Now you're trying to frighten us away from here, aren't you?

How dare you speak such accusations?!

My government and I have given every possible cooperation.

- You've given us no... - GILES: Gentlemen! Gentlemen!

This is no way to hallow the memory of Professor Dubois.

We'll strike camp tomorrow. We're returning to Cairo.

- What's that, Sir Giles? - But your work is not finished here yet.

For the safety of the treasures and ourselves

we'll complete our tabulations at headquarters.

It seems that your tactics have worked after all, Hashmi.

Now, we fold our tents and run away!

You cannot run away from the curse of the mummy's tomb!

We're all doomed to die for this act of desecration!

You're a fool, Hashmi!

If you believe that you can pull the wool over my eyes with these old legends...

It is not wool that has obscured your eyes, Mr Bray, but a lack of vision!

The tomb holds no curses, Hashmi.

Only the bones and belongings of an ancient prince!

Good can come of this discovery, but not evil!

(WOMAN SCREAMING)

JOHN: Annette, what is it?

(ANNETTE SOBBING)

Hussein, lower him down.

Hussein, you are too quick. You are your mother's son.

- All clear your end, John? - Yes, all clear here, sir.

GILES: Gently, now. Gently.

Gently. That's it!

- Well done, Ahmed. - Good.

Well, that's the last. I never thought we'd do it in a week.

Everything recorded and accounted for.

Annette, put these somewhere safe, would you please?

- Well, Sir Giles, you look five years younger. - I feel it.

We've made archaeological history.

We can present to the museum the finest mummified specimen ever known.

And treasures from the tomb far beyond our wildest expectations.

It's a moment of triumph. For you, for me, for all mankind.

Come in, Hashmi! We were just going to celebrate.

Your government must be very pleased with you.

Perhaps they'll pay for the champagne.

Gentlemen, before you get too full of high spirits, you have a visitor.

- Your benefactor, Mr Alexander King. - Mr King? What, here?

This is a surprise - but only fitting that he should be here to join us.

He's in the office.

- Here you are, John. - Thank you.

If you'd only learn to play chess, we could make a fortune.

Mr King, this is a pleasant surprise.

Giles, baby! Good to see you!

Hashmi. Hold this a minute, will you? Thank you.

Got a little present here for you. Brought it from Constantinople.

Turkish candy. Go on, try a bit.

You, too, Old Inscrutable. You too, go ahead.

Take a piece. I want your opinion.

That's enough of that. No, no, no.

- Well, what do you think? - It's, er... delightful.

That's it! Delightful. De-light-ful.

Full of delight! We'll call it Turkish Delight!

Well, how are things going?

Well, Mr King, as you are the financial backer of our expedition,

I am very happy to tell you that Hashmi Bey

has obtained a handsome offer from the Cairo Museum.

How handsome is handsome?

For the complete contents of the tomb of Ra,

£70,000!

£70,000?!

£70,000! Did you hear that? You must be out of your mind.

No, I'm going to roadshow this mummy throughout the world.

- That way we'll make £700,000! - You can't, sir.

What do you mean can't? Don't tell me I can't!

Oh, you kids stick with me! You'll see some real money!

But this is unheard of.

Relics of this importance and value cannot be treated as a sideshow!

It's blatant sacrilege.

Oh! Nothing sacrilegious about making money.

If this is your serious intention, and not some form of humour

then I shall be forced to discuss the matter with my superiors.

Good. You go right ahead and do that little thing, Buddy Boy.

Sir Giles, I trust that your integrity and good taste will finally prevail in this matter.

Then there are certain steps I must take. So, if you would excuse me, sir.

Bye!

They're all alike. Always getting in a stew over something.

Well, let him check!

He'll find out there isn't a cotton pickin' thing he can do about it.

Now then, let's get down to details. Oh, this is for you.

- We open in London on the third of March. - You really are serious?

Well, Sir Giles, like I said, we've got to go where the money is.

- But this! - You remember when they opened the tomb?

I was standing right beside you.

I was as excited as a kid with a double sarsaparilla.

You told me we'd made a great discovery. For the good of all mankind.

Well, who's in a better position to do that good, you or me?

You'll put it in some stuffy museum in a one camel town

where nobody will see it except a few tourists on a wet afternoon.

I can show it to the world.

If people want to be educated, I'll educate them.

At ten cents a time.

Mr King, if you persist in this childish exhibitionism,

I shall have no alternative but to withdraw

from any further responsibility in this matter!

Now then, who's being childish?

Well, hello there. Still having fun, I see.

- Hello, Mr King. - Good to see you again.

Glad to hear you say that. We're going to be seeing a lot of each other from now on.

What do you mean? The job's nearly finished.

There's been a slight change in plan. We're all going on to London.

- What? - With you in charge.

Hey, wait a minute. Sir Giles is in charge.

He's leaving the buggy ride here.

- I don't follow. - It's true, John. I've resigned.

And in the interests of the expedition, I suggest you accept Mr King's offer.

Yes, but what's happened?

I think it's better if Mr King explains it to you.

Okay. Have dinner with me tonight. I'll fill you in.

I know a place where we can sample all the local delicacies.

(BURPING)

(EGYPTIAN FINGER CYMBAL)

(TRADITIONAL EGYPTIAN MUSIC)

That's what I like to see: people enjoying themselves.

Oh, we're going to get along fine.

You have made up your mind to stick with me on this, haven't you?

Yes, I think so, Mr King.

And I am very glad,

but it is a pity that Sir Giles couldn't see your point of view.

He's living in the past. This is 1900. You have to think modern.

What do you two kids plan for the future?

Well, I hope a long life, and a happy one. Together.

You're not worried about the Curse of the Pharaohs, eh?

So, you know about that, do you?

Know about it? I wish I'd invented it.

"Anybody that opens the Pharaoh's tomb is doomed to die horribly."

There's thousands of dollars' worth of free publicity in that.

And don't think I'm not going to ballyhoo it in my campaign.

Well, as my friend Phineas T. Barnum said: "There's one born every minute."

And they'll love this. The public love to live dangerously.

As long as there's no real danger in it.

Say, maybe ten cents isn't enough.

Effendi, I bring urgent message from your master.

He says you must come quickly!

- You bring a message from whom? - From Sir Gilly!

- Gilly! - Oh, he means Sir Giles!

Then we must go. It must be important.

Well now, wait a minute. I'm going with you.

If you ever learn to do that to ragtime, give me a call. We'll make a fortune.

GILES: Thank heaven, nothing appears to have been broken.

They were obviously searching for something, but what?

If we could answer that question, we'd know who they were.

They have not taken gold or jewels that most men would covet.

- What's happened, Sir Giles? - The place has been ransacked.

- Anything stolen? - No, nothing as far as we can see.

- Inspector, sir. - Yes?

I have found something over there.

I suggest, Miss, that you stay here.

(SPEAKING EGYPTIAN)

ANNETTE: John! Come here!

- What is it, darling? - Your lists have gone.

Blast! And there were no copies!

Three months' work wasted. But why?

What possible use could they be to anyone else?

If one wanted to know the complete contents of the tomb,

your lists are the quickest way.

Then that means we are not the only people interested in the treasures of Ra.

(SHIP'S BELL)

I remember a night just like this when we were on our way to Egypt.

Yes, I remember it too, darling.

Do you realise that was almost a year ago?

- That was a happy voyage. - Yes, it was.

- But this one... - What do you mean?

I don't quite know, John.

But somehow, whenever I'm in proximity to the mummy...

Oh, you needn't worry about it.

It's safely locked up in the hold,

clearly labelled: "Not wanted on voyage."

You know, the only real physical danger you may be in

is not from the mummy.

But... from... me!

- Don't, John. Please. - I'm sorry.

I'm not just being silly. There is something. I feel it.

But I just can't explain it.

I'm afraid it wasn't a very good joke, was it? Will you forgive me?

- Good night, Sir Giles. - Good evening, my dear.

You look very beautiful.

Good night.

- Good night, John. - Good night, Sir Giles.

You know, if he carries on like this, he'll soon be as pickled as the mummy.

That's not funny either.

This whole business with King has had a deep effect on him.

And what's more, the Egyptian authorities have as good as told him

he's conducted his last expedition anywhere on their territory.

Yes, I know. It's quite ridiculous.

It's King who is to blame, but they probably won't believe it.

What will Sir Giles do?

He may have to retire. He's no longer a youngster.

Oh, that would be a great waste.

He knows more about ancient Egypt than any other person.

(MAN SCREAMING)

That's Sir Giles. You stay there!

(HEAVY THUD)

(ANNETTE SCREAMING)

- (WOMEN SCREAMING) - (SPLASHING)

Man overboard!

- Man overboard! - Man overboard!

(ALARM BELLS) (SHIP'S HORN)

(SHIP'S BELL)

- John. What happened? - I'm afraid a man attacked Sir Giles.

- Is he badly hurt? - No, fortunately not.

Just a lump on his head and a headache. I'm afraid I've got one too.

Was he robbed?

I don't think it was money the man was after.

Oh, please let me introduce: Adam Beauchamp, John Bray.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

If it wasn't money he was after, do you know what it was he wanted?

No, I'm not quite sure.

You think it has something to do with Ra, don't you?

- It could have, yes. - You see, both John and I...

My dear, your recent discovery is far too well known

to need explanation to me.

But surely, Sir Giles doesn't keep any of the treasures in his cabin?

Oh, no, no. Certainly not.

The treasures are in the ship's hold under heavy guard.

But certain things have happened which lead me to believe that

somebody may be trying to force us to return the treasures to Egypt.

And what are your plans?

Well, we're going to London, where I shall continue my retabulations,

and then we shall set up the first exhibition.

Where will you stay?

Well, I've booked rooms for Annette and I at a hotel in Bloomsbury.

Well, that's not good enough.

I live on my own in a large house in Regent's Park.

Why don't you stay with me?

- Sorry, that's quite out of the question. - But very kind of you, Adam.

Your work fascinates me. I find you charming people.

I've always felt that I should devote more of my time to the arts.

This could be my small beginning.

I wish I could assist your ambitions, Mr Beauchamp,

but I'm afraid we can't alter our plans at this late stage.

But of course you can. Join me for a liqueur and we'll discuss it.

How very nice of you, Adam.

Now look, really. This is going a little too far.

- Not at all. - We've made other arrangements.

ADAM: Come in, Jessop.

We could all do with a hot toddy

to get this blasted English fog out of our throats.

That sounds delicious.

Thank you, Jessop.

You look tired, John. I trust this will revive you.

Thank you.

- You find them interesting, Annette? - They are so lovely, Adam.

Fabergé is a great artist.

This once belonged to the Empress of Russia.

I've always felt that it should again belong to a beautiful woman.

I would like you to have it.

But Adam, this is priceless.

It is valueless compared to the pleasure it will give me

to think of it in your possession.

Then it would be ungracious of me not to accept.

John. Look what Adam has given me!

Oh, yes. Very pretty, isn't it?

- May I have another drink, please? - Yes, of course.

- Annette, some punch? - Thank you, Adam.

ADAM: Yes, Jessop?

Mrs Bodie asks what are your instructions about dinner, sir?

- What do you say, Annette? Nine o'clock? - That would be just fine.

- John? - Oh, I'm so sorry, Annette,

but I'm afraid I can't stay. But you do by all means.

You see, the treasures are being delivered this evening

and I promised Mr King that I'd be there to supervise the uncrating.

Oh, then perhaps I should go along with you.

- You will forgive us? - Of course, my dear. I understand.

But why don't you come with us?

Well, I'd love to, if you're sure I won't be in the way.

- Don't be silly. He won't be, will he, John? - No, of course he won't.

Do come, by all means. You're quite welcome.

That's settled, then.

May I propose a toast? To the success of the exhibition of Ra.

And may the gods smile down upon our new-found friendship.

- (CLATTERING) - (CHATTERING)

The mummy goes in the exact centre of that area over there.

- The exact centre, you understand? - Yes, sir.

- Well, start measuring right away! - Yes, Mr King!

May I have your attention one moment, Mr King?

- Are the footlights ready? - Yes, Mr King.

- Well then, turn them on right away! - Right away, Mr King.

Well caught, sir! I say, it's a beautiful thing, isn't it?

Would somebody please get me John Bray? Right away!

- Where is the man with the material?! - Would you like something heavier?

(SNORING)

Here lads! Come on! Come on!

I was just thinking.

Has he gone?

Bert! Bert!

Blimey, Fred, looks just like my wife.

I bet you wish it did.

Except you'd have to get her a dog licence to take her on the street.

- (FRED SQUAWKS) - Put it back. It smells funny.

JOHN: These panels from the doors to the gilded shrine

depict the major happenings in the life of Ra.

Detail and workmanship was superb.

Mr Bray! Mr King wants you.

- I suppose he wants me right away. - Yes, sir!

Here.

A whole lifetime contained in a few pictures.

It's probably more than will be left of our lives.

This one shows Rameses VIII being presented with his twin sons.

Ra, the elder, and Be.

They grew into two very different persons, both physically and mentally.

Ra became a thinker,

a searcher for truth and the secret of eternal life.

But Be, he was a sensualist,

who spent his time only seeking pleasures for his body.

- That is the legend? - Yes.

But substantiated in writings, drawings and tales handed down through the ages,

which make it fact.

Then please go on. I'd like to hear the rest of the facts.

Be was jealous of his elder brother's position and popularity,

and suspicious of his profound thinking and deep wisdom.

And he continually conspired to have Ra branded as a witch.

So successful was he,

that the aging Rameses, in an effort to avoid civil war,

was forced to accept the will of the people

and to banish his favourite son.

After months of wandering,

Ra and his small band of faithful followers

were befriended by an ancient nomadic people.

deep in the remote part of the Sahara.

(CAWING)

As time passed,

the tribe of nomads became so impressed with Ra's dignity and learning,

that they asked him to become their king, and rule over them.

At his coronation, they presented him with a small medallion,

on which had been inscribed the sacred Words of Life,

used only in the rare ceremony of reviving the dead,

a secret which had been in their possession for centuries.

Ra then made plans to return to his homeland,

so that he could set right the wrongs which had been done to him.

In preparation, Ra prayed to Bubastis,

the most powerful of all his gods,

for spiritual guidance

on how to use the secret of the Words of Life wisely,

and for the physical strength to carry out his mission.

(PRAYING IN EGYPTIAN)

But Be, hearing of his brother's plans,

sent assassins into the desert to find and kill Ra.

(MAN SCREAMING)

They attacked without warning, and, showing no mercy,

killed nomads and priests alike.

(GASPING)

As Ra lay dying,

they cut off his left hand, on which he wore his rings of birth.

They took it back to Be, as proof that their foul work was done.

ADAM: They missed the medallion.

ANNETTE: What did you say, Adam?

I'm sorry. I was just commenting that the assassins missed the medallion.

What happened to it, do you think?

It was almost certainly buried with him in his tomb in the desert.

Was it found amongst the treasures of the tomb?

But...

- Well, was it?! - No. But perhaps...

So your facts are no more than legend, after all.

JOHN: Adam!

We've got the mummiform coffin in position now.

Would you care to see it?

Adam, John said would you like to see the mummy?

- Yes, I would very much. - Come along, then.

Come on, boys. He wants us to try it once again in there. Come on.

These Americans, they're impossible. But never mind, get to it.

That's right.

Now, Mr King, I must have your final decision:

Velour, lace, or chenille?

Mosquito netting.

Aha! There you are! Come on in! Take a look!

Yeah? What do you think?

I am very impressed.

- And will you open the coffin? - Sure! Want to see what happens?

(GONG AND DRUMMING)

(TRUMPET FANFARE)

(EGYPTIAN-SOUNDING MUSIC)

(SOUND OF THUNDER)

- Blimey, Fred, what's happening? - They're opening that coffin.

- Well, they can do it without me! - Without me, too!

(GONG)

He's worth ten cents of anybody's money.

- Mr King, you are an incredible man. - Well...

Some of us have got it. And the others ride home in a horse cart.

Jenny? What are you doing?

The young lady mislaid her handkerchief and I thought she might want it.

Well, you run along to bed now, Jenny.

Mr Beauchamp has given instructions that he's not to be disturbed.

Let's hope the other gentleman doesn't come back and disturb him.

That's enough of that! You run along.

ANNETTE: ...and then, when my mother died...

...my father went to Paris to lecture at the Museum of Egyptology.

It was 6 years before I saw him again.

Why didn't he take you with him?

- I was a great disappointment to him. - Why was that?

- He always wanted a son. - What a very foolish man.

Yes, but it did work out well.

In order to get his love I studied twice as hard as any son would have.

I read everything he wrote, and anything else I could lay my hands on.

So that by the time I went to Paris, I could converse with him on his own level.

- He was surprised? - He was delighted,

and insisted I join him as his assistant.

- So the story has a happy ending. - Yes.

Until that night in the desert.

Well, all that's behind you now.

Here's to the future.

Excellent brandy.

The perfect blend of just the right ingredients.

Like beauty and intelligence in a woman.

But it often disturbs me

when women use their intelligence only for academic pursuits.

What would you have us do? Sit at home with our embroidery?

No, my dear. You've missed the point entirely.

Intelligence can be as gainfully employed in the home as in the Academy.

You surprise me, Adam.

You are the first man I've met

who really understands what a home could mean to a woman.

Doesn't John?

No, not completely.

He is prepared to marry me and allow me to continue with my career.

But if only he felt as you do.

But you will marry him?

I'm not sure, yet.

Then I implore you to be certain before you decide.

A wasted life is tragedy enough,

but for you to throw away yours on compromise

would be doubly tragic.

You are very considerate, Adam.

And you are very beautiful, Annette.

JESSOP: Yes, sir. They're both in the sitting room, sir.

I'm sorry I'm late.

I'm afraid Mr King's New World charm is beginning to wear thin.

If he continues to work me as hard as he's doing now...

I, er... shall soon be as moribund as the mummy.

Are you very tired? Would you like to eat in your rooms?

Thank you, I have eaten.

However, I wouldn't say no to a drink if offered one.

- Forgive me. Brandy? - Yes, if it's not too much trouble.

Annette, what's that? I don't believe I've seen that before.

- It's just a medallion. - Just a medallion?

Did he give it to you?

No, my father did. The day he died.

- May I see that? - Of course.

JOHN: Is it from the tomb?

ANNETTE: No, of course not, John. Do you think my father would take...

It can't be from the tomb.

Both the stone and the hieroglyphics are at least 2,000 years older than that.

These are early Old Kingdom.

Really? How would you know that?

My interest in your work is not entirely an amateur one,

but my studies were of an earlier period than the Egyptian.

Here, see for yourself.

I'm sorry. I can't agree with that.

I still believe it could be from the tomb.

Let me assure you, Mr Bray, it is Old Kingdom.

Nobody could be as certain as you are, Mr Beauchamp,

without extensive examination.

Then why don't you reserve judgement until you have made an extensive examination?

Very well.

With your permission, Annette, I will.

There's only one person I know who has reference books for this period,

and that is Sir Giles. I'd like him to see this now.

No, he won't be in bed yet.

If you'll both forgive me, I'll start straight away.

Jessop will get you a hansom.

Well, my dear, another brandy?

(THUNDERCLAP)

GILES: If money is to be the yardstick

by which the value of education is to be assessed,

then I fear for the future.

Let's make the redoubtable Mr King headmaster at Eton and be done with it.

Within six months he'd turn the playing fields

into a miniature Coney Island,

with each boy a barker on a percentage share of the profit.

JOHN: Well, at least their arithmetic would have to be good

if only to make sure of getting their fair share.

Now, let me see...

Whoever heard of an Egyptologist who wasn't allowed into Egypt?

There's no Court of Appeal, you know.

What page did you say?

That damned Hashmi!

I didn't hear him tell the authorities that it was King

who was reponsible for removing the relics.

Yes, Sir Giles. What page?

Oh, sorry, um...

- Somewhere in the 300s, I think.. - Thank you.

What do you make of it?

Well, I'm not quite certain, but I think it's...

Oh! You clumsy, drunken oaf!

I see I've now lost your respect, too.

You are undoubtedly better left alone to your studies.

- I'm sorry, Sir Giles... - Good night, John.

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

(THUNDERCLAP)

(MUCH LOUDER THUNDERCLAP)

I wonder. Could it be?

(THUNDER)

(THUDDING BLOW)

This is not a joking matter, Mr King.

I would have thought the sum of 120,000 English pounds

would have wiped the smile even from your face.

It's chicken feed.

You seriously expect me

to pack up this whole kit and caboodle and ship it back?

My government will gladly accept the responsibility

of the transportation charges.

That's more chicken feed.

My show is advertised clear across the United States.

Now, you don't want me to disappoint all those

Middle Western people, do you?

You know what a circus means to them?

An outing for the whole family.

A day to remember.

It's obvious to me that you're a very difficult man to deal with.

Who, me?

For the last time I beg of you to accept my government's offer.

Then, the consequences of the actions you contemplate

must rest upon your own head.

Well, then, let the consequences commence!

Hiya, beautiful! How do I look?

You'll put Ra to shame.

Gee, I'm sorry John can't be here. How is he?

He's still at Sir Giles's. The doctor wouldn't let him be moved.

A nice kid. Now, who'd want to do a thing like that?

We won't know that until he can tell us.

And he hasn't fully regained consciousness yet.

Well, let's hope it'll be soon.

- Beauchamp. - King.

I see you have all the important press here.

And their friends. They all show up when they know it's free.

Well, if you'll excuse me, I have a show to put on.

Hello. How are you? How are you?

(TIMPANI SOLO)

(BRASS FANFARE)

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen of the press.

This is an historic moment.

Today we will open the 3,000-year-old coffin

of Ra-Antef, Royal Prince of Egypt.

But, first of all,

I want you to absorb some of the atmosphere,

much as it must have been to those intrepid explorers

led my my great and good friend, Sir Giles Dalrymple,

your premier archaeologist.

Our story starts almost 18 months ago to this very day,

when he led the expedition, including myself,

into the Valley of Kings.

A leading member of our team was Professor Eugene Dubois,

from the Paris Museum of Egyptology,

who unfortunately lost his life at the hands of the superstitious natives

only shortly before our work was completed.

With him is John Bray,

a brilliant young Egyptologist from Cambridge University.

The youngest and by far the prettiest member of our team was Annette Dubois,

a breath of Parisienne charm that did much to help cool the hot winds of the desert.

In addition to being decorative,

she was an able personal assistant to her father, the late professor.

The guiding light of the expedition was, of course...

No! Not him!

- Myself. - (LAUGHTER)

After a short period of relaxation

there followed ten months of intensive searching and excavation,

until the discovery of one small stone step,

overlooked by both searchers and plunderers for countless generations,

led us to believe that we had found a royal burial tomb.

Final feverish excavations allowed us, six days later,

to be standing on the threshold.

Below us were the first great doors,

those massive portals to the past.

Anubis, the patron of embalming and guardian of the tomb, stood before us.

As we entered, the dust of lost centuries filled the air.

It was not a thin dust, but a heavy dust,

feeling almost as though it contained

the textures and sounds of a vanished civilisation.

It clung to our clothes and cloyed in our nostrils,

as if in a last desperate attempt to stop us proceeding.

And then, before us,

appeared the two statue guardians to the inner tomb.

Here, modern man was confronted with the relics of his ancient Egyptian brothers.

Among them were the wardrobe and personal belongings of the Royal Prince,

statues of his gods, funeral furniture,

weapons, food.

In fact, everything he would need to help and protect him

on his journey over the dark waters of death,

and into eternity.

Bubastis stood watching over all,

his gaze undimmed.

Then, finally, before us stood the magnificently ornate sarcophagus

bearing upon it the moulded likeness of the body it contained therein.

And now, before the great, historic moment,

I must take you into my confidence and warn you.

- There is a curse. - (AUDIENCE MURMURING)

Which says that all persons present

at the opening of a Pharaoh's coffin

and who gaze at the face of the mummy therein,

shall die,

struck down by the wrath of the Egyptian gods!

So...

any of you of a nervous disposition, who wish to leave now

may do so.

(WOMAN LAUGHING)

You have been warned!

(GONG)

(TRUMPET FANFARE)

(WOMAN SCREAMING)

(DRUMROLL)

Ladies and gentlemen,

for the very first time,

and before your very eyes,

I will cut the Royal Seal.

(EGYPTIAN-SOUNDING MUSIC)

Alexander King is very proud to present to you

the mummy of the Royal Prince Ra-Antef.

(SINGLE DRUMBEAT)

(AUDIENCE CONSTERNATION)

Great Scott!

I can only ask you again, Mr King: who would want to steal a mummy?

Who knows? A competitor! Somebody who wants to ruin me.

You have enemies, Mr King?

Of course I've got enemies. I'm in show business.

Any one of my friends is an enemy.

He threatened me, for one, tonight.

Is that correct, sir?

Threaten him, Inspector? No.

I merely warned him of what might happen.

That the mummy would be stolen?

That is the last thing I would have wanted.

- It made his day for him, too. - Now, why would that be, sir?

Because he wants it safely tucked away in some stuffy old museum.

And if that's where it had been, none of this would have happened.

Do you mind if I leave now, Inspector?

Before this colourful American breaches the English laws of slander.

Yes, that's all right, sir. I think we can all leave now.

You'll be hearing from us tomorrow, sir.

Is that all you're gonna do? What about the mummy?!

He could be out of the country by tomorrow.

I wouldn't worry too much, sir. He'd never get past the Customs.

- Good night, sir, Miss... - Now, just a minute! Look!

Well, if that's an English policeman, I should have asked him what time it was.

I'd have gotten more out of him.

Don't you think you should go home and get some rest, Mr King?

Rest?! How can I rest?! I've got a show with no star!

If there's anything I can do, Mr King...

Yes, if you want to wrap yourself up in some dirty bandages!

- Good night, Mr King. - Good night.

Good night!

VOICE: There ain't no one here, guv. They've all just gone.

- Did you see Mr King leave? - John? I'm on stage.

- What are you doing here? - It's true, then.

KING: I wanted publicity. I sure got it.

Shouldn't you be in bed? I think I know why it happened.

What?

I found out the meaning of the Sacred Words of Life.

- But they were stolen from me last night. - What's that got to do with it?

I believe someone may have stolen the mummy in order to bring it back to life.

Must have been some wallop on the head.

You don't believe me, do you?

Oh, you're real sick, boy. I'm going to get you a cab.

Look, Mr King, I can assure you...

KING: Fred? Get Mr Bray a cab!

He's got one outside, sir.

JOHN: If someone really wanted revenge,

what better instrument to use than the mummy brought back to life?

KING: Sure, sure. Come on.

What better way to cover the real motive but to blame the legend?

Sleep on it, kid. I'll see you in the morning.

You don't want to listen to me, do you, Mr King?

No, I don't. I've got other troubles.

- Take him home, cabbie! - CABBIE: Righto, guv.

Excuse me, guv'nor.

Did the gentleman say that the m-m-m-mummy's come back to life?

He said it was possible.

- You don't believe that, do you? - Yes, I do.

Some Egyptian gentlemen are always up to some very funny tricks.

A mummy brought back to life?

Say, that would really be something.

- Can I get you a cab, guv? - No, I think I'll walk tonight.

Your evening air is so healthy.

Oh... there you go.

- God bless you, governor. - Good luck, guv.

- Thank you, governor. - Good night, guv.

Half of that's mine, you know.

I tell you what I'll do.

All or nothing on the next hand of cards.

Well, that's very fair. Very fair indeed.

WOMAN'S VOICE: You in a hurry, guv?

What can I do for you?

Nothing, dearie. I wondered if there was anything I could do for you.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Wait a minute.

Get a good night's sleep.

God bless you, sir. You're a real gentleman.

(MUFFLED ROARING)

I don't know who the hell you are, but don't joke about it.

(KING SCREAMING)

(SPLASHING)

(SHIP'S FOGHORN)

LANDLADY: That old bitch in the attic,

I had no rent off her for a couple of weeks, neither.

MAN: Maybe she's dead.

Come on, you. Finish some of that bread and jam.

Yeah, give him one for me too, will you?

Spoilt brat don't bleedin' know when he's well off.

- (LOUD KNOCKING) - All right, all right. I'm coming!

Here! Where do you think you're going? Albert?

I believe you have a foreign gentleman staying here.

And what business is it of yours?

A Mr Bey. An Egyptian gentleman.

Oh, yes. That'll be him on the first floor back.

Thank you, my good woman.

Here, I never said you could go up there, though, did I?

- How much did he give you? - Keep your bleedin' hands off it!

Be quiet, will you? You've got more tongue than anyone's got...

- Me? You saw him. You was there. - Come on, you. Finish your bread.

JOHN: Hashmi! Open the door!

(KNOCKING)

Have you found what you are looking for, Mr Bray?

- But your dinner will be ruined, sir. - GILES: All right woman, don't fuss.

And you haven't had a proper meal for days.

I'll be in in a minute.

- I'll pull the curtains. - Leave them!

What the devil's that?

Hieroglyphics on the medallion.

The Sacred Words.

No, no, no. That can't be right.

Great Scott.

The Sacred Words of Life.

(DOG BARKING)

(DOG WHIMPERING)

(GUNSHOTS)

(ANGUISHED SCREAM)

(HEAVY THUD)

(WOMAN SCREAMING)

At last we understand each other, Mr Bray.

Then, if what you say is true, who do you think is responsible?

There are more forces at work

than even your highly developed, scientific mind can grasp.

My dear Hashmi,

it was for that very reason that I suspected you.

Fool.

If I possessed the secret of reviving the dead,

do you think I would have misused it in such a stupid way?

No, perhaps not.

Then, will you come with me to the police?

I shall be happy to cooperate in any attempt

to stop further, useless killing.

Good. Then let's go.

ADAM READING: "How do I love thee?

"Let me count the ways.

"I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach

"when feeling out of sight for the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

"I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet need

"by sun and candlelight.

"I love thee freely, as men strive for Right.

"I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

"I love thee with a passion put to use

"in my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

"I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

"with my lost saints.

"I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life.

"And, if God chooses, I shall but love thee better after death."

- Darling? - Yes?

- I have to leave London. - Oh, no, Adam.

I've made arrangements for you and John to stay on.

Without you? I couldn't bear it.

I want you to come with me. Will you?

Yes, Adam. I will.

- When do we leave? - Tomorrow morning. Early.

So soon? How do I tell John?

It might be kinder not to while he's ill. I suggest you leave him a note.

I don't like to. But I suppose it's the only way.

I'll go and do that now.

- (GRUNTING) - (GLASS BREAKING)

(ADAM GROANING)

(SPEAKING ANCIENT EGYPTIAN)

(SPEAKING ANCIENT EGYPTIAN)

(KNOCKING AT THE DOOR)

(KNOCKING)

Darling, tell me what's happened.

Adam. Where's Adam?

Is he alive?

- Yes, Miss, he'll be all right. - Oh, thank God.

Can you tell me what happened, Miss?

The mummy. It was here. It's alive!

- You actually saw it? - Yes. It attacked Adam!

- It attacked Adam? - Why should he do that?

Then the theory we brought you, Inspector, has been proved wrong.

That's often the trouble with theories, sir.

JESSOP: May I take Mr Beauchamp to his room, sir?

Yes. Sergeant, give him a hand.

And yet, you know, it's the only theory that works.

Unless, of course, it could be that something else has gone wrong.

Just could be.

Look, Inspector, will you give us another chance to prove that we're right?

There's one advantage the amateur detective has over the professional:

a second chance.

ANNETTE: Adam, darling! Are you all right?

Any luck?

No good at all.

- More brandy? - Yes, please.

Every solitary reference to the curse agrees

that only those directly involved in the opening of the tomb

are in mortal danger.

(CURTAINS RUSTLE)

What was that?

The curtains.

(MUFFLED ROARING)

Now!

Stop it!

O Ra-Antef,

thou mighty Prince of Egypt,

son of the Pharaoh of Pharaohs,

gaze down upon the humblest of thy humble servants,

who has transgressed against thee,

and heaped ridicule upon thy head,

May the memory of my ancestors be erased forever,

and the memory of my unworthy self,

remain only in the minds of vermin,

and the deceased creatures of the Earth.

I, who have committed the unforgivable,

and allied myself with desecrators and non-believers,

implore thee to destroy my body painfully,

and my soul will pay penance,

through all eternity.

- (BEY SCREAMS) - (CRUSHING SOUND)

Sergeant!

See where he goes, but keep your distance.

- Find something to cover him up. - Yes, sir.

So, our theory was proved right, Inspector.

Yes, it was, sir. Thank heavens.

The mummy only kills those who disturb its peace.

Then that leaves you and Miss Dubois in danger.

I still don't understand. Why should the mummy attack you?

It goes against all the known legends.

I think I can answer that for you.

No. This way.

This way, darling.

I can't believe it.

Everything here is in such perfect condition!

And this! This is a Pharaoh's crown.

That has always been mine.

I don't understand.

Sweet Annette, there is much I would have to tell you before you could understand.

Think back first to the legend of Ra.

Even there, there are facts you could not know.

When Rameses heard the news of the death of his favourite son,

he suffered a stroke which was finally to kill him.

On his death bed, he sent for the person

who had been truly responsible for both of these happenings

and he cursed that person.

Cursed him to everlasting life,

unless he could die by the hand of his own brother.

- How would you know that? - Because I am that person!

Be. Youngest son of Rameses VIII,

Pharaoh of Pharaohs.

Cursed to eternal wandering.

For I could never die!

The only person that could release me from the curse

had already been rendered useless by the hands of my own assassins.

Until now.

Now I can die.

When your father found the tomb of my brother

he provided the means, but it was lifeless.

When you gave us the medallion,

you provided the words that would revive it.

While the hand of my brother lives, I must use it.

So, you see, Annette,

we will be together, as I wanted.

Now,

repeat after me:

Awaken, O Silent One,

thou who has slept.

Say it!

Awaken, O Silent One, thou who has slept.

Appear.

Thou art justified against those who sought to harm thee.

Appear. Thou are justified against those... (GASPS)

Osiris, father of all,

give this, thy servant that which you bestow upon the unborn bird in the egg.

Give it the breath of life!

Set the time that it may come forth,

and loudly raise up its voice to praise thee.

Awake, O Ra, my brother.

Awake, Ra, son of the Pharaoh of Pharaohs.

Awake, Ra, Prince of the Desert.

(MUFFLED ROARING)

Welcome, my brother.

The time is now at hand for you to complete your earthly mission

that you may rest in peace again for all eternity.

First, destroy the last of the desecrators!

Adam! Stop him! You're mad!

(POUNDING AT DOOR)

Ra, your work must not be defiled by the presence of others.

(SHOUTING BEHIND DOOR)

John! John, help me!

John!

(ANNETTE SCREAMING)

Adam!

Ow!

(ADAM SCREAMING IN AGONY)

(ANNETTE SCREAMING)

- Where does this lead to? - Under the main road, sir.

- For God's sake, do something! - All right, come on!

(ADAM GROANING)

There.

(ANNETTE WHIMPERING)

Stop him, Adam! Stop him, please!

My darling, don't be frightened of death.

Welcome it as a release from the torture and torment that is called life!

Oh, I want to live!

That is nothing compared to the pain that I have seen

wandering this Earth for 3,000 years!

Plagues, famine, pestilence, wars,

and man's daily inhumanity to his fellow men!

That is more cruel, more painful than this mangled stump!

Life without end is the only pain I can no longer bear.

Now, Ra, now.

Kill her!

Kill her!

My ascetic, beauty-loving brother!

(ADAM SCREAMING AND GURGLING)

- (RUMBLING) - (CRASHING)

JOHN: There she is! I can't see anyone else!

Annette! Annette!

Right, lower the rope, Inspector! I'll go down!

ECHOING VOICE: Rest, my father. Rest.

SUBTITLES BY POWERHOUSE FILMS LTD