The Mummy (Universal, 1932). Lobby Card (11" X 14")....

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The Mummy (Universal, 1932). Lobby Card (11" X 14"). After the overwhelming success of Frankenstein, released at the end of 1931, it was clear that star Boris Karloff was the reigning King of Universal Horror, a position usurped from Bela Lugosi, who had briefly worn the crown since the release of Dracula in the first part of the same year. After playing the role of Morgan, the psychotic butler in The Old Dark House (1932), and a loan-out to MGM for the title role in The Mask of Fu Manchu, Boris, now referred to simply as Karloff, returned to Universal to film The Mummy. Originally developed as Cagliostro, about a man who had lived for centuries, the film was retooled to take advantage of the then-current interest in all things Egyptian, sparked by the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922 and the subsequent display of the pharaoh's artifacts over the next decade. The result was one of Karloff's finest performances - and the first to truly showcase his full range of skills as a leading actor - as Im-Ho-Tep, alias Ardeth Bey, an ancient Egyptian high priest who returns to life to wreak vengeance on those who desecrated his tomb. Along the way, he falls for Helen Grosvenor (Zita Johann), in whom he recognizes the reincarnated spirit of his great love, Anck-es-en-Amon. One of the most important films of the original Universal Horror cycle, paper from this title is exceptionally scarce and always in high demand. Offered here is the "Sarcophagus" card, picturing Bramwell Fletcher, Karloff, Edward Van Sloan, and Arthur Byron, one of the nicest cards in the entire set. It had pinholes in the corners, corner bends in the top right and top left, edgewear in the right border, and two small marks on Van Sloan's forehead, but professional restoration, which includes airbrushing in the borders and color touch-up in the word "Karloff," has resulted in an extremely beautiful and eminently displayable piece that will certainly be an important addition to any collection. We've only offered lobby cards from this important picture twice before, so don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own this fabulous trophy! Fine+.

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