Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy 1955
Directed by
Duke Johnson
Made by
Universal Pictures
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Overheard Klaris plan in Cairo
Two Americans in Cairo overhear Dr. Gustav Zoomer describing Klaris, the mummy guardian, and a sacred medallion that supposedly reveals the treasure of Princess Ara. Their curiosity sets the plot in motion.
Doctor's murder and mummy theft
Abbott and Costello go to the doctor's house to apply for a position to accompany the mummy back to America. Just before they arrive, Semu's men murder the doctor and steal the mummy.
Medallion left behind
The medallion is left behind at the crime scene and is later found by Abbott and Costello. They initially try to sell the valuable trinket, hoping to cash in quickly.
Rontru bids for the medallion
Madame Rontru offers the duo 100 for the medallion, but Abbott suspects it is worth much more and pushes for a higher price. She agrees to pay more only after some negotiation.
Deal to meet at Cafe Bagdad
Rontru instructs them to meet at Cafe Bagdad to finalize the deal, setting the next scene of the plan. The prospect of a big payday adds pressure to their choices.
Cafe Bagdad and the medallion's curse
At the cafe, a waiter tells them the medallion is cursed, sparking fear about its power. The trio begins to worry as the medallion is circulated, with each person eager to control it.
Medallion ends up in Costello's hamburger
In a frantic scramble to transfer the cursed medallion, it ends up inside Costello's hamburger after they attempt to pass it between themselves. They realize the medallion's curse could bring misfortune.
Dr. Zoomer's office for reading the medallion
Rontru drags Abbott and Costello to a doctor's office to view the medallion under a fluoroscope, hoping the inscriptions can be read. The doctor is unable to decipher the hieroglyphics.
Semu arrives as archaeologist guide
Semu arrives, disguising himself as an archaeologist and claiming he can guide the group to the tomb. His arrival introduces a confident guide who may have his own agenda.
Semu's followers revive Klaris
Meanwhile, Semu's followers have revived Klaris in the tomb, setting up danger for the expedition. The revived mummy becomes a looming threat to everyone connected to the treasure.
The tomb journey and Semu's plan
They reach the tomb; Costello learns Semu's plan to murder them all. The plan raises the tension as betrayals loom and the group moves deeper underground.
Rontru captures Semu; disguises in the temple
Rontru captures Semu. Charlie disguises himself as a mummy and enters the temple, mingling with the others and advancing his own agenda.
Abbott and Costello disguise and rescue Semu
Abbott and Costello disguise themselves as mummies and slip into the temple to rescue Semu. They work to thwart Semu's and Rontru's schemes.
Explosion, Klaris dies, treasure revealed
All three mummies converge, and the dynamite detonates, killing Klaris and revealing the treasure. The blast marks a grim end to Klaris' threat and exposes the hidden riches.
Temple becomes a nightclub
Abbott and Costello persuade Semu to turn the temple into a nightclub to preserve Klaris' legend rather than exploiting the treasure. The plan aims to keep the mystery alive for future generations.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy Characters
Explore all characters from Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Peter Patterson
Peter Patterson is a quick-witted, fast-talking agent who becomes entangled in the treasure-hunt plot with Costello. He negotiates with Madame Rontru and seeks a sizable payoff from the medallion, revealing his opportunistic streak. His role often places him at the center of chaotic schemes, serving as a catalyst for the duo’s escapades.
Freddie Franklin
Freddie Franklin is the good-natured but easily swayed partner who blunders into danger with a carefree attitude. His antics with the medallion create humorous situations and misunderstandings. He provides the lighthearted foil to Peter Patterson's scheming, keeping the duo's chemistry intact.
Madame Rontru
Madame Rontru is a calculating businesswoman determined to steal the treasure of Princess Ara. She manipulates both the archaeologists and the duo to advance her plans, showing a ruthless willingness to take risks. Her scheming nature drives the plot and provides the villains’ counterpart to Abbott and Costello.
Semu
Semu is a follower of Klaris who pretends to be an archaeologist to guide the group toward the tomb. He is cunning and ready to murder for the treasure, illustrating the film’s treacherous antagonist side. His duplicity pushes the heroes into greater peril and a race to uncover the medallion’s true purpose.
Klaris
Klaris is the mummy guardian whose legend motivates the adventure. His apparent return and the medallion’s power instill danger and urgency in the hunt. Klaris’s fate, revealed in the climactic sequence, underscores the perils tied to greed and greed-driven schemes.
Dr. Gustav Zoomer
Dr. Gustav Zoomer is the physician who explains the mummy legend and the medallion’s function. He becomes a target in the conflict surrounding the treasure hunt, advancing the plot toward the tomb. His presence provides a scholarly frame for the archaeologist-adventure elements.
Iben
Iben is one of Semu’s followers who murders Dr. Zoomer and steals the mummy to profit from the medallion. He embodies the violent, mercenary edge of the antagonists and heightens the danger faced by the protagonists. His actions escalate the stakes of the treasure quest.
Hetsut
Hetsut is another of Semu’s followers who assists in pursuing the medallion and the heroes. His loyalty to Klaris emphasizes the threatening dynamic within the group and contributes to the chase that drives the plot forward. He acts as a secondary antagonist amid the broader scheme.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy Settings
Learn where and when Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
1950s
The story unfolds in the mid-20th century, a period when Cairo attracted treasure hunters and Western visitors. The setting leverages the era's fascination with ancient Egypt and mummy legends. The pacing matches the era's lighthearted adventure-comedy style, focusing on rapid-fire gags and capers rather than serious drama.
Location
Cairo, Egypt
The action takes place in Cairo, Egypt, with key locations including Dr. Zoomer's house, the Cafe Bagdad, and the Tomb of Princess Ara. The city environment blends bustling streets, markets, and cafes with the exotic allure of ancient tombs and legends. Cairo serves as a lively backdrop for a comic treasure hunt where Western visitors mingle with locals amid a mix of mystery and slapstick.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy Themes
Discover the main themes in Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
💰
Greed
Greed drives the plot as Rontru, Semu, and their cohort pursue the treasure of Princess Ara through the cursed medallion. Abbott and Costello’s opportunistic dealings with the medallion reveal how wealth-seeking can entangle multiple players in danger and deception. The humor ultimately undercuts the pursuit, exposing the folly of greed.
🔎
Mystery
A mysterious medallion with hieroglyphic inscriptions anchors the central enigma. Clues surface across Zoomer’s residence, the cafe, and the tomb, pushing the protagonists toward the temple and its legends. The gradual uncovering of Klaris's fate and the treasure's whereabouts heightens suspense within the comedy.
🎭
Comedy
The film is built on Abbott and Costello’s signature farce, relying on disguises, misunderstandings, and rapid gags. Their dynamic—one calculating and the other bumbling—drives most scenes and sets the rhythm for verbal and physical humor. Villains and misdirection provide ongoing comic tension, resolved by slapstick teamwork.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
Stranded in the sun‑baked streets of Cairo, the eternally bickering pair of American tourists, Abbott and Costello, find themselves far from the familiar comforts of home. Their accidental detour into the heart of Egypt thrusts them into a world of ancient stone, bustling bazaars, and a timeless mystery that seems to pulse beneath the desert sands. The city’s chaotic energy mirrors the duo’s own brand of slap‑stick, setting the stage for a comedy that feels as exotic as it is familiar.
When a chance encounter leads them into the shadow of a forgotten tomb, the pair stumble upon a very unexpected resident—a living mummy whose presence is as bewildering as it is inevitable. The absurdity of two modern schemers trying to make sense of an ancient, wrapped figure creates a delightful clash of eras, with each misunderstanding amplifying the comic rhythm that defines their partnership. Their banter, quick‑fire wordplay, and classic physical gags take on a new dimension as they navigate hieroglyphic riddles and the eerie glow of torch‑lit corridors.
The film balances its comedic heart with a sense of adventure that feels both grand and intimate. The desert’s vastness and the tomb’s claustrophobic chambers provide a visual canvas for a story that delights in the unexpected, inviting the audience to wonder what happens when two bumbling friends confront the supernatural. Throughout, the tone remains light‑hearted, teasing the audience with the promise of mischief, mystery, and a dash of ancient wonder, all while keeping the chemistry between Abbott and Costello front and center.
Movies with Similar Twists and Themes
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.