The Mummy’s Hand 1940

Ancient origins of Kharis and the tana leaves

In ancient Egypt, Prince Kharis secretly loved Princess Ananka. When Ananka died, Kharis stole life-giving tana leaves but was caught and buried alive without a tongue, with the leaves buried with him. Priests retrieve him later to guard Ananka's tomb, and during the full moon the fluid from three tana leaves must be administered to keep him alive; a larger nine-leaf brew can restore movement if the tomb is defiled, though more than nine leaves would make him uncontrollable.

Banning and Jenson discover a vase in Cairo bazaar

Present-day archaeologists Steve Banning and Babe Jenson uncover the remnants of a broken vase in a Cairo bazaar. Banning believes the shard is a genuine ancient relic, and his interpretation of the hieroglyphs hints at a map to Princess Ananka's tomb. The find sparks a high-stakes quest that will challenge modern methods and skepticism.

Andoheb misleads them and sabotages the vase

Andoheb, the Cairo Museum's Egyptology professor, downplays the vase's importance and breaks it on purpose to mislead Banning. He uses deceit to keep the true secret of Ananka's tomb hidden while advancing his own agenda. The incident fuels tension between the archaeologists and the museum authorities.

Dr. Petrie supports the expedition against Andoheb's wishes

Dr. Petrie of the Cairo Museum backs Banning's expedition, seeing potential discoveries in the broken vase. He opposes Andoheb's attempts to block or misdirect the effort. His endorsement lends legitimacy to the quest and alarms Andoheb.

Solvani funds the expedition in exchange for spoils

Banning and Jenson meet the American stage magician Solvani, who agrees to bankroll the expedition in return for a share of any tomb treasures. Marta Solvani, Solvani's daughter, remains skeptical of her father's investment due to Andoheb's prior insinuations. The financial deal propels the team toward the Hill of the Seven Jackals.

Expedition departs for the Hill of the Seven Jackals

The expedition sets out toward the Hill of the Seven Jackals with Solvani and his entourage in tow. They face the treacherous terrain and the tension between the archaeologists and the powerful backers. The journey marks the start of a dangerous journey toward Kharis's tomb.

Discovery of Kharis's tomb and the tana leaves

Inside the tomb of Kharis, the team finds the mummy and the tana leaves, but there is no sign of Ananka's tomb. The absence of a clear map deepens the mystery as they press on. The discovery confirms the mummy's continued guarding of the tomb's secrets.

Andoheb activates the nine-leaf tana brew

Andoheb captures Dr. Petrie in the mummy cave and forces him to feel the creature's living pulse. He administers the nine-leaf tana brew, reviving the mummy and enabling Kharis to escape with Andoheb into a secret passage to the temple. Petrie dies in the process, sealing Andoheb's dangerous plan.

Kharis attacks the camp and abducts Marta

The revived mummy marauds the expedition's camp, killing the Egyptian overseer Ali and abducting Marta Solvani. The threat forces Banning and Jenson to pursue the creature through the rugged terrain. The stakes rise as the group realizes how deeply the tomb's magic can affect the living.

Banning and Jenson close in on the mummy

Jenson circles the mountain while Banning follows the secret passage they discovered inside the tomb. The chase intensifies as the pair aim to rescue Marta and stop Kharis from finishing the ritual that would grant immortal life. Their pursuit converges on a critical confrontation.

Andoheb is killed and the rescue attempt continues

In a confrontation, Jenson shoots Andoheb dead in self-defense, cutting the immortal plot short. Banning presses the rescue of Marta, but the mummy remains the ultimate danger to everyone around. The death of Andoheb removes one human obstacle to stopping Kharis.

Climax: Kharis is thwarted and set aflame

Marta warns that Kharis must not drink any more tana fluid. As the mummy raises the liquid to its lips, Jenson shoots the container away and spills are imminent. Banning overturns a brazier, engulfing Kharis in flames and destroying the creature.