T. Hayes Hunter (1884–1944)

Egyptologist, Professor Morlant (Boris Karloff) is convinced that the powers of the ancient Egyptian gods are real. On his deathbed he commands his servant Laing (Ernest Thesinger) to bury him with a sacred jewel, which if removed from the tomb will see him return from the dead. Unfortunately an unscrupulous graverobber is very interested in the jewel. Despite arriving at a "Scooby Doo" ending that removes any hint of the supernatural, "The Ghoul" is still an intelligent little film full of great dialogue and warm witticisms. The photography by Günther Krampf is excellent with great foggy sequences and some nice expressionistic interiors. Director T. Hayes Hunter conjures up some great atmospheric shots and a solid pace ensuring that the film remains compelling and suspenseful through to the action-orientated, though slightly mundane climax. Boris Karloff goes about his business with ghoulish relish and is ably supported by Ernest Theisger, who's excellent of the Highland man-servant and Kathleen Harrison, who delivers a strange sexual frisson as a young woman enamoured by presence of a dangerous Arab.… (meer)