Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955)

The American film, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) directed by Charles Lamont, tells the story of two Americans stranded in Cairo, Egypt. While there, they overhear a discussion about the mummy Klaris, who guards the Tomb of Princess Ara, and his sacred medallion that reveals the location of her treasure. Along with them, Semu and his followers eavesdrop on this conversation, as does Madame Rontru, a woman hoping to steal the treasure for herself. In an attempt to fulfill their dream to return to America, Abbott and Costello apply for positions to accompany Klaris back home. Tragically, before they can reach the doctor’s house for their interview, Iben and Hetsut from Semu’s group kill him and take off with the prized mummy.

After being left behind, the medallion is stumbled upon by Abbott and Costello, who decide to sell it. Rontru makes an initial offer of $100, but Abbott believes its value is much higher and requests $5,000. Surprisingly, Rontru agrees to pay the amount and arranges a meeting at the Cairo Café. During their visit, a waiter reveals that the medallion is cursed, causing Abbott and Costello to frantically pass it back and forth until it ends up in Costello’s hamburger and he unknowingly consumes it. Shortly after, Rontru shows up and takes them to a doctor’s office to examine the medallion using a fluoroscope. Unfortunately, she is unable to decipher its hieroglyphic instructions.