Excavating Laughs in Egyptian Locals

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 34, 10 February 1937, Page 11 (Supplement)

Excavating Laughs in Egyptian Locals

“MUMMY'S BOYS” NEW RIOT FOR WHEELER AND WOOLSEY (State: Screening Wednesday Next). The tombs of long-dead Ffiaroaiis in Egypt’s famous ‘‘Valley of tho Kings” have sorved before as settings for dramatic screen offerings. But tile use of these ancient spots as the setting of a modern feature length comedy is something new under the film sun. The hair-raising- and hilarious climax of ‘‘ Mummy's Boys,” the latest RKO Radio offering starring Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolscv, takes place within tho heiroglyphed walls and masonry of such a structure, reproduced in full size on a studio sound stage. Mummies and Mummy-cases, chariots, weapons, ornaments, and all thc other contents of such tombs were also copied in faithful detail for these scenes, which will afford most picture goers their first opportunity to sco what tho interior of a tomb is really like. While Chephren and. other Fliaroahs were buried inside the huge pyramids they erected during their lifetime, most of Egypt’s uucient kings were entombed in tho roeky walls of the shallow depression near by, known as the ‘ * Valley of the Kings,” according to Captain Arthur Roberts, technical advisor on tho picture. Most of these tombs were unknown until recent years, their entrances being covered by rocks and sand. And with the Egyptian Government now taking complete charge of all further excavations, few visitors aro allowed to penetrate their tunnelled depths. Barbara Pepper, Moroni Olsen, Frank M. Thomas and Willie Best head the supporting cast. Lee Marcus produced, With Fred Guiol directing.