The Ghoul is a British horror film about a dying Egyptologist, Professor Morlant, who believes that an ancient jewel known as the Eternal Light will grant him immortality. After his death, the jewel is stolen from his tomb, triggering a chain of events involving greed, murder, and supernatural terror as Morlant seemingly returns from the grave to reclaim it.
Genre: Horror
Director: T. Hayes Hunter
T. Hayes Hunter (1884–1944) was an American-born director who made his career largely in the British film industry during the 1920s and 1930s. Known for his skill in melodrama and mystery, he created films with a strong sense of atmosphere and visual style. The Ghoul remains his best-known work, notable for its combination of horror elements and British theatrical talent.
Star cast:
- Boris Karloff as Professor Henry Morlant
- Cedric Hardwicke as Broughton
- Ernest Thesiger as Laing
- Dorothy Hyson as Betty Harlon
- Anthony Bushell as Ralph Harlon
- Ralph Richardson as Nigel Hartley
- Kathleen Harrison as Kaney
The Ghoul was one of the earliest British horror films and gained interest for featuring Boris Karloff, fresh from his success in Frankenstein. While initial reviews were mixed, with some critics finding it slow, the film developed a cult reputation over the decades. Long thought lost, it was rediscovered in the 1960s and later restored, earning renewed appreciation for its atmospheric visuals and historic place in British horror cinema.
Fun facts:
- The Ghoul marked Boris Karloff’s first British film appearance after achieving fame in Hollywood.
- Ralph Richardson made his film debut in this production.
- For many years, the film was considered lost until a print was found in Czechoslovakia in the late 1960s.
- Its release capitalized on the 1930s horror boom inspired by Universal Studios’ success with Dracula and Frankenstein.
- The film’s sets and lighting were heavily influenced by German Expressionist cinema, adding to its eerie mood.
Subscribe to our Rumble Channel for daily updates. Click here to register if you don't have a Rumble account.
