A small archeological party headed by Sir Basil Walden (Andre Morell) discover the hidden tomb of Kah-to-Bey. Despite a warning from the wild-eyed guardian, Hasmid Ali (Roger Delgado), they take Kah-to-Bey to Cairo and place him next to the mummy of Prem, his devoted slave and protector. The mystical hieroglyphic shroud that covers Kah-to-Bey's body is read aloud by Ali and restores Prem to life resulting in an unstoppable progression of madness, mystery and murder.