The Mummy's Hand is an American horror film with emphasis on mummies. It is the second of such films produced by Universal Pictures under their "Universal Monsters" brand following 1932's The Mummy. However, it is not a direct sequel, and has no connection to the first film other than subject matter. The Mummy's Hand was directed by Christy Cabanne with a screenplay written by Griffin Jay and Maxwell Shane, based on a story treatment by Jay. The film stars Dick Foran and Wallace Ford in the respective roles of Steve Banning and Babe Jenson, with Peggy Moran taking on the female lead of Marta Solvani. This film introduces the character of Kharis, who is the central antagonist in the series from this point forward. He is played by Tom Tyler in this film, but will be played by Lon Chaney, Jr. in future projects. The Mummy's Hand was released theatrically in the United States on September 20th, 1940.