The Aztec Mummy

The Aztec Mummy is a 1957 Mexican adventure horror film produced by Guillermo Calderon from his own story idea, scripted by Alfredo Salazar, and directed by Rafael Portillo. The plot centers on a group of scientists who uncover a secret Aztec tomb through past-life regression, only to awaken an ancient warrior who has been cursed to guard the tomb and its hidden treasures. It is the first of a trilogy featuring the titular character, all filmed back-to-back in order to increase potential profit. Plot Dr. Eduardo Almada, a scientist with controversial views on hypnosis and past lives, presents his theories before a group of neuropsychiatrists and is met with extreme skepticism. Realizing he needs proof in order to convince others of his theories, Almada decides to conduct an experiment on his fiance, Flor Sepúlvedam which he does reluctantly after she volunteers. Unbeknownst to the couple, they are spied upon by a master criminal known as "The Bat", secretly Almada's academic rival Dr. Krupp. Under hypnosis, Flor reveals her past life as the ancient Aztec woman Xochitl who was selected by her people to be sacrificed to the god Tezcatlipoca. Before she was to be sacrificed, Xochitl was discovered in the romantic embrace of warrior Popoca and severely punished for this offense. Popoca, for his "corruption" of the virginal Xochitl, is buried alive and cursed to spend eternity guarding two sacred relics entombed with him, a golden breastplate and armband which serve as keys to a vast hidden treasure. Xochitl herself is also sacrificed and buried in the same tomb alongside her lover. Realizing the validity of his theory, Almada resolves to find the tomb of Xochitl and recover the artifacts as proof for his theory. Once enlisting the help of several other scientists, the group set off to find the tomb using Flor's past-life memories. Eventually discovering the tomb's secret entrance, the group enters the burial chambers and uncovers the bones of Xochitl and the sacred artifacts. Retrieving the breastplate, the group leaves, not noticing Popoca has reanimated and is following them. Arriving back in Mexico City, Almada presents his discovery to the group of scientists who further uncover a series of hieroglyphics etched into the breastplate telling of a vast treasure that can be unlocked using the armband which reveals its location. Before the group sets for to retrieve the armband, Popoca arrives and attacks the group who barely manages to escape.