King Kong is a legendary film. Its notoriety comes partly from Faye Wray screaming through much of the film. It is also known for Robert Armstrong’s performance as Carl Denham, self serving showman. Armstrong’s character could be a composite of P.T. Barnum and Frank Buck. The main feature of this film were the special effects, which were groundbreaking at the time. In a current movie world filled with CGI effects, King Kong was limited to camera tricks, a small gorilla model, an ape hand and an ape head. The mechanical hand was used to lower and raise Faye Wray, up and down. The head was used for close ups of King Kong. Although they look primitive by today’s standards, the effects in the movie make it. They were the industry standard for years, and made way for other films like Godzilla.
King Kong starts with Carl Denham, on a ship in port in NYC. He is ready to set sail for a mysterious island, where a legendary creature, named Kong, is supposed to be. He has everything he needs to shoot a movie, except a leading lady. He leaves the ship, vowing to search the city all night to find her. He finds his star, Ann Darrow, (Faye Wray) stealing an apple, from a fruit stand, because she hasn’t eaten. Denham clears things up, and pays for the apple. He takes Ann back to the ship; feeds her and says she will be his leading lady. He gets her clothes for the film, and begins shooting. These scenes involve her screaming in terror: a glimpse of what’s to come. During the long voyage, Anne and first mate, John Driscoll, (Bruce Cabot), fall in love. They have no idea what’s in store for them.
After several weeks at sea, the mysterious island is found. A boat is launched with Captain Englehorn, (Frank Reicher), who’s been suspicious of Denham’s real motives; but he pays well. The boat also has Denham, Ann and Driscoll, and some of the crew. They are wary of the island, and hide, when they spot the natives. Unfortunately, they are spotted, and explain their presence, through the captain. They are able to leave, and go back to the ship, to plan their next move. Unknown to everyone, is that the natives worship Kong, and offer a sacrifice to appease him. Their idea of a sacrifice, is Ann. While a meeting is going on, Ann is abducted by the natives, and brought back to the island. Her disappearance is discovered, and Driscoll, some of the crew and Denham form a rescue party, and go to the island. Kong has appeared, and taken Ann.
The rescuers have found Kong, who is not happy in the least, at being pursued. The rescuers are attempting to cross over a ravine, walking over a log. Kong grabs the log, and shakes it sending everyone except Denham and Driscoll, to their deaths. Driscoll goes after Kong and Denham goes for help. Kong has placed Ann on a cliff, while he battles a Tyrannosaurus Rex. It is a pretty tight battle, but Kong finally grabs his opponents jaw, and breaks it, killing the Jurassic period creature. He then goes back to Ann, who is attacked by a Pterodactyl. Apparently this island not only has a giant ape, but an abundance of prehistoric creatures. While Kong is locked in battle, Driscoll has gotten to Ann.
The two lovers climb down the cliff, only to have Kong grab the rope; after he’s killed the pterodactyl, and discovered Ann is missing. Driscoll and Ann are forced to jump into the water, before Kong pulls up the rope. Kong pursues them, but Denham has arrived with help, as well as gas bombs. He throws one at Kong, which knocks him out. Denham and company put Kong on the ship, for the long voyage back to NYC.
When they arrive in New York, Kong is put on exhibit, as The Eighth Wonder of the World. He appears on the stage in chains. Carl Denham says Kong is held by strong chains, and can’t escape. Unfortunately photographers get too close, and their camera flashes anger and upset the giant ape. He escapes his unbreakable chains, and goes looking for Ann Darrow. He wreaks havoc along the way, destroying property, throwing people from buildings, and even eating some people. He finds Ann, hidden away in a hotel. He snatches her out of the window, after he tosses her defender, John Driscoll aside. Kong rumbles through the streets, until he finds the tallest building in NYC, The Empire State Building, which he climbs while holding Ann Darrow. No weapons seem to stop this overgrown ape. A decision is finally made to send planes against Kong. The giant gorilla tries to fight them off, but is mortally wounded, falling to his death below. John Driscoll goes up to comfort Ann, and the couple finally enjoys a peaceful moment. A police officer standing next to Kong’s body comments to Denham, that the planes got him. Denham’s response, “It was beauty killed the beast”, sums up the film.
There are many films that could be recommended for viewing. King Kong with it’s revolutionary special effects would be at the top of the list. King Kong’s battles with the various dinosaurs make for good and slightly suspenseful viewing. Also the scene with Kong peeling off Faye Wray’s clothes was probably shocking to audiences. Scenes of this nature were banned a year later with the Institution of the Hays Code. The producers of this film, succeeded in giving moviegoers a groundbreaking film: whose story has elements of suspense and horror. The true story is a tragic romance of beauty and the beast.