King Kong the Musical He’s undoubtedly one of film’s most iconic characters, literally and figuratively the biggest star in Hollywood. He’s a franchise-progenitor of cartoons, comics, sequels, spin-offs, video games, theme park rides and yes…even a stage musical. Not surprising-after all he’s the Eighth Wonder of the World.
He’s Kong. And he’s the king of monsters, so we’re starting Monster Mondays with the King. As a matter of fact, all the Monday movies this month are about our troubles with the monkey/ape world.
The 1933 version was a pioneer in special effects and stop motion animation by Willis O’Brien (who also had done The Lost World in 1925).
Kong appeared in The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine. He has been on South Park and The Simpsons.
Both the Kinks and Frank Zappa immortalized him on vinyl.
Kong appeared in The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine. He has been on South Park and The Simpsons.
Both the Kinks and Frank Zappa immortalized him on vinyl.
In Japan, he’s even a freakin’ Kaiju!
He was also the source of an epic legal battle over exactly who owned the rights to the King.
So to say he’s the Granddaddy of all Monsters seems to border on understatement.
I’ve seen the ’33 version many times and each time it still shines with simplistic appeal. The campy humor of the dialogue, the ridiculous premise, the indictment of cinema of the day all contribute to making this metacinematic piece of Americana truly unique.
So to say he’s the Granddaddy of all Monsters seems to border on understatement.
I’ve seen the ’33 version many times and each time it still shines with simplistic appeal. The campy humor of the dialogue, the ridiculous premise, the indictment of cinema of the day all contribute to making this metacinematic piece of Americana truly unique.
But why do we care about the relationship between a screaming female actress and a huge hairy ape? Because on many levels it’s a metaphor for all unlikely relationships. It’s the beauty and the beast story literally played out. It’s a cautionary tale about mixed racial relationships. Many Americans forget how influential the Communist Party was in supporting civil rights in the early 1930s. It was the communist party that championed the Scottsboro Boys case all the way to the Supreme Court. It was NOT a simpler time.
But Kong’s feelings for Ann Darrow were simple…and honest…and they struck a chord with the viewing audience. In cinema’s first ever WWF Smackdown, Kong fights a freakin’ T-Rex for her! At the end of the day, it’s just a ripping fun adventure, and least we forget, there are lots of monsters. How Ann Darrow didn’t end up with Shaken Baby Syndrome is still a mystery to me.
But Kong’s feelings for Ann Darrow were simple…and honest…and they struck a chord with the viewing audience. In cinema’s first ever WWF Smackdown, Kong fights a freakin’ T-Rex for her! At the end of the day, it’s just a ripping fun adventure, and least we forget, there are lots of monsters. How Ann Darrow didn’t end up with Shaken Baby Syndrome is still a mystery to me.
I’ve seen the remakes and the original is still the one I prefer. Not that I’m a snob about it. But you have to love that dramatic ending with that tragic fall followed by the line: “It was Beauty killed the beast.” No. I’m pretty sure it was all the bullets and the 381 meter fall that did the trick. But, oh, to die pursuing the girl you love…that’s the stuff that keeps Hollywood in business.
Thanks, Kong, for all the years of fun, thrills, and screams.
Thanks, Kong, for all the years of fun, thrills, and screams.
Here's a scene from the Peter O'Toole movie The Stunt Man (1980) where he talks about movie magic and King Kong's real size.
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