King Kong

78. King Kong
Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack
USA, 1933
IMDB | allmovie

Reviewed by Ally
First viewing

Synopsis:

Filmmaker Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong) casts Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) in his latest production, the details of which are a closely-guarded secret. Denham, Ann and the crew set sail for a mysterious uncharted island. On the way, Ann and First Mate Jack Driscoll (Bruce Cabot) fall in love.

When the ship arrives at the island, they find it is inhabited by native tribesmen and gigantic, monstrous creatures. The crew must rescue Ann when she is kidnapped by the natives and offered as a sacrifice to the king of the creatures, a huge gorilla called Kong.

Thoughts:

The first part of King Kong is mysterious and seductive. The ship sails through seemingly permanent fog, the crew speculates about their destination, and I somehow manage to forget that I know fine well what awaits them and just enjoy the suspense.

My enthusiasm waned once they reached the island. The atmosphere is abruptly replaced with roaring, screaming, fighting and chasing. Not that I expected anything but roaring, screaming, fighting and chasing, but it was a disappointment after an enticing beginning.

As far as I’m concerned, the best thing about the second half of King Kong is the gorgeous Fay Wray. It was beauty killed the beast indeed!