With the new film's release fast approaching, I started thinking about the original. Alot of my memories are tied into the fact that you couldn't just watch a movie whenever you wanted - you were at the mercy of the local station's schedule.
My fondest memory is watching KK with my mom and dad - when I was around 6 years old he woke me up around midnight to watch it. We sat in the "TV room" and I was mesmerized to say the least.
I still remember the early morning light in my parent's living room the Christmas they gave me the Aurora King Kong model kit. Everything stopped for me while I ripped the cellophane off and opened the box, my eyes taking in the multi-colored parts.
Fast forward to winter of 1977 - on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of a heavy snow I walked to my girlfriend's (now my wife) house to watch KK playing on a cable station out of New York. We sat cuddled together on the couch sipping hot chocolate and watching it while outside the snow continued to fall...

Anyone else care to share?

I like when he stomps and chomps the natives.









http://www.inpayne.com/smilies/unsure1.gif



.

My fondest memories are the 50 cent all afternoon movies and serials at the local movie theaters. I rememeber going to the movies, loading up on goodies and watching no less than a sci-fi double feature with a Tom and Jerry cartoon lead in, the double feature, and a serial or two with the exciting chapters of Batman and robin or a chapter in the exciting world of Commander cody. ALL for only about 2 bucks which covers the ticket and the goodies..

Wow, McDonald ain't kidding... he really *is* old!
:D

Ah, JP, you ol' romantic, you...

The best part was where Kong steps on the native and squishes him into the mud and all you see is arms and legs wiggling around.

$2.00 - that's expensive. When I was a kid it was like a dollar for a double feature (and previews, cartoons, etc..) and the goodies.

The Vogue Theater in Point St. Charles district of Montreal. What a dive. Floors were all sticky from pop, candy, whatever. And about 25% of the seats were missing or broke. Never bought a hot dog though. They were all shrivelled up and wrinkly and the mustard had a crust on it from being open to long. LOL!

It was 50 cents for a double feature and they didn't throw you out after the second movie. You could stay there all day. LOL!

Saw a lot of Horror and Sci-Fi films there. Really miss that place.

Guess Who (James at Work) :)

That sounds a lot like the theater I went to only we had crushed velvet seats, sometimes with the springs poking thru !! but hey, as a kid, it meant no difference as long as it kept me away from my Mom and sister for an afternoon. I'd go with about 6 or 7 of my school buddies and we'd take up part of a whole row. Ahh, the carefree days.

Wow, McDonald ain't kidding... he really *is* old!
:D

You're only as old as you feel......I'm growing older but I refuse to grow up :thumbsup:

Chris ( and you other Kong fans ) you need to pay a visit here:

http://p075.ezboard.com/fmonsterkidclassichorrorforumfrm72

- GJS

I remember watching it with my Dad for the first time in the basement "family room" of our house in Arlington, Va. Years later he took me to a drive-in in Memphis to see the "unedited" re-release. And years after that we drove to KC in 1976 to see the first remake when we were stationed at Leavenworth.

I think it was '61 or '62 when I first saw it. That would put me at about 5 or 6 years old. Watched at my best friend's house. One of the local stations use to run Sci-fi and horror movies in the afternoon. We both sat there and watched in amazement. For days after that was all we could talk about. Can't think of a movie before or after that affected me as much as that one did. The original Kong still ranks as one of my all time favorite movies. Nov. 22nd can't get here fast enough so I can own it on DVD. Digital Bits report that the DVD is the best looking version that's been available for years.

I was an avid reader of Famous Monsters of Filmland and a devoted builder of Aurora monsters who grew up in a Southern town which had a relatively small television market. Because of that, for years, my knowledge and love of "the classics" was informed by and largely limited to the works of The Aurora Plastics Corporation and Warren Publications. I still remember building my Aurora King Kong and being fascinated by the kit's wonderful box-art. It seemed like every other issue of Famous Monsters had at least one or two photos related to Kong and eventually, when I was about 8 years old, I sent off for a back issue of FMOF devoted entirely to the 1933 King Kong. I anticipated that magazine with as much desire as any toy I had ever coveted for Christmas. After what seemed like months, I received a typewritten letter from Warren Publications informing me that the issue was completely sold out and that there would be no more. Inside the envelope was the crumpled dollar and two quarters I had sent for the magazine (3 weeks allowance!). I was crestfallen. It seemed like I would never get to see this fantastic movie with my own eyes and that magazine would have brought me so much closer to it. It wasn't until 3 years later that WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina finally purchased the classic Universal and RKO movie packages for their local air. I finally saw King Kong on the afternoon "Dialing For Dollars" movie broadcast when I was 11 or so. The viewing experience was a bit of a letdown - the sun was shining outside and my monster fervor had cooled a bit - but the movie itself still blew me away. King Kong is one of the great examples of the true magic of cinema, and I'm eagerly anticipating the restored DVD with all the wonderful extras that will be included - especially that "lost" spider scene, which I've known about since I was 8 years old - because I first read about it in Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine!:)

the King Kong i remember the most was seeing a double feature of "King Kong vs Godzilla" and "King Kong Escapes" at the drive-in when i was a kid. my family was packed in a station wagon and we were all little kids in awe of the battle of the titans. King Kong fighting Godzilla was the most awesome thing i had ever seen! to this day my favorite King Kong is the man in the suit! yes, i know the original is tops and the upcoming movie may be great but that cheesy 'ol kong is forever in my heart!

King Kong is one of the great examples of the true magic of cinema, and I'm eagerly anticipating the restored DVD with all the wonderful extras that will be included - especially that "lost" spider scene, which I've known about since I was 8 years old - because I first read about it in Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine!:)

You do realize that the Spider Scene is not the original footage but, a re-creation by PJ and his crew don't you, Scott? It is supposed to be extremely well done with the footage matching the look and feel of the original film. It is not edited into the film itself but, is included with the extras with 'bookends' - brief clips of the original movie tacked on to the beginning and end of the new footage - in order to establish how the scene was intended to play into the movie's continuity.

'Just thought I'd clarify that for anyone reading this... 'don't want anyone to come away with the wrong impression.

- GJS

I believe that the 1966 Rankin/Bass cartoon series was my FIRST exposure to the character KING KONG:

KING KONG cartoon theme song (http://www2.wi.net/~rkurer/toontracker/kingkong.html)


http://www.toontracker.com/kong/kong-1.gif
King Kong, the mighty ape who scaled the Empire State
Building in the 1933 movie, is befriended by Professor Bond
and his family in this 1966 series.The Professor, his son
Bobby and daughter Susan live on the remote palm tree-
dotted Mondo, a prehistoric island in the Java Sea. The fifty-
foot tall primate exhibited tender indulgence for his friends,
but used his colossal strength, in partnership with young
Bobby, to fight injustice, prehistoric creatures and a
succession of diabolical villians, who sought to control Kong
for their own nefarious ends.
http://www.toontracker.com/kong/kong-2.gif
King Kong was produced by Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass
for ABC-TV, where it debuted with a one hour prime-time
special on September 6, 1966. The series was a Rankin-Bass
Production with Videocraft International and also featured
the adventures of Tom From T.H.U.M.B., a tiny James Bond-
type who was assisted by Swinging Jack, an Oriental martial
arts expert.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Concurrently with the cartoon, I was aware of the Aurora model of course!
http://www.hobbybokhandeln.com/~glowdark/boxes/long/kingkong.jpg

It was a 'must have'.... but it didn't really further my understanding of the character.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

My second great encounter with Kong came by way of this classic Gold Key comic book adaptation of the RKO movie:

http://www.myparentscomics.com/scans/KIK/KIK809-1-F.jpg

Since I purchased this comic while on summer vacation visiting my Grandparents' house, this acquisition prompted my Grandpa to relate his childhood memories of having seen the motion picture in the theater - my third major encounter with the 8th wonder of the world.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, years later, when I was a teenager I finally got to see KING KONG ( and still later SON OF KONG ) on tv.

Now, here I am looking forward to Peter Jackson's new version ( we can mercifully ignore the Dino DeLaurentis fiasco ) I'm hopeful that PJ's version will preserve the Kong legend in the hearts and minds of a new generation.

- GJS

You do realize that the Spider Scene is not the original footage but, a re-creation by PJ and his crew don't you, Scott? It is supposed to be extremely well done with the footage matching the look and feel of the original film. It is not edited into the film itself but, is included with the extras with 'bookends' - brief clips of the original movie tacked on to the beginning and end of the new footage - in order to establish how the scene was intended to play into the movie's continuity.

'Just thought I'd clarify that for anyone reading this... 'don't want anyone to come away with the wrong impression.

- GJS

Knew dat!;) Jackson is also doing the spider scene in his new version of King Kong.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6351/skull20jr.jpg

http://207.136.67.23/film/dvdcompare/kingkong/King_Kong_Continental_2.jpg

http://www.sculptureone.com/kong/kk2.JPG


And here's PJ's new version of Skull Island:

www.macloaded.gr/index.php/gallery/image_full/35/ (http://www.macloaded.gr/index.php/gallery/image_full/35/)

- GJS

Zorro, you may be horrified to know that a friend of mine had a complete collection of Famous Monsters mag - until his father burned it in a fit of religious anger. No good christian son of HIS was going to read about the devil! :freak:

My second great encounter with Kong came by way of this classic Gold Key comic book adaptation of the RKO movie:

http://www.myparentscomics.com/scans/KIK/KIK809-1-F.jpg

- GJS

I had that comic book! I'd forgotten all about it!

John,

Just so you realize that your friend's father isn't representative of all religious people - I am a 'good christian' and I have a very respectable collection of Famous Monsters, Creepy, Eerie, Vampirella, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Teen Titans, X-Men, etc... etc...
Furthermore, my best friend in Oklahoma is another dyed-in-the-wool Church attending active christian and he has a Complete collection of Famous Monsters, Creepy, Eerie, Vampirella, etc...
And I have known others, as well, who are faithful church members with more than just a passing interest in Monsters and Horror movies.
In fact, back in the 1980's when Late Night Horror shows were still a staple of local television, our Young Adult Group would get together, either at my apartment or at another member of the group's apartment, and we'd turn down the lights and watch the late night horror movies together!

Fanaticism takes many different forms - it isn't only among those who consider themselves religious.

- GJS

Agreed. My friend himself was a good Irish Catholic boy. It was just his father who was a wild-eyed zealot. In fact, that night, he burned half of my friend's horror collection, including valuable one-sheets, and many things my friend had taken orders and recieved money for but hadn't mailed out yet. It was quite a blow. He turned up on our doorstep crying.

It was an odd situation in that house - my friend's brother was an alcoholic and drug addict with a police record. My friend didn't drink or do drugs or even smoke. Yet the brother was the favorite son because he went to church, and my friend was cast out because he liked horror films, which the father perceived as devil-worship or something.

I like the original KING KONG (with the bi-planes).

The re-make had only one scene worth seeing:
when Kong pulled the girl's shirt off. :devil:

There was some kind of sequel, and in it, Kong tore a guy
in half. It was great!

Agreed. My friend himself was a good Irish Catholic boy. It was just his father who was a wild-eyed zealot...

...my friend's brother was an alcoholic and drug addict with a police record. My friend didn't drink or do drugs or even smoke. Yet the brother was the favorite son because he went to church, and my friend was cast out because he liked horror films, which the father perceived as devil-worship or something.

I'm reminded of my High School pals, most of whom were really BIG into collecting 'Militaria' - especially WWII stuff. Their enthusiasm was often misunderstood by our peers ( and probably some teachers ) as an endorsement for/ embracement of Nazi-ism! Of course,nothing could have been further from the truth! But, because they acquired these WWII artifacts; uniforms, medals, SS Daggers, etc... they were perceived and branded as being Nazi sympathizers!

All of these buddies of mine joined one branch or another of the US military and served our country honorably. My closest friend, Mike, whom I consider to be the biggest of the 'collectors' in that group, eventually became the curator of the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City; a position he has held for many, many years, where he happily works among and continues to acquire Military artifacts! ( He's a devoted Catholic, by the way ).

It's just interesting ( and shameful ) that people of all persuasions seem too much inclined to jump to unsubstantiated conclusions and entertain distorted perceptions of reality. To some, collecting WWII artifacts equals devotion to Hitler, and to others Being a fan of Horror/Science Fiction/Monster movies is tantamount to being a card carrying Devil Worshipper! Go figure!

- GJS

When I was a kid the local tv station would show King Kong, Son of Kong and Mighty Joe Young on Thanksgiving Day. The Friday after they would show Godzilla movies, first it was Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla but then they changed it with King Kong vs. Godzilla. Then Godzilla vs. Megalon and Godzilla vs. Hedorah after. My holiday weekend was pretty much set.

Agreed. My friend himself was a good Irish Catholic boy. It was just his father who was a wild-eyed zealot. In fact, that night, he burned half of my friend's horror collection, including valuable one-sheets, and many things my friend had taken orders and recieved money for but hadn't mailed out yet. It was quite a blow. He turned up on our doorstep crying.

It was an odd situation in that house - my friend's brother was an alcoholic and drug addict with a police record. My friend didn't drink or do drugs or even smoke. Yet the brother was the favorite son because he went to church, and my friend was cast out because he liked horror films, which the father perceived as devil-worship or something.
The irony of this is that most horror movies are very conservative. Most are about the protagonist battling a disruptive outside force and restoring order.

The trouble I have with these sorts of criticisms is that some people don't seem to realize that if you are going to advocate for something in a dramatic presentation, you must show the opposite. If you are making an anti-racism statement, you must show racist behavior. If you are making an anti-violence statement, you must show violence. I wonder if these people think A CHRISTMAS CAROL is an anti-holiday tract.

I'm reminded of my High School pals, most of whom were really BIG into collecting 'Militaria' - especially WWII stuff. Their enthusiasm was often misunderstood by our peers ( and probably some teachers ) as an endorsement for/ embracement of Nazi-ism! Of course,nothing could have been further from the truth! But, because they acquired these WWII artifacts; uniforms, medals, SS Daggers, etc... they were perceived and branded as being Nazi sympathizers!


The only time i checked out the Jerrt Springer show (morbid curiosity), he had a collector of Nazi parephenalia on. After the guy had hown his collection, Springer went after him balls-out as a Nazi sympathizer on national TV. The poor guy was screaming astonished, incoherent defenses like "I bought this [Hitler youth knife] from a black man!" It was hideous, what Springer did to the poor guy.

I wonder if these people think A CHRISTMAS CAROL is an anti-holiday tract.Truth be told, I've always sympathized with Scrooge. If Charles Dickens could see the secularized, commercialized shopping fest Christmas has become in modern America — not to mention the ridiculously P.C. policy many stores have now, where employees can't even say the words "Merry Christmas" to their customers — he'd say "Bah! Humbug!"

I think the stores start Christmas too early.

They roll out stuff before Halloween!

It burns me out before December.

How can shoppers be expected to maintain the holiday spirit for
two and a half months?

By the time Christmas arrives, the attitude is "yeah? so?".

An example is the release of "Revenge of the Sith" on DVD
November 1.

How can I buy it as a Christmas gift for my friend? Is he going
to wait for Christmas? No! He had it right away.

Now, if Lucas had released the movie on Christmas Eve, I could
have bought it for him. He would have waited, wondering who would
buy it for him for Christmas.

For me the coolest thing about King Kong is the giant gate that the villagers built. No matter how many times I see the movie I'm still get the feeling of "Don't know what that gate's supposed to keep out and I don't think I want to find out." The gate is scarier than Kong.
Get the same feeling every time I see the original Godzilla. The scene when we first see him, just his head towering above the hill. That's scarier than seeing all of him.

Just one thing that's always puzzled me: If the wall was built to keep Kong on his side of the island, why does it have a gate exactly the right size to let him pass through? To practice their rite of sacrificing a "bride" to Kong, the natives would only need a regular human-sized doorway. Much less risky!

And what happened to Kong's earlier "brides"? Did he eat them?

Just one thing that's always puzzled me: If the wall was built to keep Kong on his side of the island, why does it have a gate exactly the right size to let him pass through? To practice their rite of sacrificing a "bride" to Kong, the natives would only need a regular human-sized doorway. Much less risky!

And what happened to Kong's earlier "brides"? Did he eat them?

1.Probably so he could fit his sofa and love seat through the doorway.

2. Maybe he's Mormon...just kidding!

2. Maybe he's Mormon...just kidding!


HEY!

- GJS :^)

Just one thing that's always puzzled me: If the wall was built to keep Kong on his side of the island, why does it have a gate exactly the right size to let him pass through? To practice their rite of sacrificing a "bride" to Kong, the natives would only need a regular human-sized doorway. Much less risky!

And what happened to Kong's earlier "brides"? Did he eat them?

One of the things that always bugged me about King Kong is - Here you have an island full of prehistoric creatures; Dinosaurs! Creatures that no living man has ever seen in the living and breathing flesh... So, what do you bring back to civilization? An overgrown ape!

I know, I know... he's the star of the show. Yeah, I know he ruled the island and he 'fell' for Fay Wray. Carl Denham was a showman who capitalized on the beauty and the beast angle... yadda yadda yadda... But, if it had happened in real life I think I'd be less inclined to buy a ticket to see a giant gorilla than I would to see a living Dinosaur!

- GJS

- GJS

And how come one of the terradactyls never flew off the island?

One of the things that always bugged me about King Kong is - Here you have an island full of prehistoric creatures; Dinosaurs! Creatures that no living man has ever seen in the living and breathing flesh... So, what do you bring back to civilization? An overgrown ape!

I know, I know... he's the star of the show. Yeah, I know he ruled the island and he 'fell' for Fay Wray. Carl Denham was a showman who capitalized on the beauty and the beast angle... yadda yadda yadda... But, if it had happened in real life I think I'd be less inclined to buy a ticket to see a giant gorilla than I would to see a living Dinosaur!

- GJS

- GJS

Actually, he'd probably realize that the real interest would be in seeing the dinosaurs interacting in a natural environment, so he would build a visitor's center on the island, put in a track for remote operated cars, fence off areas where the dinos are vicious. He could even give it a cute, kitchy name like...like.. TRIASSIC GARDENS! Hey! I think we've got something here!

And how come one of the terradactyls never flew off the island?

Maybe because they aren't migratory or can't see land beyond the horizon? :confused:

Actually, he'd probably realize that the real interest would be in seeing the dinosaurs interacting in a natural environment, so he would build a visitor's center on the island, put in a track for remote operated cars, fence off areas where the dinos are vicious. He could even give it a cute, kitchy name like...like.. TRIASSIC GARDENS! Hey! I think we've got something here!

Heh! :)

Well, in defense of the Kong script logic, don't forget the idea to take him back to civilization was a spur-of-the-moment inspiration when Kong was handily unconcious at their feet, the original plan of the expedition was only to film Kong. And after the first rescue parties results, you can hardly blame them for not venturing back outside the wall to collect more "exhibits"!

I'm really looking forward to this DVD!

do some of you guys demand a scientific explaination or do you just want to be ENTERTAINED????????

That's an interesting challenge.

Can a movie be made where the characters act with total
logic and common sense?

Where everything is scientifically plausible?

TCM is having a Kong night too Nov 22, with a new doc about Merriam C Cooper, Kong, and some of Cooper's other films:

http://www.turnerclassicmovies.com/ThisMonth/Article/0,,107433|107435||,00.html

if you want science fact, go see a documentary! if you want to see an entertaining movie about a big ape, see King Kong!

That's an interesting challenge.

Can a movie be made where the characters act with total
logic and common sense?

Where everything is scientifically plausible?

Nope.

For those with fond memories of the cartoon series:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AM4P6S/102-6050480-6882502?v=glance&n=130&s=dvd&v=glance