The Batman
01-01-2006, 06:35 PM
I picked up these two volumes of classic tv King Kong cartoons for Christmas and ( despite their lack of polished animation ) really enjoyed the heck out of 'em! I remember having watched the show as a kid but, watching them again was almost like retrieving lost memories! The ONLY thing that had really stayed with me all these past years was the theme song!
If anyone else is interested in these dvd's, you might find this REVIEW that I found on the internet informative and helpful:
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http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_01_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_01.jpg)DVD Volume 1 of KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES collects 5 episodes of the classic show that inspired both GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER and KING KONG ESCAPES. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
On November 15, the first two volumes of Classic Media's DVD release of KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES will hit store shelves. These discs feature ten episodes of the long-unseen cartoon THE KING KONG SHOW that was adapted into two live-action monster movies from Toho.
THE KING KONG SHOW was created by Rankin/Bass Productions, a company founded in 1960 by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass. Originally named Videocraft International, Rankin/Bass is best known for some of the most popular holiday specials in television history, starting with RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964) and including FROSTY THE SNOWMAN (1969), SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN (1970), and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS (1974). In 1966, the company received permission from RKO General, Inc. to use the name and likeness of King Kong for an animated series and new live-action film. Working with writers Lew Lewis, Bernard Cowan, and Ron Levy, Rankin and Bass crafted the concept for THE KING KONG SHOW; renowned scientist Professor Bond brings his children Susan and Bobby along on an extended exploration of Mondo (sometimes referred to as Skull Island), a tropical island that is home to a variety of dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, and a mysterious beast called Kong. After King Kong saves Bobby from a Tyrannosaurus Rex the two become best friends, and the giant ape joins the Bond family and Captain Englehorn (based on the character from the 1933 KING KONG) for adventures on Mondo Island and all across the globe. In addition to the occasional dinosaur attack, the group must deal with natural disasters, monsters, the military, alien invaders, and recurring villain Dr. Who, a deranged genius whose creations include the robotic Kong doppelganger, Mechani-Kong.
THE KING KONG SHOW premiered with an hour-long primetime pilot episode on the ABC network on Tuesday, September 6, 1966. The show moved into its regular Saturday morning timeslot on September 10 and was shown on ABC thru August 31, 1969; then syndicated to stations across America for more than a decade. Twenty four half-hour episodes were produced, each containing two King Kong tales (which run about 7 minutes) and one story of Tom of T.H.U.M.B. - a silly spoof of spy movies featuring a janitor and his assistant who are accidentally shrunken to 4 inches and join the top secret organization T.H.U.M.B. (Tiny Humans Underground Militaristic Bureau) to battle the nefarious agents of M.A.D. (Maladjusted, Antisocial, and Darn mean). The KONG pilot was later split into two shows (entitled "A Friend in Need" and "The Key to the City"), making for a complete series of 26 episodes.
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_02_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_02.jpg)The main cast of THE KING KONG SHOW; Bobby Bond, his father Professor Bond, sister Susan, and the 8th Wonder of the World. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
The voice cast for the series included several regular Rankin/Bass performers. Professor Bond was voiced by Carl Banas, a popular commercial announcer from Canada who also played "Charlie-in-the-Box" in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER as well as the Scorpion and other villains in the first SPIDER-MAN cartoon series (1967). Bobby was played by Billie Mae Richards, most famous as the voice of Rudolph the reindeer in many of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. Richards also played Billy Connor (the son of the Lizard) on the SPIDER-MAN show; provided the voice of Toschio in the initial US release of GAMMERA THE INVINCIBLE (Daikaiju Gamera, 1966), and redid all of Linda Miller's lines as the character "Susan" in the American version of KING KONG ESCAPES (Kingu Kongu-no Gyakushu, 1967). The voice of Susan Bond was supplied by Susan Conway, the star of Rankin/Bass' RETURN TO OZ (1964) and host of the 1970 television series DROP IN. Additional voices were done by John Drainie, a documentary narrator who appeared in TV shows like MAGGIE MUGGINS (1955) and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (1956), Alf Scopp, and Paul Soles. Oddly enough, Paul Frees (a Rankin/Bass veteran who also dubbed movies like RODAN) did not work on the show, though he would later provide the English dub voice for Dr. Who in KING KONG ESCAPES.
THE KING KONG SHOW has the distinction of being the first animated show created in Japan for broadcast in the United States. While scripts, designs, and voice acting were all done in the US by Rankin/Bass, the episodes were drawn overseas by Toei Animation (then known as Toei Doga). Many of the Japanese staff who worked on KONG were also responsible for some of the most famous anime of the 1960s and 70s. The animators included Sakei Kitamasa, Osamu Kobayashi (THE TALE OF GENJI), Norio Fukumoto (DEVILMAN, GREAT MAZINGER VS. GETTER ROBO), Tsutomu Shibayama (GHOST QTARO, DORAEMON), Midori Kusube, Takao Kasai, Yasuo Maeda (NIGHT ON THE GALACTIC RAILROAD, WHITE WOLF), and Yasuji Mori (ALAKAZAM THE GREAT, LITTLE PRINCE AND THE EIGHT-HEADED DRAGON). Toei also put production money into THE KING KONG SHOW in exchange for Japanese distribution rights. In Japan, the King Kong and Tom of T.H.U.M.B. segments were split into two separate shows, KING OF THE WORLD: THE KING KONG SHOW (Sekai-no Osha Kingu Kongu Taikai) and 1/7th TOM THUMB (0001/7 Oyayubi Tomu).
Compared to modern anime, or even other classic shows like SPEED RACER, the animation in THE KING KONG SHOW is rather crude... but the show definitely has a charm of its own. This is due in large part to appealing character designs from Rod Willis (RETURN TO OZ) and MAD magazine legend Jack Davis (MAD MONSTER PARTY?, 1967). The stories, while simplistic, are a clever mix of humor and adventure. The voice actors generally play things in a straightforward manner, but there are a few hammy characters (26.
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_02_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_02.jpg)The main cast of THE KING KONG SHOW; Bobby Bond, his father Professor Bond, sister Susan, and the 8th Wonder of the World. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
The voice cast for the series included several regular Rankin/Bass performers. Professor Bond was voiced by Carl Banas, a popular commercial announcer from Canada who also played "Charlie-in-the-Box" in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER as well as the Scorpion and other villains in the first SPIDER-MAN cartoon series (1967). Bobby was played by Billie Mae Richards, most famous as the voice of Rudolph the reindeer in many of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. Richards also played Billy Connor (the son of the Lizard) on the SPIDER-MAN show; provided the voice of Toschio in the initial US release of GAMMERA THE INVINCIBLE (Daikaiju Gamera, 1966), and redid all of Linda Miller's lines as the character "Susan" in the American version of KING KONG ESCAPES (Kingu Kongu-no Gyakushu, 1967). The voice of Susan Bond was supplied by Susan Conway, the star of Rankin/Bass' RETURN TO OZ (1964) and host of the 1970 television series DROP IN. Additional voices were done by John Drainie, a documentary narrator who appeared in TV shows like MAGGIE MUGGINS (1955) and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (1956), Alf Scopp, and Paul Soles. Oddly enough, Paul Frees (a Rankin/Bass veteran who also dubbed movies like RODAN) did not work on the show, though he would later provide the English dub voice for Dr. Who in KING KONG ESCAPES.
THE KING KONG SHOW has the distinction of being the first animated show created in Japan for broadcast in the United States. While scripts, designs, and voice acting were all done in the US by Rankin/Bass, the episodes were drawn overseas by Toei Animation (then known as Toei Doga). Many of the Japanese staff who worked on KONG were also responsible for some of the most famous anime of the 1960s and 70s. The animators included Sakei Kitamasa, Osamu Kobayashi (THE TALE OF GENJI), Norio Fukumoto (DEVILMAN, GREAT MAZINGER VS. GETTER ROBO), Tsutomu Shibayama (GHOST QTARO, DORAEMON), Midori Kusube, Takao Kasai, Yasuo Maeda (NIGHT ON THE GALACTIC RAILROAD, WHITE WOLF), and Yasuji Mori (ALAKAZAM THE GREAT, LITTLE PRINCE AND THE EIGHT-HEADED DRAGON). Toei also put production money into THE KING KONG SHOW in exchange for Japanese distribution rights. In Japan, the King Kong and Tom of T.H.U.M.B. segments were split into two separate shows, KING OF THE WORLD: THE KING KONG SHOW (Sekai-no Osha Kingu Kongu Taikai) and 1/7th TOM THUMB (0001/7 Oyayubi Tomu).
Compared to modern anime, or even other classic shows like SPEED RACER, the animation in THE KING KONG SHOW is rather crude... but the show definitely has a charm of its own. This is due in large part to appealing character designs from Rod Willis (RETURN TO OZ) and MAD magazine legend Jack Davis (MAD MONSTER PARTY?, 1967). The stories, while simplistic, are a clever mix of humor and adventure. The voice actors generally play things in a straightforward manner, but there are a few hammy characters (mostly villains) who often go over-the-top and imitate horror stars like Bela Lugosi and Peter Lorre. THE KING KONG SHOW also includes some rather violent action. Kong's battle with the Tyrannosaur in the pilot episode is surprisingly brutal for a kids' show, and a nice reminder that the series was made long before the days of bland, safe children's programming. Topping off the show is some wonderful sounds effects (the jungle noises are a hoot) and great music by Maury Laws and Jules Bass, particularly "The King Kong Theme" that both explains the series' premise and is a very catchy tune. After watching an episode or two of THE KING KONG SHOW, there's a high probability the theme song will be stuck in the viewer's head for hours.
While THE KING KONG SHOW was in production, Rankin/Bass approached Toho Studios (who had previously made the hit KING KONG VS. GODZILLA) about co-producing a live-action theatrical film based on the show. Toho executive producer Tomoyuki Tanaka assigned screenwriter Shinichi Sekizawa (MOTHRA, GODZILLA VS. THE THING, GHIDRAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER) to the project. Sekizawa's script, "King Kong vs. Ebirah: Operation Robinson Crusoe", was rejected by Arthur Rankin because he felt it did not capture the feel of the animated show, so the story was quickly reworked and filmed as the seventh movie in the Godzilla series, GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER (Gojira, Ebira, Mosura: Nankai-no Daiketto, 1966).
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_05_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_05.jpg)In 1967, Toho and Rankin/Bass co-produced KING KONG ESCAPES, a live-action film based on THE KING KONG SHOW. (c)1967 Toho Co., Ltd.
Toho's second attempt, written by Takeshi Kimura (under the pen name "Kaoru Mabuchi"), hit the mark. The new screenplay featured concepts, characters, and situations introduced in THE KING KONG SHOW such as Mondo Island, Dr Who (who kidnaps King Kong after knocking the ape unconscious with gas bombs), an arctic hideout, Mechani-Kong, and even a lead female character named Susan. Arthur Rankin supervised the Americanization of the film, which was released in the US in 1968 under the title KING KONG ESCAPES.
Following their work with Kong, Rankin/Bass would produce several popular films and shows. Some of the company's more famous releases include the movie MAD MONSTER PARTY?, the animated versions of J.R.R. Tolkien's THE HOBBIT (1977) and THE RETURN OF THE KING (1980), the television series THE JACKSON FIVE (1971), THUNDERCATS (1985), and SILVERHAWKS (1986), the feature film THE LAST UNICORN (1982), and three TV movies with Tsuburaya Productions-- THE LAST DINOSAUR (Kyokutei Tankensen Pora-Bora, 1977), THE BERMUDA DEPTHS (Bamyuda-no Nazo, 1978) and THE IVORY APE (1980). Production wound down in the mid-1980s, though Rankin and Bass still occasionally re-team for new projects (most recently the 2001 FOX special SANTA BABY!).
In 1998, Classic Media acquired the rights to all Rankin/Bass television programming from 1960-1974 and began releasing the classic holiday specials on DVD. Now, on the eve of Warner Bros.' DVD release of the original KING KONG and Peter Jackson's much-anticipated theatrical remake, Classic Media is releasing the first ten episodes of THE KING KONG SHOW on DVD as KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES. The discs are being distributed to retailers by Sony Wonder (http://www.sonywonder.com/), a division of Sony BMG Music Entertainment in New York.
Both volumes of KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES have an approximate running time of 108 minutes and a suggested retail price of $12.98 (early plans to release a 4-disc set of episodes has been dropped for now). While the DVDs are basically "bare bones" releases, this was to be expected as materials from THE KING KONG SHOW are extremely rare. The lack of materials has led to years of confusion over something as simple as how many episodes were produced; even excellent reference sources like the authorized book ENCHANTED WORLD OF RANKIN/BASS (published in 1997) do not include an episode guide for the series.
The DVD covers apparently use new art done in the style of the show but, for some reason, Kong is brown here instead of the blue-grey coloring seen in the actual episodes. The main menus for each disc feature the cover art as well as audio of the entire theme song. There are 'Scene Access' menus (with stills from the series) that allows viewers to play all episodes or selected cartoon shorts. The pilot episode is included on the second 'Scene Access' menu; viewers are advised to start with these shows before moving on to the other episodes.
Classic Media has done a wonderful job on the most important feature on these DVDs... the show itself. Barring a few scratches, THE KING KONG SHOW episodes look absolutely fantastic, with a sharp, clear image. The show always had a rather muted palette, but the episodes that use brighter colors (such as the pilot) really pop on the screen. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital and sounds great. With one or two exceptions, the episodes are presented complete and unaltered with full open and closing titles, commercial bumpers, and previews for the next show.
If sales of these two discs are strong enough, Classic Media plans to release the remainder of the series (including episodes with the fan-favorite Mechani-Kong) in 2006. I truly hope that comes to pass because THE KING KONG SHOW will bring back fond nostalgic memories for older viewers and is also a fun, entertaining series that should definitely appeal to any fan of Kong and classic Toho fantasy films. Classic Media's DVDs are also well timed; Universal Home Video will release KING KONG ESCAPES on DVD on November 29, so fans will finally have an opportunity to see both the movie and the cartoon show that inspired it.
KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES Volume 1 and 2 are highly recommended.
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_03_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_03.jpg)Kong and the Bond family explore a volcano in the first episode of KING KONG. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES VOLUME 1
EPISODE 1
King Kong: "Under the Volcano" - While exploring a long dormant volcano on a neighboring island, the Bond family is captured by the inhabitants of an underground kingdom. Kong races to the rescue, but the villains have prepared a trap for him as well.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "For the Last Time, Feller...I'm not Bait!" - When a boat containing plans for a top secret weapon sinks at sea, Tom and Swinging Jack use their mini-sub to recover the plans before they fall into the hands of M.A.D.
King Kong: "The Treasure Trap" - Bobby discovers an ancient sunken ship. As he explores the wreck, an earthquake strikes Mondo Island and traps Bobby underwater.
EPISODE 2
King Kong: "The Horror of Mondo Island" - When Phantasium is discovered, a greedy mining corporation arrives on Mondo Island to dig up the rare metal. Bobby uses a war-painted Kong to send the miners packing before they destroy the island's ecosystem.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Hey, that was a Close One World!" - Tom and Jack go underground to deactivate a M.A.D. doomsday weapon.
King Kong: "Dr. Who" - The evil scientist kidnaps King Kong. This short features many elements that would later appear in KING KONG ESCAPES, including a main villain who knocks out Kong with gas bombs then carries him from Mondo Island with helicopters.
EPISODE 3
King Kong: "Rocket Island" - Dr. Who disrupts the launch of the Gemini Capsule in order to blackmail the US for 10 million dollars.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "I was a 9 1/2 oz. Weakling Till One Day..." - M.A.D. agents capture Tom and Jack and put them in a miniaturized city so that the pair will think they've grown gigantic and go mad.
King Kong: "The African Bees" - A giant swarm of aggressive bees descend on Mondo Island, and King Kong uses his brains to protect Professor Bond and a moronic Texas millionaire.
EPISODE 4
King Kong: "The Hunter" - A safari hunter named Ulrich Von Kramer uses Bobby as bait to trap the biggest game of all, King Kong. This story features some hilarious monologues from the egotistical Von Kramer and a battle between Kong and a Triceratops.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "I was a Starling for the USA!" - Tom and Swinging Jack infiltrate a flock of birds to learn which ones have become agents of M.A.D.
King Kong: "The Space Men" - A pair of weird aliens land on Mondo Island to get animal specimens (including Bobby and Captain Englehorn) before they conquer Earth.
PILOT EPISODE, PART 1
"A Friend in Need" - Professor Bond brings his children Susan and Bobby with him on an exploration of Mondo Island. Bobby discovers a valley full of prehistoric beasts and is almost eaten by a Tyrannosaurus before being rescued by King Kong. The small boy and the giant ape become fast friends, and Professor Bond and Captain Englehorn decide to take Kong to the US for study. This episode sets up the series and features several dinosaurs, the aforementioned Kong/Rex fight, a tidal wave, and an ocean battle between Kong and a giant octopus called the Kraken.
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_04_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_04.jpg)DVD cover for KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES Volume 2. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES VOLUME 2
EPISODE 5
King Kong: "The Jinx of the Sphinx" - Kong and the Bond family travel to Egypt to investigate reports of a monster sphinx destroying ships on the Suez Canal. The sphinx turns out to be the first robotic creation of Dr. Who.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Cool Nerves and... Steady Hands" - M.A.D. agents fill the municipal swimming pool with nitroglycerine, and only Tom and Jack can get close enough to use a can of "nitro neutralizer" before the city is blown to smithereens.
King Kong: "The Greeneyed Monster" - Kong gets jealous when Bobby looks after Capt. Englehorn's pet dog. This episode includes a giant vulture-like bird wearing a hat (!?) that tries to eat the pup.
EPISODE 6
King Kong: "The Top of the World" - Dr. Who establishes a base at the North Pole and begins to melt the arctic ice with his atomic invention, the Meltifier. As Alaska begins to flood, the Bond family arrives to save the world with the help of King Kong.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "All Guys from Outer Space are Creeps" - Tom and Jack are tied to a firecracker and launched into space to befriend a two-headed beatnik alien from Saturn before he can join forces with M.A.D.
King Kong: "The Golden Temple" - Bobby and Professor Bond discover a sunken Etruscan temple off the coast of Mondo Island but, when the professor tries to explore further he is sucked into an underwater whirlpool.
EPISODE 7
King Kong: "The Electric Circle" - An evil scientist decides to turn Mondo Island into a nuclear missile base for his country, so he kidnaps Bobby as bait to lure Kong into an electric trap. This episode features a very aggressive Triceratops (Professor Bond states that this dinosaur is the "most vicious animal in the world" and "He doesn't kill for food, he kills for pleasure") and a villain who sounds like Peter Lorre.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Mechanical Granma" - To learn why the bad guys are so "maladjusted, antisocial, and darn mean", Tom and Jack infiltrate M.A.D. with a robot "Trojan Horse" built in the shape of a kindly grandmother.
King Kong: "Mirror of Destruction" - On a remote island near San Francisco (?!), a scientist has constructed a giant heat cannon (similar in appearance to Toho's Markalites). Dr. Who takes the inventor hostage, then lures the Bond family to the island in order to use the mirrored weapon to kill King Kong.
EPISODE 8
King Kong: "Tiger Tiger" - Two perfectly preserved sabretooth tigers are found frozen at the North Pole. When Professor Bond thaws them out, the giant cats revive and attack an Eskimo village.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "The Day We Almost had It" - Only Tom can disarm a M.A.D. time bomb before the city is blown to smithereens... but Tom has amnesia after repeated hits to the head.
King Kong: "The Vise of Dr. Who" - Dr. Who lures the Bond family and Capt. Englehorn to a fake children's home and traps them in a metal room with freezing and burning walls that slide inward like a giant trash compactor. Can Kong save them?
PILOT EPISODE, PART TWO
"The Key to the City" - Picking up from Part One on the first DVD; a storm at sea washes King Kong to New York City. Kong climbs the Empire State Building, and the Bond family must stop an overzealous military from attacking the giant ape.
HENSHIN! ONLINE EXTRA: THE KING KONG SHOW EPISODE LIST
Classic Media has provided an episode list for the entire series so that H!O readers can see exactly how many shows were produced, and what will hopefully be coming to DVD in 2006:
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_06_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_06.jpg)Back cover for the second volume of KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
EPISODE 9
King Kong: "King Kong's House"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Tom Makes History"
King Kong: "MechaniKong"
EPISODE 10
King Kong: "The Giant Sloths"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Tom Scores Again"
King Kong: "The Legend of Loch Ness"
EPISODE 11
King Kong: "Dr. Bone"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Blow, Jack, Blow!"
King Kong: "No Man's Snowman"
EPISODE 12
King Kong: "The Desert Pirates"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Tom and the TV Pirates"
King Kong: "Command Performance"
EPISODE 13
King Kong: "The Sea Surrounds Us"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "The Girl from M.A.D."
King Kong: "Show Biz"
EPISODE 14
King Kong: "The Wizard of Overlord"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Just One of those Nights"
King Kong: "Perilous Porpoise"
EPISODE 15
King Kong: "The Trojan Horse"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Runt of 1,000 Faces"
King Kong: "The Man from K.O.N.G."
EPISODE 16
King Kong: "Caribbean Cruise"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Hello, Dollies!"
King Kong: "Diver's Dilemma"
EPISODE 17
King Kong: "The Great Sun Spots"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Pardner"
King Kong: "Kong is Missing"
EPISODE 18
King Kong: "In the Land of the Giant Trees"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Beans is Beans"
King Kong: "Captain Kong"
EPISODE 19
King Kong: "Statue of Liberty Play"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "What Goes Up..."
King Kong: "Pandora's Box"
EPISODE 20
King Kong: "The Thousand Year Knockout"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Our Man, the Monster"
King Kong: "Desert City"
EPISODE 21
King Kong: "Eagle Squadron"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Never Trust a Clam"
King Kong: "The Kong of Stone"
EPISODE 22
King Kong: "Murderer's Maze"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Drop that Ocean, Feller"
King Kong: "The Great Gold Strike"
EPISODE 23
King Kong: "It Wasn't There Again Today"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Plug that Leak"
King Kong: "The Mad Whale"
EPISODE 24
King Kong: "The King Kong Diamond"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "The Scooby"
King Kong: "Anchors Away"
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- GJS
If anyone else is interested in these dvd's, you might find this REVIEW that I found on the internet informative and helpful:
__________________________________________________ _____________
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_01_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_01.jpg)DVD Volume 1 of KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES collects 5 episodes of the classic show that inspired both GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER and KING KONG ESCAPES. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
On November 15, the first two volumes of Classic Media's DVD release of KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES will hit store shelves. These discs feature ten episodes of the long-unseen cartoon THE KING KONG SHOW that was adapted into two live-action monster movies from Toho.
THE KING KONG SHOW was created by Rankin/Bass Productions, a company founded in 1960 by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass. Originally named Videocraft International, Rankin/Bass is best known for some of the most popular holiday specials in television history, starting with RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964) and including FROSTY THE SNOWMAN (1969), SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN (1970), and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS (1974). In 1966, the company received permission from RKO General, Inc. to use the name and likeness of King Kong for an animated series and new live-action film. Working with writers Lew Lewis, Bernard Cowan, and Ron Levy, Rankin and Bass crafted the concept for THE KING KONG SHOW; renowned scientist Professor Bond brings his children Susan and Bobby along on an extended exploration of Mondo (sometimes referred to as Skull Island), a tropical island that is home to a variety of dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, and a mysterious beast called Kong. After King Kong saves Bobby from a Tyrannosaurus Rex the two become best friends, and the giant ape joins the Bond family and Captain Englehorn (based on the character from the 1933 KING KONG) for adventures on Mondo Island and all across the globe. In addition to the occasional dinosaur attack, the group must deal with natural disasters, monsters, the military, alien invaders, and recurring villain Dr. Who, a deranged genius whose creations include the robotic Kong doppelganger, Mechani-Kong.
THE KING KONG SHOW premiered with an hour-long primetime pilot episode on the ABC network on Tuesday, September 6, 1966. The show moved into its regular Saturday morning timeslot on September 10 and was shown on ABC thru August 31, 1969; then syndicated to stations across America for more than a decade. Twenty four half-hour episodes were produced, each containing two King Kong tales (which run about 7 minutes) and one story of Tom of T.H.U.M.B. - a silly spoof of spy movies featuring a janitor and his assistant who are accidentally shrunken to 4 inches and join the top secret organization T.H.U.M.B. (Tiny Humans Underground Militaristic Bureau) to battle the nefarious agents of M.A.D. (Maladjusted, Antisocial, and Darn mean). The KONG pilot was later split into two shows (entitled "A Friend in Need" and "The Key to the City"), making for a complete series of 26 episodes.
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_02_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_02.jpg)The main cast of THE KING KONG SHOW; Bobby Bond, his father Professor Bond, sister Susan, and the 8th Wonder of the World. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
The voice cast for the series included several regular Rankin/Bass performers. Professor Bond was voiced by Carl Banas, a popular commercial announcer from Canada who also played "Charlie-in-the-Box" in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER as well as the Scorpion and other villains in the first SPIDER-MAN cartoon series (1967). Bobby was played by Billie Mae Richards, most famous as the voice of Rudolph the reindeer in many of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. Richards also played Billy Connor (the son of the Lizard) on the SPIDER-MAN show; provided the voice of Toschio in the initial US release of GAMMERA THE INVINCIBLE (Daikaiju Gamera, 1966), and redid all of Linda Miller's lines as the character "Susan" in the American version of KING KONG ESCAPES (Kingu Kongu-no Gyakushu, 1967). The voice of Susan Bond was supplied by Susan Conway, the star of Rankin/Bass' RETURN TO OZ (1964) and host of the 1970 television series DROP IN. Additional voices were done by John Drainie, a documentary narrator who appeared in TV shows like MAGGIE MUGGINS (1955) and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (1956), Alf Scopp, and Paul Soles. Oddly enough, Paul Frees (a Rankin/Bass veteran who also dubbed movies like RODAN) did not work on the show, though he would later provide the English dub voice for Dr. Who in KING KONG ESCAPES.
THE KING KONG SHOW has the distinction of being the first animated show created in Japan for broadcast in the United States. While scripts, designs, and voice acting were all done in the US by Rankin/Bass, the episodes were drawn overseas by Toei Animation (then known as Toei Doga). Many of the Japanese staff who worked on KONG were also responsible for some of the most famous anime of the 1960s and 70s. The animators included Sakei Kitamasa, Osamu Kobayashi (THE TALE OF GENJI), Norio Fukumoto (DEVILMAN, GREAT MAZINGER VS. GETTER ROBO), Tsutomu Shibayama (GHOST QTARO, DORAEMON), Midori Kusube, Takao Kasai, Yasuo Maeda (NIGHT ON THE GALACTIC RAILROAD, WHITE WOLF), and Yasuji Mori (ALAKAZAM THE GREAT, LITTLE PRINCE AND THE EIGHT-HEADED DRAGON). Toei also put production money into THE KING KONG SHOW in exchange for Japanese distribution rights. In Japan, the King Kong and Tom of T.H.U.M.B. segments were split into two separate shows, KING OF THE WORLD: THE KING KONG SHOW (Sekai-no Osha Kingu Kongu Taikai) and 1/7th TOM THUMB (0001/7 Oyayubi Tomu).
Compared to modern anime, or even other classic shows like SPEED RACER, the animation in THE KING KONG SHOW is rather crude... but the show definitely has a charm of its own. This is due in large part to appealing character designs from Rod Willis (RETURN TO OZ) and MAD magazine legend Jack Davis (MAD MONSTER PARTY?, 1967). The stories, while simplistic, are a clever mix of humor and adventure. The voice actors generally play things in a straightforward manner, but there are a few hammy characters (26.
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_02_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_02.jpg)The main cast of THE KING KONG SHOW; Bobby Bond, his father Professor Bond, sister Susan, and the 8th Wonder of the World. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
The voice cast for the series included several regular Rankin/Bass performers. Professor Bond was voiced by Carl Banas, a popular commercial announcer from Canada who also played "Charlie-in-the-Box" in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER as well as the Scorpion and other villains in the first SPIDER-MAN cartoon series (1967). Bobby was played by Billie Mae Richards, most famous as the voice of Rudolph the reindeer in many of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. Richards also played Billy Connor (the son of the Lizard) on the SPIDER-MAN show; provided the voice of Toschio in the initial US release of GAMMERA THE INVINCIBLE (Daikaiju Gamera, 1966), and redid all of Linda Miller's lines as the character "Susan" in the American version of KING KONG ESCAPES (Kingu Kongu-no Gyakushu, 1967). The voice of Susan Bond was supplied by Susan Conway, the star of Rankin/Bass' RETURN TO OZ (1964) and host of the 1970 television series DROP IN. Additional voices were done by John Drainie, a documentary narrator who appeared in TV shows like MAGGIE MUGGINS (1955) and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (1956), Alf Scopp, and Paul Soles. Oddly enough, Paul Frees (a Rankin/Bass veteran who also dubbed movies like RODAN) did not work on the show, though he would later provide the English dub voice for Dr. Who in KING KONG ESCAPES.
THE KING KONG SHOW has the distinction of being the first animated show created in Japan for broadcast in the United States. While scripts, designs, and voice acting were all done in the US by Rankin/Bass, the episodes were drawn overseas by Toei Animation (then known as Toei Doga). Many of the Japanese staff who worked on KONG were also responsible for some of the most famous anime of the 1960s and 70s. The animators included Sakei Kitamasa, Osamu Kobayashi (THE TALE OF GENJI), Norio Fukumoto (DEVILMAN, GREAT MAZINGER VS. GETTER ROBO), Tsutomu Shibayama (GHOST QTARO, DORAEMON), Midori Kusube, Takao Kasai, Yasuo Maeda (NIGHT ON THE GALACTIC RAILROAD, WHITE WOLF), and Yasuji Mori (ALAKAZAM THE GREAT, LITTLE PRINCE AND THE EIGHT-HEADED DRAGON). Toei also put production money into THE KING KONG SHOW in exchange for Japanese distribution rights. In Japan, the King Kong and Tom of T.H.U.M.B. segments were split into two separate shows, KING OF THE WORLD: THE KING KONG SHOW (Sekai-no Osha Kingu Kongu Taikai) and 1/7th TOM THUMB (0001/7 Oyayubi Tomu).
Compared to modern anime, or even other classic shows like SPEED RACER, the animation in THE KING KONG SHOW is rather crude... but the show definitely has a charm of its own. This is due in large part to appealing character designs from Rod Willis (RETURN TO OZ) and MAD magazine legend Jack Davis (MAD MONSTER PARTY?, 1967). The stories, while simplistic, are a clever mix of humor and adventure. The voice actors generally play things in a straightforward manner, but there are a few hammy characters (mostly villains) who often go over-the-top and imitate horror stars like Bela Lugosi and Peter Lorre. THE KING KONG SHOW also includes some rather violent action. Kong's battle with the Tyrannosaur in the pilot episode is surprisingly brutal for a kids' show, and a nice reminder that the series was made long before the days of bland, safe children's programming. Topping off the show is some wonderful sounds effects (the jungle noises are a hoot) and great music by Maury Laws and Jules Bass, particularly "The King Kong Theme" that both explains the series' premise and is a very catchy tune. After watching an episode or two of THE KING KONG SHOW, there's a high probability the theme song will be stuck in the viewer's head for hours.
While THE KING KONG SHOW was in production, Rankin/Bass approached Toho Studios (who had previously made the hit KING KONG VS. GODZILLA) about co-producing a live-action theatrical film based on the show. Toho executive producer Tomoyuki Tanaka assigned screenwriter Shinichi Sekizawa (MOTHRA, GODZILLA VS. THE THING, GHIDRAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER) to the project. Sekizawa's script, "King Kong vs. Ebirah: Operation Robinson Crusoe", was rejected by Arthur Rankin because he felt it did not capture the feel of the animated show, so the story was quickly reworked and filmed as the seventh movie in the Godzilla series, GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER (Gojira, Ebira, Mosura: Nankai-no Daiketto, 1966).
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_05_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_05.jpg)In 1967, Toho and Rankin/Bass co-produced KING KONG ESCAPES, a live-action film based on THE KING KONG SHOW. (c)1967 Toho Co., Ltd.
Toho's second attempt, written by Takeshi Kimura (under the pen name "Kaoru Mabuchi"), hit the mark. The new screenplay featured concepts, characters, and situations introduced in THE KING KONG SHOW such as Mondo Island, Dr Who (who kidnaps King Kong after knocking the ape unconscious with gas bombs), an arctic hideout, Mechani-Kong, and even a lead female character named Susan. Arthur Rankin supervised the Americanization of the film, which was released in the US in 1968 under the title KING KONG ESCAPES.
Following their work with Kong, Rankin/Bass would produce several popular films and shows. Some of the company's more famous releases include the movie MAD MONSTER PARTY?, the animated versions of J.R.R. Tolkien's THE HOBBIT (1977) and THE RETURN OF THE KING (1980), the television series THE JACKSON FIVE (1971), THUNDERCATS (1985), and SILVERHAWKS (1986), the feature film THE LAST UNICORN (1982), and three TV movies with Tsuburaya Productions-- THE LAST DINOSAUR (Kyokutei Tankensen Pora-Bora, 1977), THE BERMUDA DEPTHS (Bamyuda-no Nazo, 1978) and THE IVORY APE (1980). Production wound down in the mid-1980s, though Rankin and Bass still occasionally re-team for new projects (most recently the 2001 FOX special SANTA BABY!).
In 1998, Classic Media acquired the rights to all Rankin/Bass television programming from 1960-1974 and began releasing the classic holiday specials on DVD. Now, on the eve of Warner Bros.' DVD release of the original KING KONG and Peter Jackson's much-anticipated theatrical remake, Classic Media is releasing the first ten episodes of THE KING KONG SHOW on DVD as KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES. The discs are being distributed to retailers by Sony Wonder (http://www.sonywonder.com/), a division of Sony BMG Music Entertainment in New York.
Both volumes of KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES have an approximate running time of 108 minutes and a suggested retail price of $12.98 (early plans to release a 4-disc set of episodes has been dropped for now). While the DVDs are basically "bare bones" releases, this was to be expected as materials from THE KING KONG SHOW are extremely rare. The lack of materials has led to years of confusion over something as simple as how many episodes were produced; even excellent reference sources like the authorized book ENCHANTED WORLD OF RANKIN/BASS (published in 1997) do not include an episode guide for the series.
The DVD covers apparently use new art done in the style of the show but, for some reason, Kong is brown here instead of the blue-grey coloring seen in the actual episodes. The main menus for each disc feature the cover art as well as audio of the entire theme song. There are 'Scene Access' menus (with stills from the series) that allows viewers to play all episodes or selected cartoon shorts. The pilot episode is included on the second 'Scene Access' menu; viewers are advised to start with these shows before moving on to the other episodes.
Classic Media has done a wonderful job on the most important feature on these DVDs... the show itself. Barring a few scratches, THE KING KONG SHOW episodes look absolutely fantastic, with a sharp, clear image. The show always had a rather muted palette, but the episodes that use brighter colors (such as the pilot) really pop on the screen. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital and sounds great. With one or two exceptions, the episodes are presented complete and unaltered with full open and closing titles, commercial bumpers, and previews for the next show.
If sales of these two discs are strong enough, Classic Media plans to release the remainder of the series (including episodes with the fan-favorite Mechani-Kong) in 2006. I truly hope that comes to pass because THE KING KONG SHOW will bring back fond nostalgic memories for older viewers and is also a fun, entertaining series that should definitely appeal to any fan of Kong and classic Toho fantasy films. Classic Media's DVDs are also well timed; Universal Home Video will release KING KONG ESCAPES on DVD on November 29, so fans will finally have an opportunity to see both the movie and the cartoon show that inspired it.
KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES Volume 1 and 2 are highly recommended.
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_03_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_03.jpg)Kong and the Bond family explore a volcano in the first episode of KING KONG. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES VOLUME 1
EPISODE 1
King Kong: "Under the Volcano" - While exploring a long dormant volcano on a neighboring island, the Bond family is captured by the inhabitants of an underground kingdom. Kong races to the rescue, but the villains have prepared a trap for him as well.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "For the Last Time, Feller...I'm not Bait!" - When a boat containing plans for a top secret weapon sinks at sea, Tom and Swinging Jack use their mini-sub to recover the plans before they fall into the hands of M.A.D.
King Kong: "The Treasure Trap" - Bobby discovers an ancient sunken ship. As he explores the wreck, an earthquake strikes Mondo Island and traps Bobby underwater.
EPISODE 2
King Kong: "The Horror of Mondo Island" - When Phantasium is discovered, a greedy mining corporation arrives on Mondo Island to dig up the rare metal. Bobby uses a war-painted Kong to send the miners packing before they destroy the island's ecosystem.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Hey, that was a Close One World!" - Tom and Jack go underground to deactivate a M.A.D. doomsday weapon.
King Kong: "Dr. Who" - The evil scientist kidnaps King Kong. This short features many elements that would later appear in KING KONG ESCAPES, including a main villain who knocks out Kong with gas bombs then carries him from Mondo Island with helicopters.
EPISODE 3
King Kong: "Rocket Island" - Dr. Who disrupts the launch of the Gemini Capsule in order to blackmail the US for 10 million dollars.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "I was a 9 1/2 oz. Weakling Till One Day..." - M.A.D. agents capture Tom and Jack and put them in a miniaturized city so that the pair will think they've grown gigantic and go mad.
King Kong: "The African Bees" - A giant swarm of aggressive bees descend on Mondo Island, and King Kong uses his brains to protect Professor Bond and a moronic Texas millionaire.
EPISODE 4
King Kong: "The Hunter" - A safari hunter named Ulrich Von Kramer uses Bobby as bait to trap the biggest game of all, King Kong. This story features some hilarious monologues from the egotistical Von Kramer and a battle between Kong and a Triceratops.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "I was a Starling for the USA!" - Tom and Swinging Jack infiltrate a flock of birds to learn which ones have become agents of M.A.D.
King Kong: "The Space Men" - A pair of weird aliens land on Mondo Island to get animal specimens (including Bobby and Captain Englehorn) before they conquer Earth.
PILOT EPISODE, PART 1
"A Friend in Need" - Professor Bond brings his children Susan and Bobby with him on an exploration of Mondo Island. Bobby discovers a valley full of prehistoric beasts and is almost eaten by a Tyrannosaurus before being rescued by King Kong. The small boy and the giant ape become fast friends, and Professor Bond and Captain Englehorn decide to take Kong to the US for study. This episode sets up the series and features several dinosaurs, the aforementioned Kong/Rex fight, a tidal wave, and an ocean battle between Kong and a giant octopus called the Kraken.
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_04_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_04.jpg)DVD cover for KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES Volume 2. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES VOLUME 2
EPISODE 5
King Kong: "The Jinx of the Sphinx" - Kong and the Bond family travel to Egypt to investigate reports of a monster sphinx destroying ships on the Suez Canal. The sphinx turns out to be the first robotic creation of Dr. Who.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Cool Nerves and... Steady Hands" - M.A.D. agents fill the municipal swimming pool with nitroglycerine, and only Tom and Jack can get close enough to use a can of "nitro neutralizer" before the city is blown to smithereens.
King Kong: "The Greeneyed Monster" - Kong gets jealous when Bobby looks after Capt. Englehorn's pet dog. This episode includes a giant vulture-like bird wearing a hat (!?) that tries to eat the pup.
EPISODE 6
King Kong: "The Top of the World" - Dr. Who establishes a base at the North Pole and begins to melt the arctic ice with his atomic invention, the Meltifier. As Alaska begins to flood, the Bond family arrives to save the world with the help of King Kong.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "All Guys from Outer Space are Creeps" - Tom and Jack are tied to a firecracker and launched into space to befriend a two-headed beatnik alien from Saturn before he can join forces with M.A.D.
King Kong: "The Golden Temple" - Bobby and Professor Bond discover a sunken Etruscan temple off the coast of Mondo Island but, when the professor tries to explore further he is sucked into an underwater whirlpool.
EPISODE 7
King Kong: "The Electric Circle" - An evil scientist decides to turn Mondo Island into a nuclear missile base for his country, so he kidnaps Bobby as bait to lure Kong into an electric trap. This episode features a very aggressive Triceratops (Professor Bond states that this dinosaur is the "most vicious animal in the world" and "He doesn't kill for food, he kills for pleasure") and a villain who sounds like Peter Lorre.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Mechanical Granma" - To learn why the bad guys are so "maladjusted, antisocial, and darn mean", Tom and Jack infiltrate M.A.D. with a robot "Trojan Horse" built in the shape of a kindly grandmother.
King Kong: "Mirror of Destruction" - On a remote island near San Francisco (?!), a scientist has constructed a giant heat cannon (similar in appearance to Toho's Markalites). Dr. Who takes the inventor hostage, then lures the Bond family to the island in order to use the mirrored weapon to kill King Kong.
EPISODE 8
King Kong: "Tiger Tiger" - Two perfectly preserved sabretooth tigers are found frozen at the North Pole. When Professor Bond thaws them out, the giant cats revive and attack an Eskimo village.
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "The Day We Almost had It" - Only Tom can disarm a M.A.D. time bomb before the city is blown to smithereens... but Tom has amnesia after repeated hits to the head.
King Kong: "The Vise of Dr. Who" - Dr. Who lures the Bond family and Capt. Englehorn to a fake children's home and traps them in a metal room with freezing and burning walls that slide inward like a giant trash compactor. Can Kong save them?
PILOT EPISODE, PART TWO
"The Key to the City" - Picking up from Part One on the first DVD; a storm at sea washes King Kong to New York City. Kong climbs the Empire State Building, and the Bond family must stop an overzealous military from attacking the giant ape.
HENSHIN! ONLINE EXTRA: THE KING KONG SHOW EPISODE LIST
Classic Media has provided an episode list for the entire series so that H!O readers can see exactly how many shows were produced, and what will hopefully be coming to DVD in 2006:
http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_06_thumb.jpg (http://www.henshinonline.com/images/kong_cartoon_06.jpg)Back cover for the second volume of KING KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES. (c)1966, renewed 1994 by Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Classic Media.
EPISODE 9
King Kong: "King Kong's House"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Tom Makes History"
King Kong: "MechaniKong"
EPISODE 10
King Kong: "The Giant Sloths"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Tom Scores Again"
King Kong: "The Legend of Loch Ness"
EPISODE 11
King Kong: "Dr. Bone"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Blow, Jack, Blow!"
King Kong: "No Man's Snowman"
EPISODE 12
King Kong: "The Desert Pirates"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Tom and the TV Pirates"
King Kong: "Command Performance"
EPISODE 13
King Kong: "The Sea Surrounds Us"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "The Girl from M.A.D."
King Kong: "Show Biz"
EPISODE 14
King Kong: "The Wizard of Overlord"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Just One of those Nights"
King Kong: "Perilous Porpoise"
EPISODE 15
King Kong: "The Trojan Horse"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Runt of 1,000 Faces"
King Kong: "The Man from K.O.N.G."
EPISODE 16
King Kong: "Caribbean Cruise"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Hello, Dollies!"
King Kong: "Diver's Dilemma"
EPISODE 17
King Kong: "The Great Sun Spots"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Pardner"
King Kong: "Kong is Missing"
EPISODE 18
King Kong: "In the Land of the Giant Trees"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Beans is Beans"
King Kong: "Captain Kong"
EPISODE 19
King Kong: "Statue of Liberty Play"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "What Goes Up..."
King Kong: "Pandora's Box"
EPISODE 20
King Kong: "The Thousand Year Knockout"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Our Man, the Monster"
King Kong: "Desert City"
EPISODE 21
King Kong: "Eagle Squadron"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Never Trust a Clam"
King Kong: "The Kong of Stone"
EPISODE 22
King Kong: "Murderer's Maze"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Drop that Ocean, Feller"
King Kong: "The Great Gold Strike"
EPISODE 23
King Kong: "It Wasn't There Again Today"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "Plug that Leak"
King Kong: "The Mad Whale"
EPISODE 24
King Kong: "The King Kong Diamond"
Tom of T.H.U.M.B.: "The Scooby"
King Kong: "Anchors Away"
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- GJS