King Kong 1933: How The Movie Was Made
Looking at why one of the earliest monster movies is considered one of the most important films of all time.
“King Kong 1933—a story about Hollywood fame, adventure, love, and a giant gorilla who is actually just an 18-inch wire figure covered in cotton and rabbit fur.”
The 1933 groundbreaking special effects blockbuster King Kong—about a giant gorilla that is taken from its island home and breaks loose in New York City, wreaking havoc—is considered one of the greatest monster movies of all time. In fact, it is considered one of the best movies from any genre.
Directed and produced by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, with special effects by Willis H. O’Brien, the film starred Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong and Bruce Cabot. It has been remade and copied and riffed on dozens of times over the decades since it was first released.
The videos below take you behind the scenes with King Kong’s historical significance—including a look at the pioneering special effects, the motion picture score, the storytelling, and more!
King Kong: The Practical Effects Wonder - Documentary | Katie Keenan
In the first documentary, Katie Keenan details the intricate work that went into 1933’s King Kong film, including the pre-production process, practical effects work, and its overall significance for all of time. With photos and diagrams, audiences are able to understand what went into this movie and how Willis O’Brien transformed real life and miniature sets into single incredible shots, proving the timelessness of the film.
Film Scores: King Kong (Max Steiner) | Ultimate Classical Music Guide by Dave Hurwitz
The video below talks about the King Kong original score by Max Steiner. This legendary 1933 masterpiece of film scoring is regarded by many as the first great Hollywood movie soundtrack, and with good reason. Steiner’s music added immeasurably to the impact of the film at a time when the wisdom of continuous music was still being questioned. This first-ever modern recording of the complete King Kong music features the Moscow Symphony Orchestra under William T. Stromberg on Marco Polo Records.
Which Version Of King Kong Is The Best? (1933, 1976, 2005) | Up From The Depths
When King Kong hit cinemas in 1933, it changed the art of filmmaking forever. Since then this classic story of beauty and beast has been remade twice: in 1976 by Italian film producer Dino De Laurentiis, and in 2005 by Peter Jackson. In what ways are these three films different? In what ways are they the same? And which version is truly worthy of the king? Or are all three equally valid interpretations?
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