King Kong

| 1933

Directed by: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack

Main Plot

In "King Kong," directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, a film crew ventures to a mysterious, uncharted island to shoot a movie. Upon arrival, they discover a primitive society that worships a colossal ape named Kong. The crew captures Kong and transports him to New York City, intending to showcase him as a spectacle. However, Kong escapes and wreaks havoc in the city, leading to a climactic confrontation atop the Empire State Building. The film explores themes of nature versus civilization, the consequences of exploiting the unknown, and the tragic beauty of misunderstood creatures. The narrative combines adventure, horror, and romance, creating a timeless tale that critiques human hubris and the destructive impact of modernity on the natural world.

Characters

  • Fay Wray played Ann Darrow, a struggling actress who becomes the object of King Kong's affection, leading to her dramatic rescue from the giant ape.
  • Robert Armstrong plays Carl Denham, a daring filmmaker who leads an expedition to a mysterious island, ultimately capturing the giant ape and bringing it to New York.
  • Bruce Cabot played Jack Driscoll, a ship's first mate who becomes the love interest of Ann Darrow and helps rescue her from the giant ape.

Ending Explained

In the climactic ending of the movie, the giant ape, having been captured and brought to New York City, escapes from captivity and goes on a rampage through the city. He captures Ann, the woman he is infatuated with, and climbs to the top of the Empire State Building. As he clings to the skyscraper, fighter planes are dispatched to take him down. Despite his efforts to fend off the planes and protect Ann, the relentless assault eventually overwhelms him. He is mortally wounded and falls from the building to his death. The significance of these events lies in the tragic nature of the ape's story. Initially portrayed as a fearsome beast, he is ultimately revealed to be a sympathetic character, driven by his emotions and a desire to protect Ann. His death underscores the themes of beauty and the beast, as well as the destructive consequences of human exploitation and interference with nature. The final scene, where a crowd gathers around his lifeless body, is punctuated by the famous line, 'It was beauty killed the beast,' highlighting the poignant irony of his demise. This ending serves as a powerful commentary on the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Merian C. Cooper Ernest B. Schoedsack Adventure Horror Fay Wray Robert Armstrong Bruce Cabot