Models for this giant were just 18 inches high…

1933 – “King Kong” premiered in New York City on this day. The picture features Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong, but the real star is Kong, a giant ape brought to life by filming stop-motion animation of 18” models. “Kong” brought in over 50,000 people on its first day and would go on to set an attendance record for an indoor event. It inspired numerous remakes, some of which fared equally well at the box office.  To get Kong’s roar just right, ... more 

1933 – “King Kong” premiered in New York City on this day. The picture features Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong, but the real star is Kong, a giant ape brought to life by filming stop-motion animation of 18” models. “Kong” brought in over 50,000 people on its first day and would go on to set an attendance record for an indoor event. It inspired numerous remakes, some of which fared equally well at the box office.  To get Kong’s roar just right, sound technicians combined roars from lions and tigers, then played them backwards.  Oh my! less