King Kong is one of the most iconic film monsters, and he came to the big screen for the first time back in 1933.
Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack teamed up in the director's chair, while Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot took on the central roles of Ann Darrow, Carl Denham, and Jack Driscoll.
King Kong follows a film crew that goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal giant gorilla who takes a shine to their female blonde star.
When it comes to King Kong movies, the 1933 version is not only the oldest but also the best. This was a movie that showed just what could be achieved by Hollywood, as the creation of Kong himself was a huge achievement in itself.
Today, we see CGI wizardry and motion capture used to bring this character to life, in the original King Kong stop motion animation was used to great the Eighth Wonder of the World.
The action/monster movie genre really did start here with this movie as it went on to inspire a generation of filmmakers.
The special effects that were used in this movie look just as impressive today as they did when the film was thrilling audiences back in 1933.
King Kong is not just simply about how this movie looks, but the tender relationship between Ann Darrow and Kong is really what pushes this film forward.
Fay Wray is the ultimate Ann Darrow and she really does create a very special relationship and bond with Willis O'Brien's stop motion creation.
Kong may be a stop-motion creature but that doesn't stop him from being just as interesting as the human cast - O'Brien really did bring him to life in a way that audiences were able to connect with and feel for this character.
King Kong is the ultimate monster movie and this is the classic film in this genre. We have seen Kong return to the big screen time and time again over the years, but the 1933 film is a very special release indeed.
The Wizard of Oz is re-released into cinemas in 3D on 12th September.
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