42 Years Later: A Look Back At The 1976 King Kong And Its Legacy

Hey there, movie fans. You know, every now and then, Hollywood just can't resist revisiting some of its greatest hits. These days, it feels like there's a new King Kong movie every other year. But back in 1976, the idea of remaking the 1933 classic was considered sacrilegious. I mean, think about it—would you dare to redo Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho? Or recast Sean Connery as James Bond? Or even attempt to outshine The Wizard of Oz? Yeah, not so easy, right? But 42 years ago, producer Dino De Laurentiis decided to take a chance with his version of King Kong, and it became a media sensation.

Now, let me tell you something interesting about this movie. Back then, no one realized how significant it would be in launching the career of a young actress named Jessica Lange. She played the role of aspiring actress Dwan, a character inspired by Fay Wray's Ann Darrow from the original. Fast forward a few decades, and Jessica Lange has become an icon, racking up two Academy Awards, a Tony, three Emmys, and five Golden Globes. Not bad for someone who started her career perched precariously in the hand of a giant simian, right?

Understanding the Bond Between Kong and Dwan

When the movie came out, Jessica Lange opened up about her character's connection with Kong to the legendary Roger Ebert. She described Kong not as a brute but as a misunderstood creature. "He doesn't go around stomping on natives. This isn't a violent movie at all. It's more of a romantic adventure," she explained. "At first, I'm terrified, obviously. But as time goes on, I begin to realize that Kong has affection for me. He listens to my voice, and maybe he understands something. There's a real rapport, a certain empathy between us. He tries to be amorous and playful in his own way." It's fascinating how she humanized such a monstrous character, isn't it?

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Behind the Scenes: The Challenges of Working with Kong

Now, while Jessica might have felt a bond with Kong on screen, the reality of working with the animatronic version was a whole other story. Back then, the technology was still in its infancy. Jessica recounted some harrowing experiences: "There was one scene where he was supposed to crush me, and he almost did. Another time, he was supposed to pat me on the head, and instead, he nearly knocked me out. I ended up with bruises, pinches, and pokes, and I looked genuinely terrified half the time, which was perfect because my character was supposed to be projecting fear. But what really scared me was the thought of having to reshoot scenes. I have a fear of heights, and looking down at that concrete floor wasn't helping my nerves."

A Modern Take on a Classic Tale

So, what exactly happens in this version of King Kong? Picture this: a research ship is sent to explore an island rumored to be rich in oil. Along the way, paleontologist Jack Prescott, played by Jeff Bridges, sneaks aboard after hearing strange tales about the island. During the journey, the crew rescues Dwan, played by Jessica Lange, the lone survivor of a shipwreck. Once they arrive, they discover natives living in fear of a monstrous creature known as Kong. The natives kidnap Dwan and offer her as a sacrifice to the giant ape. Eventually, Dwan is saved, and Kong is captured for a grand exhibition.

Just like in the original, the exhibition takes a tragic turn, leading to Kong's demise atop a New York skyscraper. This time around, instead of bi-planes, we've got machine-gun-laden helicopters, and the iconic Empire State Building is replaced by the Twin Towers. Watching Kong fall from the Twin Towers is especially poignant now, given the historical significance of those buildings.

To mark the 42nd anniversary of the film's release—and the 85th anniversary of the original—we're diving into every version of King Kong ever made. Scroll down to explore the evolution of this legendary story.