Overview
KING KONG
His very name inspires awe, horror, and, for some of the greatest masters of contemporary science fiction, a strong affection. Find out why in this special collector’s edition of the original 1932 novelization of Wallace and Cooper’s movie.
This Special Collector’s Edition of King Kong includes commentary by masters of science fiction Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, Orson Scott Card, Harlan Ellison, Larry Niven, Catherine Asaro, Jack Williamson, and Marc Zicree.
King Kong, taller than a five story building, capable of crushing airplanes with his bare hands, ruler of a lost empire of prehistoric monsters.
“Let’s go, Ann!” Denham commanded. “When I start to crank, look up slowly. Camera! Look up! Slowly, slowly. You are calm, you see nothing yet. Look higher. Higher. There! Now you see it. You are amazed. You can’t believe your own senses. Your eyes open wider. Wider. It’s horrible. But you are fascinated You can’t look away. You can’t move. What is it? You’re helpless, Ann! But you can’t scream! There’s your one hope. If you can scream! But you can’t. Your throat is paralyzed! Try to scream, Ann…if you didn’t see you could do it. Throw your arm across your eyes, Ann. And scream! Scream, Ann, for your life!”—from the book
A young film actress on location on a remote jungle island is chosen by the natives to be the bride of their giant gorilla god Kong.
Synopsis
King Kong remains one of the most enduring icons of American popular culture — a massively destructive but curiously sympathetic giant gorilla whose rampage through New York City suggests, on a psychological level, the re-emergence of repressed desire. This novelization captures the pathos, drama, and horror of this story of the beast who loved a human beauty. The action begins with the controversial expedition of Hollywood filmmaker Carl Denham to Skull Island as he pursues a mythical monster. Enticing Kong with beautiful starlet Ann Darrow, Denham manages to chain the beast and bring him to New York, where he escapes to terrorize an entire city while pursuing the woman he loves. Expanded from the original story by Merian Cooper and British mystery maven Edgar Wallace, this version features stunning illustrations of the ape and his adventures.
Publishers Weekly
Rudnicki provides his melodious baritone to this novelization of the classic movie, King Kong, which is pretty much the 1933 screenplay, scene for scene. Rudnicki presents the story in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner. He keeps his characterizations diverse but restrained, even when dealing with the natives on Skull Island and their 1930s fabricated language. He maintains a solid, respectful tone for the somewhat dated and melodramatic prose and provides a fine, laid-back performance. Even more enjoyable are the commentaries found on disc five. Of the commentators presenting their thoughts on the film, Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen give the most reverent testimonies, crediting their viewing of the original King Kong as a life-changing event. In contrast, Orson Scott Card states that he just doesn't get all the hubbub. For him, the film, with its primitive-by-today's-standards animation, is "a complete bust." With curmudgeonly charm, the most humorous commentary goes to Harlan Ellison, who praises the original 1933 film and vilifies those who would seek to remake it. The other commentators (including Larry Niven, Catherine Asaro, Jack Williamson, Marc Scott Zicree) offer various insights to Kong, but most tend to be fond tributes to this ultimate tale of the beast and his beauty. Simultaneous release with the Modern Library paperback. (Oct.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.