Son Of Kong

Son Of Kong, released in 1933 is the lesser known sequel to the original King Kong film released earlier the same year. The film company demanded a sequel, and gave the filmmakers a fraction of the time, and budget of the original film, and demanded a film as big and successful as the first. The filmmakers knew that what was asked was an impossibility, and decided, if it can't be bigger that they would make it funnier. This film features a lot more comedy and lightheartedness that was not very present in the original film. This film also spends more time developing the character of Carl Denham. Son of Kong is a direct sequel, and starts off with Denham an the captain of the ship fleeing the consequences of bringing Kong to New York City and the aftermath. The film leads up to the captain and Denham returning to Skull Island, and discovering that Kong had a baby. The film was well cast with Robert Armstrong and Frank Reicher reprising their roles as Carl Denham and Captain Englehorn. The film also introduced some new characters as well with the lovely Helen Mack as Hilda (though in the film her actual name was never used). The effects were well done, but definitely more comical, and less serious. Considering the time and reduced budget the film really looked pretty good. The film was only a minor success for RKO, and received mixed to negative reviews. I honestly really liked this film a lot, and though of course it could never match the iconic first film, it is definitely one of my favourite films. I feel that the inclusion of the comedic elements and the deeper depth of Denham's character, was really nice. Would I recommend this film? Yes, this is another must see film, that should be on your must-see list. Negative critiques aside, this really is a great film, and it is unfortunate that it wasn't more well known and remembered. I definitely suggest if you ever get a chance to watch this to see it.