King Kong 1938 Radio Version 1938.xx.xx King Kong 1938

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: King Kong 1938 Radio Version
Release Date: January 29, 2025

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Introduction: A Captain's Tale

The episode opens with Captain Englehorn reminiscing about his seafaring days aboard the SS Sumatra. He shares his extensive experience sailing the South Pacific, Surabaya, the Philippines, Java, Ceylon, and the west coast of India. However, it’s the final voyage that haunts him the most. Reflecting on past adventures, he sets the stage for the extraordinary events that unfolded during this ill-fated journey.

"A good ship, but I never want to sail with her again... I'll never forget it." [00:15]

The Encounter with Carl Denham

In 1932, Captain Englehorn is approached by Carl Denham, a film producer from Denim Motion Pictures, who seeks to charter his ship for an undisclosed destination in the Southwest Pacific. Despite initial skepticism, the captain agrees to Denham's terms, motivated by the promise of a generous payment during tough economic times.

"I agree to Mr. Denham's deal, but if I could have seen ahead, I would have thrown Mr. Denham overboard." [03:06]

Setting Sail: Onboard the SS Sumatra

Denham, accompanied by his crew and the aspiring actress Ann Darrow, boards the SS Sumatra. Captain Englehorn introduces Ann as a beautiful young lady eager for adventure, though her role in the voyage remains unclear. Tensions rise as the crew navigates the uncertainties of Denham's mysterious expedition.

"Ann Darrow, a beautiful young lady, was an out of work actress who asked no questions." [04:07]

Unveiling the Mystery: The Purpose of the Voyage

A fraught screen test reveals Denham's true intent: to film the legendary King Kong. Captain Englehorn grows increasingly uneasy as the grim reality of their mission becomes apparent. His confrontation with Denham underscores the captain's authority and the growing rift between them.

"Mr. Denham, I am master of life and death aboard this vessel." [09:53]

Island of Wonders and Dangers

The SS Sumatra arrives at a remote island signaled by ominous drum sounds and a formidable stone wall. The crew discovers natives armed with spears and a girl destined as a sacrifice to Kong. Despite warnings, Denham's obsession drives the crew deeper into peril.

"Kong is some strange kind of giant beast." [14:27]

The Pursuit of Kong: A Prehistoric Nightmare

As night falls, Ann Darrow is kidnapped by a war party to be offered to Kong. Determined to rescue her, Captain Englehorn and Mr. Driscoll assemble a team armed with guns and explosives, only to realize their weaponry is ineffective against the colossal ape. Their desperate journey through a prehistoric landscape teems with dangers at every turn.

"Kong like a heavy tank broke through the rainforest." [21:02]

Capture and Captivity: Kong on the SS Sumatra

After a harrowing encounter, Kong is subdued and confined to the ship. Ann Darrow becomes his sole comfort, humanizing the beast and revealing his capacity for gentleness. The dynamics between the crew, Denham, and Kong illustrate the complexities of captivity and control.

"She would stand by the hatchway and speak to the beast." [28:48]

From Island to Metropolis: Kong in New York City

Denham's ambition leads them to New York Harbor, where Kong is exhibited as a monstrous spectacle. The situation spirals out of control as Kong escapes, wreaking havoc across the city in his quest to reunite with Ann. The bustling metropolis becomes a battleground between modernity and primal fury.

"Kong is no longer the beast from that prehistoric jungle. He was frightened and beaten." [28:39]

The Climactic Battle: Empire State Building Showdown

Kong's rampage culminates in his climb of the Empire State Building, clutching Ann in his hand. Despite the valiant efforts of fighter planes, the ape's overwhelming might proves too much. The final moments see Kong topple from his towering perch, symbolizing the tragic clash between humanity and nature.

"Kong destroyed all in his way... a monster fighting for its life." [33:17]

Conclusion: Reflections on the Nightmare

Captain Englehorn concludes the tale with a sobering reflection on the events, emphasizing the blend of myth and reality that made Kong both a terrifying beast and a pitiable creature. The story serves as a timeless cautionary tale about obsession, power, and the fragile boundary between civilization and the wild.

"But I know it to be the truth. And now you know it. Believe what you want. You can't change the truth." [35:06]

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Key Themes and Insights

• Obsession vs. Reason: Denham's relentless pursuit of fame and the mythical King Kong leads to catastrophic consequences, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition.

• Nature vs. Civilization: Kong embodies the untamed forces of nature clashing with human advancements, questioning humanity's dominance over the natural world.

• Humanization of the Monster: Through Ann Darrow's interactions with Kong, the narrative explores the emotional depth and vulnerability of what was perceived solely as a monstrous creature.

Notable Quotes

• Captain Englehorn on Denham's Obsession:

  "Denham Enterprises presents King Kong Bravo." [26:37]

• Ann Darrow on Kong's Nature:

  "It's a little sad to see anything in captivity." [28:55]

• Denham's Ambition:

  "You name it, I'll feed it." [35:03]

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Conclusion

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully retells the classic tale of King Kong through immersive narration and character dialogues. By maintaining the essence of the original story while infusing it with rich auditory elements, the podcast brings to life the drama, horror, and emotional depth of Kong's legendary journey from remote island to the heart of New York City.

Transcript

[Captain Englehorn]

Yeah, that's the old ship sitting out there, the SS Sumatra. A good ship, but I never want to sail with her again. I was her captain for many years, mostly the South Pacific, Surabaya, the Philippines, Java, Ceylon, and up and down the west coast of India. Ach, we had adventures, this old steel lady and me. But the last one was the worst one. It was a long time ago, but I'll never forget it. I still wake up at night screaming, and I don't scare easily. The newspapers carried the story of Kong. King Kong was what Denham called the beast who was denim? I'll tell you the story about Denham, Driscoll, Anne and the monster King Kong. I first met Denham, I think it was in 1932. Yeah. We were laid up here in New York harbor. No cargo, no credit, a full crew to pay, and I had no money. It was winter, a heavy snow, Christmas coming. And if the devil came up that gangplank and asked me to sail him to hell, if he had the money, I would have given him the best cabin and sailed on the first tide. This was my cabin. I remember sitting here very worried when Driscoll, my first mate, knocked on the door. Come.

[Mr. Driscoll]

The man came aboard, Captain says he must see you.

[Captain Englehorn]

Mr. Driscoll? If he's a bill collector, tell him I've jumped ship.

[Mr. Driscoll]

He drove up to the dock in a chauffeur driven car.

[Captain Englehorn]

So? Well, don't stand there. Tell him I'll be delighted to see him.

[Mr. Driscoll]

That's what he said.

[Chief Native]

Come in.

[Captain Englehorn]

Sir.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Captain Englehorn, Mr. Denham.

[Captain Englehorn]

Sit down, sir.

[Carl Denham]

Thank you.

[Captain Englehorn]

And what can I do for you, Captain?

[Carl Denham]

I want to charter your boats. I'm Denham of Denim Motion Pictures Incorporated. My company makes travel films. I want you to take me, my cameraman, an actor or two, to the Southwest Pacific. I've been told you're familiar with the area.

[Captain Englehorn]

More than familiar. The Pacific is where I got my sea legs and learned my trade. Where exactly is your destination?

[Carl Denham]

That's something I can't tell you until we get there.

[Captain Englehorn]

There ship must have a destination, a point on the chart to sail to.

[Carl Denham]

Mr. Denham, I have the exact longitude and latitude. I'll give them to you after we reach the East Indies. Now, for the services of your ship crew yourself, I'm prepared to pay a more than generous sum.

[Captain Englehorn]

A more than generous sum? Well, times were bad, and a sailor might just as well be a farmer if he's not at sea. I agreed to Mr. Denham's deal, but if I could have seen ahead, I would have thrown Mr. Denham overboard.

[Crew Member]

Secure that number three hat.

[Captain Englehorn]

Go away easy now, Mr. Driscoll.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Sir?

[Captain Englehorn]

I want to hoist anchors and sail on the ebb tide.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Anxious to get underway?

[Captain Englehorn]

I get sick living on shore too long.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Well, engine room reports steam is up to full.

[Captain Englehorn]

Well, I'll be glad to get away from this cold.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Oh, heading south then?

[Captain Englehorn]

South and east, and that's all I know. Mr. Denham is punctual. Send two men down to help him with his gear. Mr. Driscoll.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Hi, sir.

[Captain Englehorn]

There's a woman with him. I recognize the outlines, Mr. Driscoll. Doom into the dark and make ready to cast off, Mr. Driscoll. Aye, sir. Denham and his movie people came aboard and were shown to the cabins below decks. Ann darrow, a beautiful young lady, Was an out of work actress who asked no questions. She had a job, and the idea of spending time in the tropics appealed to her. Stand by to cast off all lines. Single up, Mr. Driscoll.

[Crew Member]

Single up. Horn up.

[Captain Englehorn]

Cast off, Mr. Driscoll.

[Crew Member]

Let's go fore and aft.

[Captain Englehorn]

Helmsman. All astern. Slow. Let the tide take her. Aye.

[Carl Denham]

Ay, sir.

[Captain Englehorn]

Port.

[Carl Denham]

Art for you, sir.

[Captain Englehorn]

Army ships head.

[Carl Denham]

Ships here, sir.

[Captain Englehorn]

All ahead slow.

[Carl Denham]

All ahead slow, sir.

[Captain Englehorn]

Take over the helm, Mr. Driscoll. I'll give you the new course when we clear the ambrose light.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Aye, sir. I relieve you now, sir.

[Captain Englehorn]

I'll be below to check with our passengers. I tried very hard to be friendly with Mr. Denham, but that was very difficult. So we arrived at a working agreement. He was in charge of his crew, I was in charge of the ship. But nothing I could say would get denham to give me the slightest hint of our destination. I even had driscoll speak with the girl. He was at that time a handsome young man, and I knew he upheld the traditions of the sea by having a girl in every form.

[Ann Darrow]

No, no, I'm not much of an actress. Just a beginner. And this is quite a chance for me.

[Mr. Driscoll]

What are you supposed to do? Has denim shown you a script?

[Ann Darrow]

No, he said we'd play the scenes as they happened. It's a travelogue, so I suppose I'll be sitting around watching natives dance or fish or hunt or something like that.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Well, that doesn't seem like too much.

[Ann Darrow]

I'm the only actor in the company, so it'll be plenty.

[Captain Englehorn]

I see.

[Carl Denham]

Well, Mr. Driscoll, what do you think of our star?

[Mr. Driscoll]

As pretty as I've ever seen, Mr. Denham.

[Ann Darrow]

I thought sailors only talk that way in books.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Oh, there's a bit of truth in everything, Miss Darrow.

[Carl Denham]

I might be able to use that line. Mr. Driscoll and I want to run some film tests. The camera set up front.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Forward, Mr. Denham.

[Carl Denham]

Yeah, forward. Up ahead, in the nose of the boat.

[Captain Englehorn]

The prow is what it's called.

[Carl Denham]

Oh. You know what I mean. And put on some makeup, eyeshadow, lipstick. We'll take a look.

[Ann Darrow]

He's not much of a sailor.

[Mr. Driscoll]

He'll learn. Or Captain Engelhorn will toss him to the sharks. Well, you better go along. Up to the nose of the boat.

[Captain Englehorn]

Denham had set up cameras up forward on the foredeck. He had the girl leaning on a bollock. The weather was getting warmer as we headed south. A good ship, a calm sea. And people going about their work. Okay.

[Ann Darrow]

Ann. Yes?

[Carl Denham]

Look around. Roll the cameras.

[Captain Englehorn]

Action.

[Carl Denham]

And look to your right. Now look left. Now look at me. That's right. Now, you see something, you don't know what it is. Slowly. Now, you're amazed by it. Hold that. Now you become frightened. It's nothing you've ever seen before. It's coming closer. Closer. Closer. You're too frightened to run. You're helpless. You can't scream. You're trying to hide it from your eyes. Good. Now scream. Scream. Scream for your life. It was only a simple screen test. Just to see how well Anne can follow direction.

[Captain Englehorn]

But, Mr. Denham, it would seem to me you had some purpose.

[Mr. Driscoll]

The poor kid was terrified. She's in her cabin now. Won't let anyone come near her.

[Carl Denham]

That just means she's a good actress.

[Mr. Driscoll]

There's something you're not telling us, Denham.

[Carl Denham]

That's perfectly correct, mister. And I don't intend to, Ted, until I'm ready.

[Mr. Driscoll]

You tell us now, Dennis.

[Carl Denham]

Now, look, mister, I chartered this ship. You go where I tell you to go. And when I tell my actress to scream, she screams. And it's none of your business, sailor. Mr. Driscoll.

[Captain Englehorn]

The lady.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Mr. Driscoll.

[Crew Member]

Stop.

[Carl Denham]

Back.

[Captain Englehorn]

Mr. Driscoll. You will go on deck and cool your temper. Mr. Denham, you will go below to your cabin.

[Carl Denham]

Don't give me any orders. I don't go downstairs for anybody.

[Captain Englehorn]

The Expression is below, Mr. Denham. I am master of life and death aboard this vessel. And you will go below, or I will have you locked in the brig. A brig means a prison, Mr. Denham. Mr. Driscoll.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Aye, sir?

[Captain Englehorn]

You better behave as a first mate should. If you expect to command your own ship. You cannot make clear decisions when your mind is muddled with personal feelings, the safety of the ship and her crew is your first concern. You can break Denham's neck when we're safe in port. Is that clear?

[Mr. Driscoll]

Aye, aye, sir. Very clear.

[Captain Englehorn]

Somewhere. So, Hatteras, we ran into bad weather. The waves were running high and the sea broke over the brid. As sometimes happens in a storm. We shook loose some of the cargo. I sent Driscoll below to make everything secure. He was a good sailor, so I left it all in his hands. But below decks in number two hold. This is the captain.

[Chief Native]

Will you come below?

[Carl Denham]

Sir.

[Captain Englehorn]

Problems, Mr. Driscoll?

[Mr. Driscoll]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Englehorn]

You better come and take a look. In the older type ships, you had to cross the deck to get to the cargo. Ha. Safety lines were rigged and I held on for dear life as I crossed the deck to number two hole. I was annoyed with Driscoll, but I knew he would never call me unless he had a good reason.

[Mr. Driscoll]

These crates tore loose, Captain.

[Captain Englehorn]

This one broke. Opener. Denham has enough here to start a war. Dynamite, hand grenades.

[Mr. Driscoll]

There's a case of high powered rifles, ammunition, gas grenades.

[Captain Englehorn]

Why would he need these to make movies?

[Mr. Driscoll]

Yes, sir, that's what I was wondering.

[Captain Englehorn]

Just nail up the crates and say nothing.

[Mr. Driscoll]

I.

[Captain Englehorn]

Sir, Denham said all he was carrying was motion picture equipment and supplies for six months. As far as I'm concerned, that's all he is carrying. We know of nothing else. None of these guns and dynamite will be unloaded from the ship. Keep the hatch closed and locked, Mr. Driscoll, and give me the keys. We made good time on our way through the Panama Canal into the Pacific. Through every type of weather. Now the skies were clear, clear and blue as the days grew from warm to hot on a course of south by west past Pit Garon island, Rafa, then along the Tropic of Capricorn almost to the Fijis. Then at 20 degrees south latitude and 160 degrees longitude west from Greenwich with New Caledonia dead ahead. Come. Ah, Mr. Denham.

[Carl Denham]

Captain, I believe we've been making excellent time.

[Captain Englehorn]

So it depends on where we're heading.

[Carl Denham]

You know Lord Howe island date south.

[Captain Englehorn]

Of us, Mr. Denham.

[Carl Denham]

Then change course southeast of Howe island to 40 degrees south and 140 degrees 20 minutes east latitude. That's our destination.

[Captain Englehorn]

My charts show no islands there.

[Carl Denham]

That's the fault of the charts, Captain. I assure you that there is an island there, and that is our destination.

[Captain Englehorn]

And for what reason, Mr. Denham?

[Carl Denham]

The weirdest, wildest, most impossible thing you've ever seen. I'm going to make a movie the likes of which has never been made before. Have you ever heard of the word Kong?

[Captain Englehorn]

There are many things I haven't heard.

[Carl Denham]

And I. Captain, I first heard about Kong some five years ago. The man who told me was mad, raving. I would have dismissed the whole story if I hadn't seen a few feet of film he brought back. What I saw was enough to start me on my way. And frankly, Captain, now that we're almost there, I'm a little scared.

[Captain Englehorn]

You aren't the first man to be scared by a rumor.

[Carl Denham]

You forget the film.

[Captain Englehorn]

I include the film. You know, lights and shadows make strange images. That is all your Kong is, believe me.

[Carl Denham]

Part of me would like to believe you, but the other half knows better.

[Captain Englehorn]

Then what is Kong if not imagination?

[Carl Denham]

Not imagination, Captain. Kong is some strange kind of giant beast.

[Captain Englehorn]

Elms run. All ahead slow.

[Crew Member]

Rolling up fast, Captain.

[Captain Englehorn]

So run aground, helmsman? All stop. Let go the anchors, Mr. Driscoll.

[Crew Member]

Let's go, Bo.

[Carl Denham]

Captain Engelhorn. Captain Engelhorn. Do you hear the drums?

[Captain Englehorn]

Nothing unusual about drums in this part of the world. Call away number one boat, Mr. Driscol.

[Crew Member]

Standby number one boat.

[Captain Englehorn]

We headed for shore. And the closer we came to the island, the more I was sorry we left our guns aboard the Sumatra. The beach was lined with native warriors armed with spears and shields. I would not call it a hospitable welcome. Behind the beach, the forest began and rising above the trees, a most incredible sight. A wall perhaps 40ft high, made all of stone and running the length of the island as far as I could see. I looked at Denham and remembered the story he had told of Kong. For the first time, I began to believe that he was telling the truth. Anything seemed possible now.

[Ann Darrow]

Mr. Driscoll, look. That n Captain.

[Mr. Driscoll]

There in the center, there's a girl tied hand and foot.

[Captain Englehorn]

Stand to, Mr. Driscoll. Don't try to be a hero. These people have their own customs. Listen now, all of you. If you're frightened, don't show it. This is good acting practice for all of us. Mr. Denham.

[Chief Native]

You go this long.

[Crew Member]

Turtle.

[Chief Native]

Stranger not belong. Many death here.

[Captain Englehorn]

Chief, we come from far away. Ship sails very long time. We hear of Kong.

[Chief Native]

Kong not for you. Kong mighty killer. We give girl. She go stay alone with Kong One year of time.

[Ann Darrow]

The girl's a sacrifice.

[Chief Native]

Your woman with gold hair you give to great gun. I give you many things.

[Captain Englehorn]

Driscoll, get Anne out of here. Back to the boat. Move. Great chief. Woman with golden hair not for Kong, she belonged to us. Denim, start back slowly. No panic. Mighty chief very powerful. Me chief, I'm more powerful. Girl with golden hair belong me. Denim, pull back. He's thinking it over. Then he makes up his mind. We'd better be off this island. It was a close call. We had raised the boat beyond the breakers when the natives reached the beach. Safe on board the ship. I tried to get Denim to leave the island, but his desire for making movies got the better of his judgment. I agreed to stay when he promised he'd leave Ann aboard ship. The drums sounded throughout the night. We could see the flickering campfires on the beach. I thought of that poor native girl tied up as a sacrifice for Pong. We slept fitfully that night. Then, sometime during the middle watch, Driscoll informed me that Anne was missing. We searched the ship, but she had gone. Anne had been taken by a war party of natives who had climbed aboard and captured her. Anne was to be a sacrifice to Kong. From the sounds coming from the island, there was little time for action. Mr. Driscoll.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Aye, sir.

[Captain Englehorn]

Get five men. Open up number two. Hold. Mr. Denham, I will overlook your bringing arms aboard this ship without permission. You will come along with the party under double, Mr. Driscoll. See that rifles, ammunition, hand grenades, gas grenades are issued to all the men.

[Chief Native]

Now you go to Kong. Say him leave village. We make songs, tell children stories of woman with gold hair. You wait and all giant come from take you.

[Captain Englehorn]

It. I've never seen anything that huge. Mr. Denham. We should have brought cannon. Rifles will be of little use against a monster that size.

[Mr. Driscoll]

We must get Anne. We can't leave her.

[Captain Englehorn]

No one is leaving the girl. But can we fight that beast?

[Mr. Driscoll]

You can stay here and discuss what.

[Captain Englehorn]

You'Re going to do.

[Mr. Driscoll]

I'm going after Con.

[Captain Englehorn]

Kong like a heavy tank broke through the rainforest. Trees had fallen before him and he left footprints 12ft long. From time to time, we could see Kong's great head over the treetops. This was a nightmare world we had come to. We were now in what seemed to be a slice of prehistoric times which somehow found a way to survive until now. All around us were gigantic furs, strange trees, animals, great lizards that should have been long since dead. Had it not been for the thought of the girl, I would have turned back many times. I am brave enough in the world, I know. But here the trail of Kong led us through what looked like a prehistoric wing of a museum come to life. Denham, in spite of the dangers, took time to identify the beasts as we Saw them. Stagosaurus. Triceratops. Megatherium. Megaceraps. Hyanodum. Flying things. Crawling things. It would have interested me more if they didn't look at us like we were a good meal. On the move.

[Mr. Driscoll]

He's up ahead, Captain.

[Captain Englehorn]

What about him?

[Mr. Driscoll]

Alive so far.

[Captain Englehorn]

How far ahead?

[Mr. Driscoll]

Kong is across a deep ravine. About a thousand feet. Dropped to the bottom. Maybe 100ft across. There might be a way to go around it.

[Captain Englehorn]

If the girl is alive, we cannot take the chance of going around. I had the men cut down a large tree and drop it across the chasm to use it as a right. On the other side. I could see Kong. I was certain we were near his lair. First, I sent four of my men across. The beast saw them. He gently placed Ann down on the ground. And then he started for the log. Those four men held on for dear life as that giant monster shook and rolled the log. Finally, Kong lifted the hundred foot tree and slammed it back on the ground. The log was cracked but in place. Across the chasm. The four men were dead. And Kong guarded the far edge of the chasm. We had no choice but to go back and was lost.

[Carl Denham]

Look over there.

[Mr. Driscoll]

What kind of beast is that? It's going for Rand.

[Captain Englehorn]

Try to scare it off.

[Crew Member]

Kong.

[Captain Englehorn]

Kong.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Caesar.

[Captain Englehorn]

What is that thing?

[Carl Denham]

Can't tell exactly. Something like Tyrannosaurus heliosinkus. A man eat a.

[Captain Englehorn]

Driscoll's prehistoric monsters come to life while we modern men armed with modern weapons, too powerless to do anything. While the two giants fought, Driscoll picked up Anne, who had fainted from shock and raced across the crack tree which lay across the chasm. Tong had defeated a 30 foot lizard that stood 18ft tall. Tong would catch us. There was no escape, no place of safety. Except maybe one that was down the side of the chasm to the rushing river. We started down. Kong stood above us, glaring down at us. Do you take all this? But I'm not Gillis. I couldn't understand why he let us live. And then I realized that monstrosity, that relic from a million years ago, had a heart. He didn't want to hurt the girl. Kong seemed almost human then. I almost knew what he would do next. He would meet us downstream. Someplace where he could get Ann without harming her and kill the rest of us. We tried to dig to the middle of the river while Kong followed us along the banks, roaring and beating his chest. And then we saw the rock cavern that led the river underneath. A huge wall out to safety. Kong left us little Choice. We tried smiling at each other, then took deep breaths and let the current carry us through to the other side of the moor in safety.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Anne. Anne, are you all right?

[Ann Darrow]

Oh, that thing. That horrible thing. I thought I was losing my mind. I'll never be able to forget it.

[Captain Englehorn]

Never.

[Ann Darrow]

Never as long as I live.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Don't think about it. That's the end of Kong.

[Carl Denham]

Captain. We'd make a fortune if we could bring Kong alive to the States.

[Captain Englehorn]

I'd rather be a live sea captain. Mr. Denham.

[Carl Denham]

Just think about it. Denham Enterprises presents King Kong Bravo.

[Captain Englehorn]

I don't think that big ape would sign a contract. Denim.

[Carl Denham]

Go ahead, ask him.

[Captain Englehorn]

Run to the shore.

[Carl Denham]

Go on.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Run.

[Carl Denham]

I'm going to try and get him. He'll rip you to bits.

[Captain Englehorn]

Denim. Come on.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Let go.

[Carl Denham]

Couple of gas grenades ought to stop him dead. One over, one under, one in front.

[Ann Darrow]

It's still coming.

[Carl Denham]

Three of those would have put a regiment to sleep. It's impossible.

[Captain Englehorn]

Complain to the company who made them. Get to the boat. Come on. Denim.

[Carl Denham]

Wait. The gas grenades. They're working.

[Captain Englehorn]

Mr. Denham, I think you're a very brave but foolish man. He's all yours.

[Carl Denham]

Yeah, he's all.

[Captain Englehorn]

Ah.

[Carl Denham]

Ah.

[Captain Englehorn]

And Denim is all mine. I'll take him to the vault.

[Ann Darrow]

Poor Kong. He looks so harmless.

[Captain Englehorn]

It took most of a day to get Kong out to the ship and placed in the hole. I had anchor chain welded over the hatch. We had a pretty good prison for the giant ape. Kong was beaten and he knew it. He did nothing. Except now and then trying to knock out the size of the ship. Only Ann could calm him down. She would stand by the hatchway and speak to the beast.

[Ann Darrow]

Poor thing. Poor calm. No one will hurt you. Anne is here.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Couldn't hurt him if we tried.

[Ann Darrow]

It's a little sad to see anything in captivity.

[Mr. Driscoll]

No, he's done enough damage in his day.

[Ann Darrow]

Anne, he was only protecting himself.

[Mr. Driscoll]

And we were only trying to protect you.

[Ann Darrow]

Where are you?

[Mr. Driscoll]

Let's get away from your friend all over again.

[Captain Englehorn]

There is an old sailor's wish. Calm sea and prosperous voyage which we had going back. Mr. Driscoll and Anne asked me to be best man. But I was captain and couldn't marry them if I accepted that honor. Mr. Denham was best man. Ann and Driscoll became man and wife. When we sailed into New York harbor, We were a happy ship carrying the strangest cargo ever to come into that port. Benham had a theater rented in the middle of New York City in Times Square. There were plenty who'd pay to see this prehistoric killer. And just as many who thought Kong was a fake but would pay just to ooh an ah. Kong was no longer the beast from that prehistoric jungle. He was frightened and beaten and he went wherever Denim took him. Kong seemed like some monstrous organ grinders monkey. It was the first night that Kong was to be shown. The theater was plastered with sights. King Kong, the name Denham had given the great ape. Denim asked me to be in the audience to introduce me as the captain who shared all the dangers. Driscoll and Anne were also there. Denham said love interest was very important. In spite of himself, he was a brave man and that we had to respect. The curtain went up, ladies and gentlemen.

[Carl Denham]

A beast out of history, out of place, out of time. A sight once seen by cavemen, but never before viewed by modern man. Ladies and gentlemen, King Kong.

[Captain Englehorn]

Frightened by the sounds of a strange world, began pulling at his huge chains. He looked out into the audience and he saw Anne. We rushed her out of the theater. As the crowds panicked, Kong trampled them as he went after Ann. Kong loose in the city police and fire departments useless. As Kong began his search for the. The city came to a stop. No place for sailing. There was no place to hide as Kong raged up and down the streets, crushing everything in his way. Driscoll and I hurried and back to the ship with the idea of getting underway and out to sea. But we never would have made it. Khan, with that logic peculiar to the great apes, made his way to the river into the ship. He saw us. He saw Ann. And then the great monster reached out. He took Anne.

[Carl Denham]

Army Air Force Roosevelt. Field Officer. The base beam. Yes, sir. There's a fighter squadron. Well, I suggest you call the zoo. We don't handle monkeys here.

[Mr. Driscoll]

What?

[Carl Denham]

You're kidding.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Right away.

[Carl Denham]

All pilots, man your planes. Condition red. Repeat. Condition red. This is not an exercise. Repeat. This is not an exercise.

[Captain Englehorn]

Kong destroyed all in his way. All we could do was to follow. It was impossible to shoot at him for fear of hitting Anne. Kong, in a panic, looking for safety, found the only place he thought he would be safe. Slowly carrying Anne gently in one paw, he began to climb the Empire State Building 202 stories into the air, over a thousand feet from the ground. The crowds below were silent with fear. The only sound was Ann. Suddenly from a long way. The sound of hope for the city and maybe the end for Ann. The fighter planes were coming in biplanes, each with two machine guns and a few bombs. Driscoll heard them and started into the building, pushing through the line of police. Dawn was just breaking. And there they were. Nine fighter planes flying straight towards Kong. He held the girl high up in the air. The flames zoomed away.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Red Leader, that thing's holding a girl in his paw.

[Captain Englehorn]

Check.

[Pilot]

Come around for another pass. Don't fire until I signal. Red Leader to all elements. Forget the girl.

[Captain Englehorn]

Shoot the kill. Can't do that.

[Pilot]

Eight million people in their city down there. Only one girl up here. Follow me in, heel off. He's putting her down.

[Crew Member]

My God.

[Mr. Driscoll]

What kind of a thing is that?

[Carl Denham]

You name it, I'll feed it.

[Mr. Driscoll]

Here I go.

[Captain Englehorn]

I could only see Khan put the girl down and hope that Driscoll had pulled her to safety. The fighters, with one plane missing, now continued making their runs on Kong. And he stood there, pawing at them, trying to swipe them out of the air mart. On Bees against a Giant. How much could Kong take? How many bullets? I don't know how long it took. All I could see was Kong weaving back and forth, always trying to fight off the planes. A monster fighting for its life. And then Kong began to topple, to stagger. The police pushed the crowds back. Back. And the planes made one more. And that is all. The story of Kong, King Kong. A yesterday that lived today. A story to frighten children. Unbelievable. Impossible. Incredible. Whatever you choose to call it. But I know it to be the truth. And now you know it. Believe what you want. You can't change the truth.