Dinoguy in the clutches of Kong

Fan Witnesses the 50'th
Anniversary of King Kong

By: Alfred H. Florez, guest web writer

As many of you know, 1998 marked the 65th anniversary of one of filmdom's greatest and most enduring movie stars. Even though the 1933 Academy Award for Best Picture went to a film entitled "Cavalcade", who can ever forget the film released that same year called "King Kong." Just the mention of that name...King Kong, conjures up visions of an immense beast..."something monstrous, all powerful, still living, still holding us all in a grip of deadly fear."

Dinoguy gets an autograph from the lovely Mrs. Fay Wray

As far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the mighty simian. My most prized possession when I was a kid was (and still is), my Aurora King Kong model kit. When I got a little older and purchased my first VCR, it would only be fitting that my first prerecorded video would be...you guessed it, King Kong. I can still remember the thrill of seeing all of the censored scenes that, up to that time, I had only read about. The excitement of know being able to watch Kong whenever I pleased was unbelievable. I had reached the epitome of my Kong obsession (or so I thought).

Surrounded by fans, Fay Wray waits for the movie to start

One spring morning in 1983, I was awakened dark and early by my alarm clock. Little did I know that this was not going to be any ordinary "let's get ready for work" day. Amidst a semi-conscious state, I was able to hear something about a 50th birthday celebration in Hollywood for the one and only King Kong. Surprisingly enough, I was able to memorize a phone number that offered more information. Needless to say, I was on the phone in a matter of seconds. You could not have imagined my elation when the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce informed me that it was planning a Golden Anniversary Celebration at the world famous Chinese Theater. I drove out to Hollywood that very day to purchase my tickets.

Mann's Chinese Theatre

When the big day finally arrived, I ditched...ah, left work a little early, and drove out to the event. The program consisted a special screening of the film, plus a champagne reception at the Roosevelt Hotel across the street. The forecourt of the theater was dressed in a jungle motif (as was back in 1933), and the "pie'ce de re'sistance" was a full scale bust of Kong, recreated using the original blueprints! His eyes rolled, his jaw opened and shut as he roared, his lips furled back to expose those "not so pearly whites." It truly was a tremendous sight to see. The special guest of the evening was, of course, the ever radiant Fay Wray.. More than happy to chat and sign autographs for fans, I made sure not to hurt too many people as I fought and clawed my way through the crowd to meet her. Even though the meeting was a brief one, she could not have been more gracious. It was a meeting I will remember for the reset of my life.

The rest of the evening was spent at the viewing tables where Kong artifacts were on display. Movie posters, stills, props, original models, all of the things that made me feel just like a little boy in a toy store. After a couple of hours (and a "few" glasses of champagne), it was time to go home. Clutching my 8" x 10" autograph to my bosom, and bidding a wistful adieu to the evening, I left the event with a little sadness, but with a lot a great memories and a lot of gratitude to the mighty King who has always kept that little boy in me well and very much alive.

Thanks "K"

Anyone wishing to share Kong stories and information with me, feel free to e-mail me at Dinoguy000@msn.com

Animation models and other artifacts on display