Customer Reviews

King Kong (Modern Library Classics)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

King Kong was initially conceived as a screenplay by Wallace and Cooper, but Lovelace was commissioned to novelize the screenplay. It was released before the movie came out. It's a fast easy read non-stop action (like a movie). There is nothing particularly literary since it's just a written version of the movie (indeed it serves to reveal how shallow movies can be compared to literature) but the language is priceless 1930s wise guy with lines like "look here" and "tough egg" and "shove off" peppered throughout (and not in a nostalgic way this is the "genuine article"). King Kong is of course part of the "Lost World" genre which started with H. Haggard's "King Solomons Mines, but the story is most influenced by Edgar Burroughs "The Land that Time Forgot" and Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World". Given what a short book it is (3-5 hour read for an average reader) if you liked the movie this is a great afternoon escape, part of the Lost World canon.

"A four-page photo insert including two never-before-seen images from the original movie"? Four whopping pages? And how did they determine that two images are "never-before-seen"? The photos are actually quite common.

A very odd, low-rent hardcover version of the public domain story by a major publisher. There are (and will be) far better versions available in months ahead - PASS on this.

Okay,

This story is a classic no doubt. But, I was feeling like it was the classic up until the end. The pace is great from the moment the story begins to the most memorable moments on top of the Empire State Building! My only problem is that there was not more time being spent on keeping the excitement going during this gut-wrenching action when Kong is protecting Ann before the DRAMATIC FALL.

Our fearless hero Driscoll is Awesome in a "Indiana Jones" way of saving Ann from the clutches of Kong. The somewhat possessive and obsessive Denham, really shows why he is the master of manipulation with everyone and everything during the whole story on his quest to have the ultimate prize to display for his movie company. But obviously he has compassion at times (which are few and far between) which makes him more realistic than your typical antagonist or cowardly bad man.

The love and romance that takes place between Driscoll and Ann is warm and touching and quite fun in their attraction to eachother. It reminded me of the great movie "The African Queen". I really felt like I was there with them on this journey all the way through ti' ll we get to the famous and classic scene at the end. It just did not hold much water for me. I actually started to view in my mind the end in the 1976 movie version of the same scene and it was AWESOME and climactic on knowing that Kong was so in touch with his feelings for his blonde beauty that he sacrificed himself with dignity and respect. In the book I did not get enough of that. The surface was only touched when it should have been the jugular!

All in all, it is worth reading and worth owning. But just be prepared for a lack-luster ending in my opinion.

Years ago, I had a comic book version of King Kong, and I always thought it was a comic version of the movie. When Peter Jackson's KING KONG was coming out, I heard character names mentioned in that comic that were not in the movie. One of the surprises was discovering that the original 1932 novelization of KING KONG was the basis for that comic version, as well as Peter Jackson's remake. I was thrilled to find out that the book was still available for purchase today.

But this edition's presentation could have been a little better, in my opinion. I love the hard cover and the easy to read typestyle, but two things bother me:

1. This book features an insert of photos from the 1933 movie, but they are all in the center of the book. I think it might have been a better idea to spread out pictures throughout the book, making it an "illustrated" story.

2. King Kong has a distinctive look and his leading lady is Fay Wray as Ann Darrow, yet the cover art depicts a generic-looking gorilla holding a contemporary model. I was hoping for a reproduction of the original 1932 dust jacket. This art is still in existence, and is currently used on the Max Steiner soundtrack CD from the original film.

But having the novelization readily available in a hardcover format is a treat to say the least. Maybe next time the publishers might make a few changes. Please note that the text of this book is available in several different editions, so look for the features you want before buying. If you want a sturdy, durable tome to put on your bookshelf, this one might just do the trick.

Do you love giant gorillas? If you do I have a book for you. I think King Kong should be an award winning book.I love it and if you read it I think you will love it too.The book is about three characters Ann, Denhan, and Weston. But, I can't forget the mighty King Kong. I'm not going to give you all the information but do you know how King Kong gets in and out of the ship and into the town? Read to find out - ages 7 through adult.
By Daria

I've never read a king kong book before, and i have to say i was really impressed. This book started out a little "pathetic" but got a lot better towards the middle. THere eventually is a lot of action at a Place called Skull Island where they incounter the beast King Kong. THe story takes place here most of the story. Although the beggining stunk(bad) it really got better. I can't infasize this enough. I'm really suprised this book hasn't gotten the attention that it should get by today's youth.



Beggining. 2 out of 5
middle. 5 out of 5
End 4 out of 5

The rich and detailed wrap-around cover art is reason alone to buy this novelization. I love its retro feel and the photo insert is a great addition. I think the book has a gorgeous look and as a Kong fan, love to diplay it on my shelf.