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King Kong

  • 19761976
  • PGPG
  • 2h 14m
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
32K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,371
263
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
King Kong (1976)
Trailer for this remake
Play trailer2:31
1 Video
99+ Photos
  • Adventure
  • Horror

A petroleum exploration expedition comes to an isolated island and encounters a colossal giant gorilla.A petroleum exploration expedition comes to an isolated island and encounters a colossal giant gorilla.A petroleum exploration expedition comes to an isolated island and encounters a colossal giant gorilla.

IMDb RATING
5.9/10
32K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,371
263
  • Director
    • John Guillermin
  • Writers
    • James Ashmore Creelman(based on the {1933} screenplay)
    • Ruth Rose(based on the {1933} screenplay)
    • Merian C. Cooper(from an idea conceived by)
  • Stars
    • Jeff Bridges
    • Charles Grodin
    • Jessica Lange
Top credits
  • Director
    • John Guillermin
  • Writers
    • James Ashmore Creelman(based on the {1933} screenplay)
    • Ruth Rose(based on the {1933} screenplay)
    • Merian C. Cooper(from an idea conceived by)
  • Stars
    • Jeff Bridges
    • Charles Grodin
    • Jessica Lange
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 255User reviews
    • 120Critic reviews
    • 61Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 2 Oscars
      • 5 wins & 3 nominations total

    Videos1

    King Kong (1976)
    Trailer 2:31
    King Kong (1976)

    Photos122

    Rick Baker in King Kong (1976)
    Jessica Lange in King Kong (1976)
    Jessica Lange in King Kong (1976)
    Jessica Lange in King Kong (1976)
    Jessica Lange in King Kong (1976)
    "King Kong" Jessica Lange 1976 Paramount
    "King Kong" Jessica Lange 1976 Paramount
    "King Kong" Jessica Lange 1976 Paramount
    "King Kong" Jessica Lange 1976 Paramount
    Jessica Lange in King Kong (1976)
    King Kong (1976)
    King Kong (1976)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Jeff Bridges
    Jeff Bridges
    • Jack Prescottas Jack Prescott
    Charles Grodin
    Charles Grodin
    • Fred Wilsonas Fred Wilson
    Jessica Lange
    Jessica Lange
    • Dwanas Dwan
    John Randolph
    John Randolph
    • Captain Rossas Captain Ross
    Rene Auberjonois
    Rene Auberjonois
    • Bagleyas Bagley
    Julius Harris
    Julius Harris
    • Boanas Boan
    Jack O'Halloran
    Jack O'Halloran
    • Joe Perkoas Joe Perko
    Dennis Fimple
    Dennis Fimple
    • Sunfishas Sunfish
    Ed Lauter
    Ed Lauter
    • Carnahanas Carnahan
    Jorge Moreno
    Jorge Moreno
    • Garciaas Garcia
    Mario Gallo
    Mario Gallo
    • Timmonsas Timmons
    John Lone
    John Lone
    • Chinese Cookas Chinese Cook
    Garry Walberg
    Garry Walberg
    • Army Generalas Army General
    John Agar
    John Agar
    • City Officialas City Official
    Keny Long
    • Ape Masked Manas Ape Masked Man
    Sid Conrad
    • Petrox Chairmanas Petrox Chairman
    George Whiteman
    • Army Helicopter Pilotas Army Helicopter Pilot
    Wayne Heffley
    Wayne Heffley
    • Air Force Generalas Air Force General
    • Director
      • John Guillermin
    • Writers
      • James Ashmore Creelman(based on the {1933} screenplay)
      • Ruth Rose(based on the {1933} screenplay)
      • Merian C. Cooper(from an idea conceived by)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    When a research ship is sent to explore an island thought to be rich in oil, paleontologist Jack Prescott sneaks aboard, having heard strange rumors about the island. En route, the crew rescues Dwan, the sole survivor of a shipwreck. When they arrive, they find native people living in fear of a monster called Kong. The natives kidnap Dwan and sacrifice her to what turns out to be an enormous ape. Dwan is eventually rescued, and the ape captured for a gala exhibit. —Jwelch5742
    • giant gorilla
    • remake
    • 1970s
    • full moon
    • woman in jeopardy
    • 125 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • The most exciting original motion picture event of all time is also one of the great love stories of our time.
    • Genres
      • Adventure
      • Horror
    • Certificate
      • PG
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      For shots of Kong holding Jessica Lange, the filmmakers built giant hydraulic gorilla arms. The hands were six feet across, and the arms weighed 1,650 lbs. (750 kg.) each. They weren't ready until shooting was well underway. When they were finally built, Dino De Laurentiis was invited to the set to witness a test. He walked into the studio, and a giant arm extended in his direction. Then the middle finger slowly uncurled and extended itself. De Laurentiis broke up. So did the arm; it was frozen, finger up, for a week.
    • Goofs
      Although the story spans several days to several weeks, it is always full moon.
    • Quotes

      Dwan: How can I become a star because of... because of someone who was stolen off that gorgeous island and locked up in that lousy oil tank?

      Fred Wilson: Its not *someone*! Its an animal, a beast who tried to rape you.

      Dwan: Thats not true. He risked his life to save me.

      Fred Wilson: He tried to rape you honey. And before you cry a lot, you should ask the natives on that island what they thought of losing Kong.

      Jack Prescott: Actually, they'll miss him a lot.

      Fred Wilson: Like leprosy.

      Jack Prescott: No, you're dead wrong. He was the terror, the mystery of their lives, and the magic. A year from now that will be an island full of burnt-out drunks. When we took Kong we kidnapped their god.

    • Crazy credits
      Jessica Lange received an "Introducing" credit, as this was her acting debut.
    • Alternate versions
      The Film had 45 extra minutes of footage added to it for its two part TV premiere.
    • Connections
      Edited into Death Ship (1980)
    • Soundtracks
      Love Theme from King Kong
      Written and produced by Barry White
      Performed by Love Unlimited Orchestra
      © 1976 20th Century Fox Records Inc.
      © Renewed UMG Recordings Inc.

    User reviews255

    Review
    Top review
    6/10
    Not a threat to the 1933 version, but not bad...
    Expedition team on an island in the Indian Ocean discovers a gigantic gorilla. Worthy remake of the 1933 classic doesn't quite have the heart of the original, although newcomer Jessica Lange is a terrific update of the Screaming Mimi (she takes a tougher, more ballsy approach to the part and is quite fetching). Screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr. Had a lot to live up to, but he does a very decent job introducing the new characters. Still, memories of the original Kong and Fay Wray are tough to abandon. Two Oscar nominations: for Best Sound and Richard H. Kline's cinematography. The special effects team received a Special Achievement Oscar for their work. One BAFTA nomination: Best Production Design. Oddly, no nominations for John Barry's rousing score. **1/2 from ****
    helpful•4
    0
    • moonspinner55
    • Sep 14, 2021

    FAQ14

    • What is 'King Kong' about?
    • Is 'King Kong' based on a book?
    • Where is Kong's island located?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 17, 1976 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Facebook
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • King Kong: The Legend Reborn
    • Filming locations
      • Kaua'i, Hawaii, USA
    • Production company
      • Dino De Laurentiis Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $24,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $52,614,445
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $7,023,921
      • Dec 19, 1976
    • Gross worldwide
      • $52,614,445
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 14 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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