Mighty Joe Young Movie Review

Tongue-in-cheek King Kong variation features giant ape brought to civilization and exploited in a nightclub act, whereupon things get darned ugly. Bullied and given the key to the liquor cabinet, mild-mannered Joe goes on a drunken rampage, but eventually redeems himself by rescuing orphans from a fire. Robert Armstrong recreates his Kong persona as the hard-nosed promoter – it may be that audiences were expected to think he may have been the same guy with a new name. Special effects (courtesy of Willis O'Brien and the great Ray Harryhausen) are probably the film's greatest asset. Newly restored prints recreate the tinting used in the films fiery climax. Also available colorized.

1949 94m/B Terry Moore, Ben Johnson, Robert Armstrong, Frank McHugh; D: Ernest B. Schoedsack. Academy Awards ‘49: Best Special Effects. VHS, Beta, LV TTC