King Kong - 1933 Screenplay

[Stacy Dohm]

EXT. LOG - MED. SHOT - DAY

               Denham raises himself cautiously from the shrubbery. He looks
               to see --



               EXT. LOG - FULL SHOT - DAY

               -- the Stegasaurus disappearing in the direction from which
               he first appeared.



               EXT. LOG - MED. SHOT - DAY

               Denham, reassured, moves forward to --



               EXT. LOG - MED. SHOT - DAY

               --the edge of the ravine by the big log. He looks down
               horrified at what he sees, then across. He is startled to see-



               EXT. LOG - FULL SHOT - DAY

               --from his angle, Driscoll rises from the bottom of what had
               seemed a quite empty cave. Driscoll does not at first see
               Denham. He too looks down to the bottom of the ravine, then
               starts to climb up the vines to the top of the ravine above
               the cave.



               EXT. LOG - MED. SHOT - DAY

               Denham's impulse is to call to him, but caution asserts
               itself. He checks himself, looks carefully behind him, then
               back, to see.



               EXT. LOG - FULL SHOT - DAY

               --Driscoll, from his angle, climbing up to the top of the
               bank.



               EXT. LOG - MED. SHOT - DAY

                                   DENHAM
                             (calls, as softly as
                              possible)
                         Jack - Jack Driscoll.



               EXT. LOG - MED. SHOT - DAY

               Driscoll, turns, looks startled as he sees Denham in the
               background.



               EXT. RAVINE BOTTOM - FULL SHOT - DAY

               --Denham on the far side. Driscoll in the foreground of this
               SHOT.

                                   DENHAM
                         Hey -- Jack.



               EXT. LOG - MED. SHOT - REVERSE ANGLE

               Shooting into his face.

                                   DRISCOLL
                             (annoyed)
                         It didn't get you, huh?



               EXT. LOG - MED. SHOT - DAY

                                   DENHAM
                         I got to cover, same as you.
                             (looking around
                              apprehensively)
                         I guess we're safe now.



               EXT. LOG - FULL SHOT - DAY

               Driscoll in foreground, Denham in background.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Safe like a cow in the stockyards.
                             (glances down ravine)
                         There's only two of us left alive,
                         to save that girl.

                                   DENHAM
                         I can't get across now.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         I don't want you to. You got to lam
                         back for some more of them bombs.

                                   DENHAM
                         You wouldn't follow that beast
                         alone?



               EXT. LOG - MED. SHOT - DAY - REVERSE ANGLE

               To get fence.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Someone's got to keep on his trail
                         while it's hot. Maybe I'll get a
                         chance to snake her away -- and if
                         I don't I'll figure some way to
                         signal your party where he's taken
                         her.



               EXT. LOG - FULL SHOT - DAY

               Driscoll in foreground, Denham in background.

                                   DENHAM
                         I guess that's the only out.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Sure it is. Get going now -- and
                         don't get croaked till you give the
                         office to Englehorn.

                                   DENHAM
                             (starts into shrubbery -
                              waves back)
                         O.K., Jack. Good luck.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         See you later...maybe
                             (exits camera left)



               EXT. JUNGLE POOL - FULL SHOT - DAY

               Driscoll plunges into the jungle after Kong. The parrot
               flutters after him. He crosses by the pool.



               EXT. TREE - FULL SHOT - DAY

               Driscoll comes out to the clearing with the tree. The dead
               meat-eater lies there. Vultures are feeding on him. Driscoll
               looks at this. A distant crashing sounds in the woods. He
               listens and realizes it is Kong crashing through the jungle,
               carrying the girl. Driscoll starts after him.

[Stacy Dohm]

EXT. JUNGLE - FULL SHOT - DAY

               Denham makes his way through the jungle, left to right, PAN
               TO FOLLOW, on his way back to the village.

               LAP DISSOLVE



               EXT. MOUNTAIN - GENERAL VIEW - DAY

               Kong crosses foreground of a big shot with mountain and cliff
               in background. Boy pursues on the run.



               EXT. POOL - FULL SHOT - DAY

               ANIMATION & MIN. TO DO

               Driscoll runs through the pool and waterfall set after Kong.



               EXT. BASE CLIFF - FULL SHOT - DAY

               ANIMATION & MIN. TO DO

               Kong comes from the jungle and starts up the base of a cliff.
               (Deadfall set of Most Dangerous Game.) Driscoll runs out of
               the jungle and starts up the cliff after Kong.

               LAP DISSOLVE



               EXT. FISSURE - FULL SHOT - DAY

               DISSOLVE IN as Kong climbs to a ledge from which a great
               fissure in the rock opens into the mountains.
               He is unaware that the boy is following him. He enters this
               fissure with the girl.



               INT. CAVERN - GENERAL VIEW - DAY

               A great black pool lies at camera right. Entrance as at back.
               It has an outlet through the rock through which the water
               pours out in a waterfall. Steep walls of rock rise to an
               immense height all around. A trail leads up camera left to a
               ledge high above. This ledge looks out upon an opening
               through which daylight pours. It is this daylight which
               faintly illuminates the subterranean depths below. Kong
               enters with the girl, passes along the camera left side of
               the pool towards the trail.

               The head of the monster rears out the pool. He stares at
               Kong, who can be seen starting up the path which leads
               towards the ledge above. The monster lunges for the shore and
               starts to glide up the trail after Kong.

               Driscoll enters in the background and at once dunks behind a
               rock.

               Kong places the girl on a small ledge beside the trail to his
               lair. He plunges down over the side of his lair, with a roar,
               to attack the sea monster. Eve Ann is in the foreground of
               this shot, on the ledge.

               Instantly, the water monster winds himself about Kong and
               draws him toward the pool.

               Kong fights to keep himself from being drawn into the pool by
               the monster, whose tail has a purchase in the bottom of the
               water somewhere. He grips rocks with his feet, locks his
               great arms about the monster, crushing him, sinking his teeth
               into the monster's body. The monster in turn winds his coils
               about the great ape trying to crush him. After a few moments
               of frantic struggle, accompanied by hideous noises, both
               lapse into low grunts and hisses as each exerts strength
               against the other.

               It is a question of which will be crushed first. Driscoll in
               the foreground or background of this shot. As the monsters,
               locked in a death embrace, grow still, hardly moving at all,
               FADE OUT.

               FADE IN. THE GREAT GATE - NIGHT - Sailors on guard.
               Englehorn, 2nd Mate and others in group round Denham who is
               sitting on the ground, torn, dishevelled, still panting.

                                   DENHAM
                         --Skipper, I tell you this Kong is
                         the biggest thing on earth.
                         He shook the men off that log like
                         flies.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         All those men lost! Incredible!

                                   DENHAM
                         Driscoll said he'd try to signal us
                         when he found Ann.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                             (groans)
                         We'll never see either of them
                         again.

                                   2ND MATE
                         Don't give up, Skipper. There's
                         still a chance for Driscoll.

                                   DENHAM
                         We'll have to wait for daylight.
                         Then we'll bridge the ravine.
                         Where's that other case of bombs?

                                   SAILOR
                         Here, sir.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         This--this monster that you saw,
                         will he care for bombs.

                                   DENHAM
                         If we can get near enough to use
                         'em, you bet he'll care. Had any
                         trouble with the natives?

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         Yes, just after you left.

                                   DENHAM
                         What happened?

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         We fired a couple volleys over
                         their heads, and they took to their
                         huts like scared rabbits.

                                   DENHAM
                         Gunpowder's something new in their
                         lives, huh?

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         They're terrified.

                                   2ND MATE
                         They've kept under cover ever
                         since.

                                   DENHAM
                             (to 2nd Mate)
                         Briggs, get up on the wall and keep
                         your eyes peeled. We'll start at
                         dawn, whether we get a signal for
                         Driscoll or not.

               LAP DISSOLVE

[Stacy Dohm]

INT. CAVERN - GENERAL VIEW - NIGHT

               DISSOLVE IN on the interior of the cavern. Kong and the water
               monster are still locked in each other's arms at the edge of
               the pool. Driscoll is in the foreground behind a rock. Kong
               manages to exert a last pressure of arms and teeth. The water
               monster suddenly gives a snakey cry of agony and goes limp.
               His coils relax. His head falls back. Kong realizes he is
               dead and extricates himself. He is very tired. He staggers
               towards the trail, takes the girl from the ledge and ascends
               to his lair once more. Driscoll comes out from behind his
               rock to watch this.



               INT. TRAIL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong takes the girl up into his lair, shooting towards lair.



               INT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               This lair opens out upon the mountain side at a great height.
               The opening is the eye of the legendary Skull after which the
               island is named. This shot looking from the opening into the
               lair as Kong brings the girl up into the lair from the trail.
               (Miniature and matte.) He goes to:



               EXT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               --the ledge outside the opening, overlooking the island. SIDE
               SHOT. He sets her down. Then he towers over her, silhouetted
               against the rising moon, he gives a triumphant roar. He beats
               his chest, defying the world outside. Ann shrieks.



               INT. CAVERN - GENERAL VIEW - NIGHT

               Driscoll hears her cry and starts cautiously up the trail to
               the lair.



               INT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Now Kong, in the side angle, squats and takes up the girl in
               his great hand. She tries to run away. He lets her run to the
               edge of the trail, then catches her and pulls her back, as a
               cat might play with a mouse. Repeat this action.  The second
               time, he takes her up in his hand and stares at her.



               INT. LAIR - SEMI CLOSE UP - NIGHT

               Kong stares at the girl with a puzzled, interested
               expression.



               INT. LAIR - SEMI CLOSE UP - NIGHT

               The girl in his hand looks back at him, terrified.



               INT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong, in side angle, begins to pick her clothes off, as a
               monkey might pick a rag doll to pieces.



               INT. LAIR - MED. SHOT - NIGHT

               Ann shrinks and screams as her clothes are pulled off bit by
               bit.



               EXT. TRAIL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Driscoll comes up the trail. He can hear the girl's screams.
               He hurries.



               INT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               The girl is almost naked. SIDE ANGLE. Kong is still picking
               at her when he turns startled.



               INT. LAIR - SEMI CLOSE UP - NIGHT

               Kong looks alert and startled toward the trail.



               INT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong puts the girl down and goes to look over the edge of the
               trail. SIDE ANGLE. The girl at once retreats to the edge of
               the outer edge of the lair, the lair which overlooks the
               landscape without.



               INT. TRAIL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong looks down upon the trail from the lair above, this from
               cavern in train set, shooting into Kong's face and the boy's
               back. Driscoll can be seen below Kong, flattening himself
               into a crevice in the rocks. Kong looks down, trying to see
               him, much puzzled over the source of the noise.



               EXT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               This shot from outside looking in. The girl looks terrified
               as she sees:



               INT. LAIR AND MOUNTAIN - GENERAL VIEW - NIGHT

               A giant meat-eating bird (petrodactyl) high above her,
               wheeling. Girl in foreground here.



               EXT. MOUNTAIN - LONG SHOT - NIGHT

               This shot taken with bird in foreground, ZOOMING down towards
               girl, seen on lair far below, as the bird dives. CAMERA ZOOMS
               with bird.



               EXT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Ann screams as the bird seizes her. SIDE ANGLE.



               INT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong, peering down the trail, hears noise and turns to rush
               back. Boy in foreground.



               EXT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               He catches the bird out of the air just as it starts to fly
               away with the girl. A terrific fight between the two. The
               girl runs back towards the trail. SIDE ANGLE here.



               INT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Driscoll comes up over the edge of the lair as the girl runs
               in. Shot from looking outside looking in. He sees the girl.
               He rushes to seize her. He tries to rush her back towards the
               trail. As he does do, Kong finishes wringing the bird's neck
               and turns to see the intruder.



               INT. LOG - SEMI CLOSE UP - NIGHT

               Kong's face as he sees Driscoll with the girl and roars
               angrily.



               INT. LAIR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Shot from outside looking in. Kong starts toward them.



               INT. TRAIL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Driscoll takes the only means of escape possible. He is on
               the inner edge of the lair, overlooking the subterranean
               pool. Seizing the girl about the waist, he dives off with
               her, just in time to avoid Kong's grasp.



               INT. CAVERN POOL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               They land in the pool and come up. This a shot of surface of
               pool.



               INT. TRAIL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong rushes down the trail after them.

[Stacy Dohm]

               INT. CAVERN - GENERAL VIEW - NIGHT

               Kong, at the edge of the pool. He tries to reach them as they
               swim towards the orifice.



               INT. CAVERN POOL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               His great hand just misses them in the water. They dive. He
               reaches for them again.



               INT. TANK - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               UNDERWATER SHOT as his hand tries to seize them.



               INT. CAVERN POOL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT (MINIATURE)

               The subterranean outlet, through which the water of the pool
               pours out in a waterfall to the mountain side without. They
               comes up just in time to be sucked through it. (Miniature
               figure)



               EXT. WATERFALL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT (MINIATURE)

               They are seen going over the waterfall as it pours out of the
               mountain. They are swept down the torrents below. (Miniature
               figures)



               INT. CAVERN - GENERAL VIEW - NIGHT

               Kong roars furiously. He rushes out through the entrance.



               EXT. RAPIDS - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               The boy and girl are swept down rapids.



               EXT. FISSURE - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong comes out of the fissure and starts down the edge of the
               cliff.



               EXT. TORRENT - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Driscoll pulls the girl ashore. He helps her out, supporting
               her. They disappear into the jungle. FADE OUT.

               FADE IN



               EXT. WALL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               --on Englehorn's party grouped about the inner side of the
               great gate. It is closed. The ship's party have lit a
               bonfire, about which there are grouped with their arms,
               including Denham and Englehorn. At the top of the wall,
               sailors are standing watch.



               EXT. WALL TOP - MED. OR FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               One of the sailors at the top of the wall suddenly grabs the
               arm of another and points as he sees Driscoll and Ann coming
               out of the woods. They are visible in the background. (Double
               print silhouettes.) They look to see --



               EXT. ALTAR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               -- Driscoll and Ann, from their angle, as they come from the
               jungle Driscoll is carrying the girl. (This using set of
               Kong's original entrance.)



               EXT. WALL TOP - MED. OR FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               The sailor who saw this calls down to those below.

                                   LOOKOUT ON WALL
                             (shouts down)
                         Driscoll and the lady -- coming up
                         from the woods, sir.



               EXT. WALL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               A commotion at the foot of the wall. All spring to their
               feet.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         Gott sei dank!

               Driscoll and Ann - as the rescue party runs up to them.

                                   DENHAM
                         Give her to me.
                             (takes the girl from
                              Driscoll)

                                   ENGLEHORN
                             (grasping Driscoll's hand)
                         Good man, Jack!

               Driscoll almost collapses.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                             (half supporting him,
                              pulls flask from his
                              pocket)
                         Here.

               Driscoll takes it, staggers over to Ann. She is lying on
               ground, Denham kneeling beside her. Driscoll bends over her,
               gives her a drink.  She chokes over it, pushes it away.

                                   ANN
                         I'm all right. Oh Jack.

               She hides her face against him.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         Now, now. You're safe. We'll be
                         back on the ship in no time.

               Driscoll is kneeling, holding Ann in his arms. Denham gets
               up.

                                   DENHAM
                         Wait a minute. What about Kong?

                                   DRISCOLL
                         What about him?

                                   DENHAM
                         We came here to make a moving
                         picture, but we've found something
                         worth all the movies in the world.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                             (can't believe his ears)
                         What!

                                   DENHAM
                         We've got the bombs. If we capture
                         him alive --

                                   DRISCOLL
                         You're crazy. Anyway, he's on top
                         of a cliff where an army couldn't
                         get at him.

                                   DENHAM
                         If he chooses to stay there.

               They all stare at him.

                                   DENHAM
                         We've got something he wants.

               He looks at Ann. She shrinks in horror.

                                   DRISCOLL
                             (furiously)
                         Something he won't get again.

               The roar of KONG is heard in the jungle.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         He's followed us!

               Ann screams, Driscoll puts arms round her.

[Stacy Dohm]

 EXT. ALTAR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong bursts from the jungle. Sees them and beats his breast.



               EXT. ALTAR - GENERAL VIEW - NIGHT

               All run for the gate.



               EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - GENERAL VIEW - NIGHT

               This SHOT shooting towards village street, as native
               warriors, alarmed at sound of Kong - which can be heard -
               come running towards gate with weapons in hand.



               EXT. WALL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               The sailors at the gate hear the natives running up behind
               them and snatch up weapons, ready to defend themselves. The
               natives, however, run up, holding their hands, with weapons
               above their heads, to show no harm is meant, shouting "KONG,
               KONG," and indicating with gestures that the gate must be
               closed. Some start to pick up the big pole used to keep the
               gate shut. Before the sailors have time to ask questions,
               another frightful roar and drumming is heard beyond the wall.



               EXT. ALTAR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               REVERSE ANGLE as Kong, in the foreground, pursues the people
               in the background. (Using Most Dangerous Game jungle glass).



               EXT. WALL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               The party who went to meet the boy and girl, with boy and
               girl, run through the gate, past natives and sailors.

                                   DENHAM
                             (shouts)
                         Shut the gate - shut the gate.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         All hands on the gate.

                                   2ND MATE
                             (blows whistle)

               Driscoll runs straight on out of the shot, with Ann, towards
               village square. The sailors drop their weapons to push the
               gate closed. The native warriors, who picked up the big pole,
               now push it against the gate - some sixty of them on it. A
               few others stand by with weapons - leaders, evidently -
               shouting orders and encouragements.



               EXT. ALTAR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               REVERSE ANGLE - Kong, in the foreground, pursues the people
               in the background. (Using Most Dangerous Game jungle glass).



               EXT. ALTAR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong reaches the gate and gets his foot jammed in it as it
               closes. (Miniature)



               EXT. WALL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               The ship's party tries to force the gate shut. Kong gets his
               arm through it.



               EXT. WALL - MED. SHOT - NIGHT

               The arm lifts a sailor and crushes him or beats him against
               the gate.



               EXT. WALL - MED. SHOT - NIGHT

               Sailors at the bottom press against the gate frantically to
               keep Kong out. Kong's foot can be seen blocking the gate.



               EXT. WALL - MED. SHOT - NIGHT

               The great hand drops the sailor, dead.



               EXT. WALL - MED. SHOT - NIGHT

               He falls among the sailors at the bottom of the gate, as they
               strain keep Kong out.  Kong's foot in the shot.



               EXT. ALTAR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong throws himself repeatedly against the gate. It begins to
               wrench loose.



               EXT. WALL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               The sailors press against the gate. They look up, horrified
               as they see --



               EXT. WALL - SEMI CLOSE UP OR MED. SHOT - NIGHT

               --the hinges above tearing loose.



               EXT. WALL - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               They redouble their efforts to keep the gate shut.



               EXT. ALTAR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong makes one last lunge at the gate. It rips loose from its
               hinges --

[Stacy Dohm]

EXT. ALTAR - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               -- and falls in. The sixty natives on the long pole are
               crushed. The sailors run for their lives. They have no time
               to pick up weapons. The few surviving natives with spears -
               the one's nor on pole - also run. Kong stands in the gate,
               snarling, beating his chest. He starts after them.

               Village street, sailors panicking through, taking refuge in
               huts.

               Driscoll and Ann run across, behind huts. Denham runs in.

                                   DENHAM
                         The bombs! Who's got the bombs!

               KONG advances down street, towering over huts. He roars and
               knocks huts aside.

               Men in foreground run.

               KONG tears roof off a hut.

               Interior Hut from Kong's angle. Men cowering in a corner.

               They look up at camera and shriek.

               KONG reaches into hut, picks up a native.

               Exterior, behind a hut. Driscoll, half-carrying Ann. Stops,
               looks back, hurries her out.

               KONG looks at native in his hand, throws him aside.

               Denham runs past after some sailors, one of them carrying the
               bombs.

               KONG knocking down more huts. Driscoll and Ann running,
               trying to keep behind huts.

               KONG sees them over roofs.

               Close-up of KONG snarling as he sees: Long shot, Driscoll and
               Ann clear of village and running for beach.

               KONG starts after them.

               The beach, boats drawn up. Sailors running.

               Denham overtakes them, grabs man with bombs, pulls him
               around.

               Man tries to run. Denham hits him, seizes bombs.

               Driscoll and Ann running toward camera. KONG pursuing.

               Denham steps forward, throws bombs over Driscoll's head.

               Bombs burst in front of KONG. Smoke veils him.

               KONG staggers forward through smoke, coughing. He knocks
               Denham aside with his hand.

               He reaches for Driscoll and Ann, and pitches forward.

               CLOSE SHOT, Driscoll and Ann. KONG'S reaching hand falls into
               this shot, and he's limp.

               Village street. Night. Englehorn and Denham.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         Are you hurt?

                                   DENHAM
                             (gets up, pushes Englehorn
                              aside)
                         Come on. We've got him.

               Village street. Night. KONG's great side, heaving as he
               breathes. All crowd around him.

                                   DENHAM
                             (exultant)
                         He'll be out for hours. Send off to
                         the ship for anchor-chain, Skipper.
                         And tools.

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         What are you going to do?

                                   DENHAM
                         Build a raft to float him out to
                         the ship. The whole world'll pay to
                         see this!

                                   ENGLEHORN
                         No chains will hold -- that.

                                   DENHAM
                         We'll give him more than chains.
                         He's always been king of the world.
                         But we'll teach him fear.
                             (his voice rises
                              triumphantly)
                         We're millionaires. I'll share with
                         all of you. Listen, boys a few
                         months from now it'll be in lights
                         on Broadway -- Kong, the Eight
                         Wonder.

[Stacy Dohm]

DISSOLVE TO electric sign on a theatre, "KONG, the Eight
               Wonder."

               Tilt down to crowds outside.

               CLOSEUPS of crowd.

                                   1ST MAN
                         What is it, anyhow?

                                   2ND MAN
                         They say it's sort of a gorilla.

                                   1ST MAN
                         Gee, ain't we got enough of them in
                         New York?

               Another close-up.

                                   YOUNG MAN
                             (to his girl)
                         I hear it's bigger'n an elephant.

                                   GIRL
                             (chewing gum)
                         Does it do tricks or what?

               Another close-up.

                                   WOMAN
                             (in evening dress)
                         Heavens, what a mob.

                                   HER HUSBAND
                         Well, you would come. And the
                         tickets cost me twenty bucks.

               Long Shot of crowd, zoom forward over their heads toward the
               entrance.

               Dissolve to wings of theatre, shoot toward stage. Ann and
               Driscoll in foreground, peering toward stage. Ann evening
               dress. Driscoll dinner jacket.

                                   ANN
                         I don't like to look at him, Jack.
                         It makes me feel the way I did that
                         awful day on the island.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         I wouldn't have brought you, but
                         you know how Denham insisted.

                                   ANN
                         Of course we had to come when he
                         said it would help the show. Do you
                         suppose we'll really make a lot of
                         money, Jack?

                                   DRISCOLL
                             (fussing with his collar)
                         Enough to pay him back for these
                         clothes, anyway...I never had an
                         open-face suit before.

               Denham bustles in. Full evening dress, silk hat, gardenia. He
               is excited and important.

                                   DENHAM
                         Hello, you're just on time. You
                         look great, Ann. Glad I dressed you
                         up for this show. Hello, Jack. Ten
                         thousand dollars in the box office.
                         How's that for one night?

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Say! That's money!

                                   DENHAM
                         Oh, we're going to do that every
                         night. The newspaper boys are
                         coming in now.

               Group of reporters and photographers come in to Ann,
               Driscoll, and Denham.

                                   DENHAM
                         Miss Darrow, boys. And Mr.
                         Driscoll.

                                   1ST REPORTER
                         It was Mr. Driscoll rescued you
                         from the ape, wasn't it?

                                   ANN
                         Yes. He was alone. All the sailors
                         with him had been killed.

                                   2ND REPORTER
                             (looking off-stage)
                         Alone, eh? Whew! How did you tackle
                         that baby?

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Aw, Denham's the one that got him.
                         The rest of us were running like
                         rabbits, but Denham had the nerve
                         to stand still and chuck gas-bombs
                         at him.

               The Reporters turn to Denham, saying "Oh, you're the hero."
               "Come on spill it," etc.

                                   DENHAM
                         No, lay off me. Miss Darrow is the
                         story. If it hadn't been for her,
                         we'd never have got near KONG. He
                         came back to the village for her.

                                   3RD REPORTER
                         Beauty and the Beast, huh?

                                   DENHAM
                         That's it. Play up that angle.
                         Beauty and the Beast. KONG could
                         have stayed safe where we'd never
                         have got him, but he couldn't stay
                         away from Beauty. That's your
                         story, boys.

                                   2ND REPORTER
                         It's a story all right.

                                   1ST PHOTOGRAPHER
                         How about a few pictures?

                                   DENHAM
                         Wait. I want you to take
                         flashlights on the stage in front
                         of the audience. We'll ring the
                         curtain up now, and I'll make a
                         speech. Tell 'em about KONG and
                         Miss Darrow and Driscoll. Then when
                         I call you, you all come on and
                         take pictures.

               The photographers ad lib. "Sure," "We'll do that," etc.

                                   DENHAM
                         Come on Ann. I want you and Jack
                         there when the curtain goes up.

                                   ANN
                             (shrinking)
                         Oh, no.

                                   DENHAM
                         It's all right. We've knocked some
                         of the fight out of him since you
                         saw him.

               He urges Ann off. Driscoll follows.

               Cut to back of theatre, looking toward stage, curtain down.

               House packed. Denham comes before the curtain. In almost the
               tones of the circus spieler, he begins:

                                   DENHAM
                         Ladies and gentlemen, I am here
                         tonight to tell you a strange
                         story. So strange a story that no
                         one will believe it. But, ladies
                         and gentlemen, seeing is believing,
                         and we -- I and my partners -- have
                         brought back the living proof of
                         our adventure, an adventure in
                         which twelve of our party met
                         terrible deaths.

               Cut to wings of theatre. Reporters and photographers looking
               onto the stage.

                                   2ND PHOTOGRAPHER
                         Holy smoke, look at that!

                                   1ST PHOTOGRAPHER
                         Hope he's tied up good and plenty.

                                   1ST REPORTER
                         Sure he is. Denham's taking no
                         chances.

               Cut to front of theatre. Denham addressing audience.

                                   DENHAM
                         - and now, ladies and gentlemen,
                         before I tell you more, I am going
                         to show you the greatest sight your
                         eyes ever beheld. He was the king
                         and the god of the world he knew,
                         but now he comes to civilization,
                         merely a captive, a show to gratify
                         your curiosity. Ladies and
                         gentlemen, look at KONG, the Eight
                         Wonder of the World.

               The curtain rises to disclose a raised platform, on which is
               KONG, loaded with chains and so fastened that he can move
               nothing but his head. Murmurs and exclamations from the
               audience, a few rise to their feet to get a better look.

               CUT TO medium shot on stage. Denham takes Ann's hand.

                                   DENHAM
                         I want to introduce Miss Ann
                         Darrow. The pluckiest girl I've
                         ever known.

               Audience applauds.

                                   DENHAM
                         There the Beast, and here the
                         Beauty. She has lived through an
                         experience that no other woman ever
                         dreamed of. And she was rescued
                         from the very grasp of KONG by her
                         future husband. I want you to meet
                         a very brave gentleman, Mr. John
                         Driscoll.

               Audience applauds. Driscoll bows awkwardly.

                                   DENHAM
                         Now, before I tell you the full
                         story of our voyage. I am going to
                         ask the gentlemen of the press to
                         come forward, so that the audience
                         may have the privilege of seeing
                         them take the first photographs of
                         KONG and his captors.

               He looks off-stage and beckons. The press men come on.

                                   DENHAM
                         Miss Darrow first, alone. Stand in
                         front of KONG, Ann.

               Ann reluctantly does so.

                                   1ST PHOTOGRAPHER
                         That's it - That's near enough.

                                   2ND PHOTOGRAPHER
                         Ready. Hold it. Smile, please.

               The flashlights go off. KONG roars. Ann looks round in
               terror, with a startled cry.

                                   DENHAM
                         Don't be alarmed, ladies and
                         gentlemen. Those chains are made of
                         chrome steel. He can't move.

               Flashlights again. KONG roars and strains at chains. Ann
               covers her face. Driscoll steps forward to her.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         It's all right, Ann.

                                   DENHAM
                         Get them together, boys. They're
                         going to be married tomorrow.

                                   1ST PHOTOGRAPHER
                         Put your arm around her, Driscoll.

               Driscoll does so. Flashlights. KONG roars, struggles. Ann
               hides her face against Driscoll.

                                   DENHAM
                         Wait. Hold on. He thinks you're
                         attacking the girl.

                                   1ST PHOTOGRAPHER
                         Let him roar. Swell picture.
                             (to flashlight men)
                         Get this.

               Flashlights again.

               With a frightful roar, KONG breaks his chains.

               Everyone stands paralyzed, as KONG beats his chest, roaring.

               The Driscoll grabs Ann, and rushes for door.

               The theatre; reporters, attendants running for safety.

               Audience in panic. KONG roaring.

               Driscoll and Ann through door.

               KONG starts across arena.

[Stacy Dohm]

Driscoll and Ann in street.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         My hotel! Across the street!

               They run.

               KONG pushes down big door. Crowded street seen beyond him.

               He plunges through.

               KONG comes up to hotel. Door is too small for him. He peers
               through big window.

               Driscoll and Ann in elevator going up. She is clinging to him
               in panic.

               KONG outside hotel.

               A woman, several stories above, looks out window, sees KONG,
               screams. KONG looks up, sees woman, thinks it is Ann, starts
               to climb. Woman sees him coming, goes back from window.

               KONG climbing up building.

               A room in hotel, five men playing poker.

                                   1ST MAN
                         Sweeten it - sweeten it.

               They all ante, while 2nd Man deals.

                                   3RD MAN
                         What's all the doings over there at
                         the theatre?

                                   2ND MAN
                         Sounds like a three-alarm fire.

                                   4TH MAN
                         Aw, some movie stunt about a
                         monkey.

                                   5TH MAN
                         I hear the theatre's sold out.

                                   3RD MAN
                         This town sure is full of hicks.

                                   1ST MAN
                         Barnum was right.

               KONG appears at window. They panic.

               Another room in hotel. Ann and Driscoll rush in, he slams
               door. Ann clings to him for a moment, then collapses on bed,
               gasping and sobbing. He kneels beside her.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Hush, Ann. Hush, darling. It's all
                         right. You're safe here.

               KONG climbing building.

               Another hotel room. A woman in negligee at telephone.

                                   WOMAN
                         Yes, Jimmy, it's Mabel - I been
                         waiting for you to call up.

                                   JIMMY
                         Howya, kid. Glad I'm back?

                                   WOMAN
                         You bet I'm glad you're back...I
                         got your postal. Talk louder,
                         Jimmy, there's fire-engines going
                         by. I can't hear...

                                   JIMMY
                         Gonna step out with me, kid? Ya
                         save the evening like I told ya?

                                   MABEL
                         Sure I saved the evening...Nine
                         o'clock'll be swell...And say, wait
                         until you see my new outfit...All
                         right, I'll be there...Say, when
                         did I ever break a date with you,
                         honey...

                                   JIMMY
                         Whatsa matter? Hey, kid, what yer
                         yelling -- Mabel! Mabel! Operator,
                         something's happened!

               KONG at window. He reaches in, picks her up, pulls her out
               window.

               Exterior, hotel wall. KONG looks at her, sees she isn't Ann,
               drops her disgustedly.

               Driscoll's hotel room. Ann sitting on bed. Driscoll kneeling
               beside her.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         We'll stay here, dear. I won't
                         leave you. They'll get him. It's
                         all right.

                                   ANN
                             (gasping)
                         It's a like a horrible dream. It's
                         like -- being back there -- on the
                         island.

               Driscoll puts his arms round her, murmurs soothingly.

               KONG appears in window.

               Driscoll starts up. Ann turns and sees, shrieks, cowers on
               bed.

               KONG smashes window, his hand comes in, reaching. Driscoll
               picks up a chair and attacks hand.

               KONG'S hand knocks him across room, where he lies senseless.

               KONG'S hand drags the bed to the window, picks up Ann, takes
               her out window.

               Driscoll staggers to window, looks up after KONG, turns and
               rushes out.

[Stacy Dohm]

(Changes - 9/6/32)

               Hotel corridor. Denham running toward camera, followed by pop
               eyed bell-boys, clerks and waiter.

               Door to Driscoll's room opens, and Driscoll staggers out,
               almost colliding with Denham.

                                   DENHAM
                         Jack! He's climbing up, outside
                         there.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         He got Ann. He's taking her up.

                                   DENHAM
                         The roof! Quick!

               They rush off.

               CUT TO roof of hotel. Denham and Driscoll run in. They see
               KONG, holding Ann, going over another roof. He goes out of
               sight.

                                   DENHAM
                         What'll we do?

                                   DRISCOLL
                             (turning to go)
                         Fire Department searchlights.
                         They'll keep him in sight.

               CUT TO - motorcycle cops.

               Crowd pointing and shouting.

               Policeman turning in alarm.

               Hook and ladder.

               KONG climbing. Cornice breaks.

               Cornice crashes on man.

               Firehouse, searchlights coming out. Siren.

               Mounted police ride out.

               Crowd in street.

               Searchlights on roof.

                                   1ST FIREMAN
                         Where is he?

                                   2ND FIREMAN
                         He went that way.

                                   1ST FIREMAN
                         He may have fallen.

               Searchlight settles on Kong on distant roof.

                                   1ST FIREMAN
                         There! There he is.

                                   2ND FIREMAN
                         He's still got the girl.

               Another searchlight picks up Kong.

                                   3RD FIREMAN
                         He's turned. He's going back.

               Police station, cops run out with guns.

               Wall of windows, full of heads, craning.

               Cop telephoning from street-box.

               Roof with searchlight. Kong not seen. Light moves to and fro,
               looking.

                                   2ND FIREMAN
                         Where's he gone?

               Two policemen enter.

                                   1ST COP
                         Can you see him?

                                   2ND FIREMAN
                         No. Lost sight of him half and hour
                         ago.

               Crowd in street. Two men looking up.

                                   1ST MAN
                         They say he's disappeared.

                                   2ND MAN
                         Well, what could he hide in?

                                   1ST MAN
                         Gee, I hope he don't come down in
                         the street.

                                   2ND MAN
                         You said it.

               Police Station. Sergeant at desk with phone. Denham and
               Driscoll pacing the floor. Phone rings.

                                   SERGEANT
                             (into phone)
                         Yes? Yes...No, not
                         yet...Headquarters is broadcasting
                         the reports.
                             (he hangs up)

                                   THE LOUDSPEAKER
                         Kong, the giant ape, is still at
                         large. He has not been seen since
                         midnight. The whole city is
                         aroused. We are hoping for a report
                         at any moment.

               Driscoll sits down with a groan and puts his head in his
               hands. Denham rests a hand on his shoulder.

                                   DENHAM
                         Snap out of it, Jack. They're bound
                         to find him when morning comes.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         I can't do anything. Ann's out
                         there -- somewhere --

                                   DENHAM
                         But we're pretty sure he won't hurt
                         her.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         He may have dropped her. She may be
                         lying somewhere.

                                   THE LOUDSPEAKER
                         Attention, all stations! Kong has
                         been seen again. He is on the roofs
                         of the warehouses at 41st Street.
                         He is going toward the East River.
                         He is still carrying Ann Darrow.

               Driscoll leaps up, clutching Denham.

               Phone on desk rings.

                                   SERGEANT
                             (answering it)
                         Yes?...Yes, the report just come
                         in...I don't know. What can we do
                         without killing the girl, too?

                                   DENHAM
                         If he puts Ann down --

                                   SERGEANT
                             (into phone)
                         It'll be daylight in an hour. Keep
                         him in sight.

                                   THE LOUDSPEAKER
                         Kong is going West. He is making
                         for the Empire State Building.

                                   DRISCOLL
                             (to Sergeant)
                         If he goes up there, what can we
                         do?

                                   SERGEANT
                         We won't be able to get near him.

                                   THE LOUDSPEAKER
                         Kong is climbing the Empire State.
                         He is still carrying Ann Darrow.

                                   DENHAM
                         That's licked us.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         There's one thing that hasn't been
                         tried.

                                   SERGEANT
                         What?

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Airplanes. If he should put Ann
                         down -- if they could fly near
                         enough to pick him off -- without
                         hitting Ann --

                                   SERGEANT
                         You're right! Planes -- as soon as
                         it's daylight --
                             (he turns to phone and
                              starts to call)

[Stacy Dohm]

CUT TO planes taking off.

               Crowd in street, gazing up.

               Kong on top of Empire State. He puts Ann down and beats his
               chest.

               An airplane squadron, flying in formation.

               The planes over New York. Pilot looks over side, gives signal
               to rest of squadron.

               Entrance to Empire State, crowd around doors, police holding
               them back. Denham, Driscoll, with two policemen, push their
               way through crowd. They pause in door.

                                   DENHAM
                         Here comes the planes.

                                   POLICEMAN
                         They'll get him.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Can they shoot him and not hit Ann?
                             (he starts inside)

                                   POLICEMAN
                         Hold on. Don't you get on that roof
                         too.

                                   DENHAM
                         Give the pilots a chance, Jack.

               They all exit into building.

               Top of Empire State. Dawn. Kong turns and looks up at a
               plane, roars and beats his chest.

               In plane, shot over pilot's shoulder, as plane dives at Kong.

               Top of Empire State. Kong snatches at plane and drops it into
               street.

               In the street, plane drops and burns.

               Top of Empire State. Kong roars and beats his chest.

               In 2nd plane, observer taps pilot and points. They dive.

               Top of Empire State. Plane banks around Kong, firing machine
               gun.

               Close shot of Kong - he is hit by bullets, staggers.

               Shot of Ann on ledge.

               Another plane zooms past, firing at Kong.

               Close shot of Kong, hit again. He coughs, looks down at his
               wounds. Looks at Ann, reaches as though to pick her up.

               Top of Empire State. More planes zoom down. Kong stands
               erect, drumming on his chest. The planes sweep by, firing. He
               staggers, turns slowly, and topples off roof.



               EXT. NEW YORK STREET - GENERAL VIEW - NIGHT (STOCK)

               Fire engines, searchlight units, police cars, motorcycles and
               what not, speeding through crowded streets with sirens
               blowing. This would be particularly effective in some well
               recognized location such as Times Square.



               EXT. 3RD ROOFS - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Kong, carrying the girl, runs across roofs to the edge of a
               city street. He leaps across the street, or alley, if the
               distance is too great, and catches a window of a building on
               the opposite side. He pulls himself up and continues the
               chase. Crowds can be seen below.



               EXT. 2ND STREET - FULL SHOT - NIGHT

               Confusion in the street below this building as the crowds of
               police, firemen, etc., rush after Kong.

               LAP DISSOLVE



               EXT. 4TH ROOFS - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               DISSOLVE IN on an armed party, including Driscoll and police
               officer, as they rush across roof tops and stop bewildered as
               they see no trace of Kong. The first streaks of dawn are
               tinging the sky.



               EXT. 4TH ROOFS - MED. SHOT - DAWN

                                   POLICE CAPTAIN
                         It's no use. All night we've been
                         after him -- and never got near
                         enough to take a shot.

                                   POLICE LIEUTENANT
                         It'll be daylight soon. That ought
                         to help.

                                   POLICE CAPTAIN
                         Help the ape, maybe.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         There he goes -- making for the
                         Empire State Building.

               Points to --



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - GENERAL VIEW - DAWN

               -- Kong with the girl seen in the distance, going across
               roofs toward Empire State Building background. Probably no
               men needed in this shot, as building gives size.



               EXT. 4TH ROOFS - MED. SHOT - DAWN

                                   POLICE CAPTAIN
                         If he takes the girl up there with
                         him, we're fair beat.

                                   POLICE LIEUTENANT
                         That's right. We can't shoot him
                         down while he has the girl.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Wait a minute. There's one thing we
                         haven't tried.

                                   POLICE CAPTAIN
                         And what is that?

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Air planes. The army planes from
                         Roosevelt Field. They might find a
                         way to pick him off without
                         touching her.

                                   POLICE CAPTAIN
                         You're right.
                             (to Lieutenant)
                         Get to a phone, Tim. Call the
                         field, - burn up the wires -

               As they move away, DISSOLVE OUT.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               DISSOLVE IN on the Empire State Building, as Kong climbs it
               with the girl. The first streaks of Dawn light the sky.



               EXT. AIRPORT - GENERAL VIEW - DAWN

               Military planes as they take off from an airport.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               The dome of the Empire State Building as Kong climbs up.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               The crowd in the street, watching this aghast. There are
               police cars, motorcycles, fire engines, and two of three
               searchlight units, keeping their lights fixed on him. Police
               are keeping the crowd back. VERTICAL SHOT DOWN.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               Kong climbs to stand on the dome, holding the girl. He beats
               his chest, defying the whole civilized world.



               EXT. SKY AND CITY - GENERAL VIEW - DAWN

               An airplane squadron over New York, flying toward the Empire
               State Building. If desirable, this can be done without city
               below, just against sky backing. The planes are pursuit
               ships.



               EXT. 1ST AIRPLANE - MED. SHOT - DAWN

               The squadron leader looking over the side of the plane. He
               waves a signal to the other and dives.



               EXT. SKY AND CITY - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               The leader dives toward the Empire State Building, seen far
               below, Kong is just a dot on the roof. The rest continue to
               fly in formation.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               Kong hears the planes. He turns to look as the squadron
               leader banks about the top of the building, making a
               reconnaissance. Kong puts the girl down and suddenly reaches
               out, snatches the plane out of the air. He crumples it and
               hurls it to --



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               -- the street below. It lands just short of the crowd and
               bursts into flames.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               Kong again roars angry defiance at the world.



               EXT. 2ND AIRPLANE - MED. SHOT - DAWN

               The observer of a 2nd plane taps the pilot's back, indicates
               here's their chance. The military pilot of the second
               airplane fires machine gun as he dives.

               (NOTE: A LONG SHOT of Kong in dome from angle of plane would
               it it's possible, help observer get this over. Maybe ZOOM
               SHOT, plane in background)



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               The airplane whizzes by Kong, firing into him.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - MED. SHOT - DAWN

               Kong is seen from the waist up. The bullet strikes him about
               the chest. He staggers.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - MED. SHOT - DAWN

               The girl watching, terrified.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               Another airplane zooms by firing into Kong.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - MED. SHOT - DAWN

               Again Kong is hit. He coughs. He looks down at the girl. He
               looks at his wounds, realizes he is weakening. He moves to --



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               -- pick her up.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - MED. SHOT

               As he stares at her with a puzzled, hurt look. The he puts
               her --



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               -- down, straightens up, roars defiance up at the planes. He
               coughs as he drums his chest, daring them to come on.



               EXT. CITY AND SKY - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               The remainder of the squadron dive together towards the
               Empire State Building.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               They sweep past Kong with a roar of machine guns. He
               staggers, turns and slowly topples off the roof.



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - GENERAL VIEW - DAWN

               Kong as he falls to --



               EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - FULL SHOT - DAWN

               -- the street below. He lands beside the burning airplane.



               EXT. DOME OF THE EMPIRE STATE - DAWN

               Ann lying on ledge. Driscoll, Denham, couple of cops rush in,
               as Kong goes over. Driscoll leaps across, gets Ann, he is
               incoherent with terror for her. He kisses her wildly, talking
               all the time.

                                   DRISCOLL
                         Ann! Ann! Are you all right? Oh, my
                         darling, sure you're not hurt?

                                   ANN
                         Ad lib.

               Denham and one cop lean over the parapet looking down at the
               fallen Kong.

                                   COP
                             (drawing a long breath)
                         Gee, what a sight. Well, the
                         aviators got him.

                                   DENHAM
                         Oh no, 'twasn't the aviators
                             (Cops looks question)
                         It was Beauty killed the Beast.

               Cop stares at him, very puzzled.

                                                              FADE OUT.

         
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