Big fan of King Kong (1933), it's still great fun and I believe it to be a major influence that changed the course of cinema for the better.I rewatched it again, then followed up with a first time viewing of The Son of Kong (1933). I only recently learned this film even existed through a thread on ye olde IMDb CFB. It's kind of odd suddenly learning of a sequel to one of your favorite movies. I saw the original back when the first remake was coming out in the 70's when I was just a rugrat. It may well have been the first and only black and white movie to hold my attention at that time.This rushed into production sequel is not nearly as grand, but it does have some returning cast and they all wind up on the exact same island, again. Kong's son is less aggressive and there is no iconic set piece such as the Empire State Building scene, but it wound up being a fun romp anyway and I would recommend it, although it is almost in a completely different genre than the first.

When it's all said and done the sequel was at best, fair. Ex-Giant Ape Promoter Carl Denham (Robert Armstong) is being bombarded with law suits and bills from the City that never sleeps, New York. The destruction and carnage done by our previous over sized simian friend King Kong made Carl a very popular fellow with collection agencies and lawyers looking for payment. What to do ? Board another ship with Ship's Captain Englehorn (Frank Reicher) and head for Skull Island and search for treasure to repay those enormous debts. First stop the dutch port of Dakang as the two sailors take a break to watch a Monkey Show followed by a female soloist Hilda Peterson (Helen Mack).Later that night, Hilda's old Man who runs the show goes on a drinking bender with our antagonist, Skipper Nils Helstrom (John Marston)who lost his vessel under cloudy circumstances. The two drunks end up fighting and Hilda's Father is killed. Their tent becomes a blaze. Hilda releases the Monkeys. Denham and Englehorn run into Helstrom who sold them the treasure map of skull Island as Hilda salvages her act gathering up her pets. Hilda realizes there is no future for her there so she wants to join them on the ship Venture on route to Skull Island and treasure hunting. Hilda is refused by Denham but she sneaks on board anyway.With her knowledge of her Father's Death and the ruthless Helstrom aboard a mutiny breaks out and Denham, Englehorn, Hilda and Charlie the cook are put in a skiff. For comic relief the evil Helstrom is thrown off the ship as the remaining hostile crew claims, "We don't need any more captains aboard." The five souls sail on to Skull Island and are greeted by the Hostile Natives who also have their version of legal action against the marked Denham with spears. They sail off to the other end of the Island and our story begins. It takes about 45 minutes for the Camera to show our star for the first time . Baby Kong in all his albino skinned glory. Cute and adorable Baby Kong befriends our quests by defending them with giant Lizard. Special effects take over from here. You can only wonder how our story continues but your never frightened of the creature throughout this film. I found myself a little misty at films end. An average sequel as sequels go. Bring on Mighty Joe Young for an encore.

Adorable but inconsequential, this sequel to "King Kong" returns to Skull Island where little Kong is found stuck in the muck and aided by the returning Robert Armstrong and his new leading lady, Helen Mack. Ganar Bruce Cabot and Fay Wray, not even mentioned in this follow-up. Mack is the daughter of a drunken owner of a second rate vaudeville show where the lead attraction is a cute band made up of spider monkeys. After her father is killed, Mack agrees to return to civilization, but secretly stows away on Armstrong's ship, on its way back to Skull Island. It appears that following Kong's death after falling off the Empire State Building, Armstrong ended up as destitute because of all the lawsuits filed against him. He must attempt to make a new adventure to restore his reputation, and this is where his return to school island comes in.More prehistoric creatures return to fight baby Kong here, and this time, the combination of special effects and science fiction is played for laughs. Baby sure is cute, but the but the results are not as successful the second time around. Even in 1933, RKO Radio saw big bucks in continuing the calling Adventures. while the sequel is certainly entertaining, the way it is rush together seems obvious and lessen the impact.Eagle beaked character actor Clarence Wilson, best known for being WC Fields nemesis in the same year as "Tillie and Gus", plays max alcoholic father who is Kittles after one of Armstrong's men betray him. Wilson gives perhaps the best performance in the film. at just over an hour, it seems to me what RKO Radio was determined to rake in more cash after the success of the first film, you didn't really come up with an original idea. If it curiosity of course, and very cute in spots, but when view side by side with the original comes off as a disappointment.

The story of KING KONG (1933) does not demand a sequel, but that's never stopped Hollywood. Impossible to live up to its groundbreaking predecessor, SON OF KONG (1933) is a nice little adventure flick that serves as an epilogue to the earlier film.The movie picks up where KING KONG left off and focuses on ruined showman Carl Denham dealing with the fallout after his giant ape runs amok in New York City. He faces lawsuits and jail time and has boarded himself off from the public. He even feels remorse for his actions in the first film.Denham is reunited with Captain Englehorn and the two sail away from the scandal. Before long they learn about a treasure hidden on Kong's island and decide to return for it. Back on the savage island, the group encounters giant prehistoric monsters, dangerous jungle terrain, and a young white-haired Kong gorilla.Robert Armstrong returns as Carl Denham, with Frank Reicher reprising his role as Englehorn. They are joined this time around by Helen Mack, a cute brunette. The creative team behind KING KONG is back again, but limited by a smaller budget for this quick follow-up (released the same year as its predecessor). Willis O'Brien's stop-motion creature effects are back, but there's relatively little time spent in the jungle.The filmmakers take a more sympathetic approach to the beast this time. Kong Jr. is made to be more likable than his old man. He's given a childlike innocence and a pleasant disposition. (The sometimes comical touch given to the white-haired Kong reminded me of the bumble snow monster from RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER.) Spurred on by Helen Mack's character, whose father had a circus act with animals, Denham aids the giant gorilla. Feeling sorry for bringing about the elder Kong's demise, Denham figures he owes something to Junior. This kinder, gentler Kong proves to be a useful ally. The girl is not afraid of the giant ape and her understanding allows Denham to reform and possibly redeem himself.This sequel is short and sweet, only 70 minutes long. It's not at all essential to viewers of the original KONG, but it's a neat curiosity. A little-known follow-up that ultimately brings the Skull Island saga to a close. The character of Carl Denham gets a nice little resolution. Not in the same league as the earlier film, the movie is still rather enjoyable. Helen Mack sure is a cutie. I'll have to watch out for her other films.6+/10