The Case:
A Washington resident owns an old movie camera he believes could have been used to film the original version of 'King Kong.'
1933: The height of the Great Depression. The movie 'King Kong' storms into theaters and audiences soon forget their troubles as they watch in horror and fascination. Kong rampages through New York City, climbs the city’s tallest building and reaches into their very homes.
Nothing like it had been seen before. The movie was a milestone in story-telling and a pioneer in special effects, and helped to usher in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
To investigate the camera's claim to fame, the detectives visit Washington State, San Francisco and Los Angeles, meeting legendary animator Ray Harryhausen and discover the true story behind the infamous ape.
Season 2, Episode 4
Detective:
Elyse Luray
Detective:
Wes Cowan
Location:Lake Bay, Washington
Related Content
Technique:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Drone Propellor
Could this propellor have powered a top secret weapon that transformed modern warfare?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Mark Twain's Watch
Was this watch a gift from noted author American author Mark Twain?
-
Related Investigation
Special Agent Five
How did this tale of robbery and murder help FBI director J. Edgar Hoover consolidate his power?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
John Brown Pike
How did this metal blade spark violent tension between the North and the South?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
GAR Photograph
How did two African Americans come to be part of this photograph in Reconstructionist-era America?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
32' Ford Roadster
Was this car among the popular hot rods that raced out at the dry lakes in the 1930s?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.