King Kong is a giant ape monster who first appeared in the 1976 Paramount and De Laurentiis film King Kong. The story of the original 1933 film is retold and updated in this remake set in the modern day. Kong reappeared in a sequel to this film ten years later, King Kong Lives, which chronicles his revival through medical science and his discovery of a mate.
A colossal ape regarded with fear in the accounts of explorers who dared sail to "the beach of the skull," Kong was found to be very real by the crew of the Petrox Explorer, a ship sent by a petrochemical corporation to the previously uncharted island in search of hidden oil deposits. The crew along with castaway Dwan and stowaway photographer Jack Prescott discovered an inhabited village on the island guarded by a huge wooden wall. They learned that the natives worshiped the gigantic anthropoid called Kong as their deity and ritually sacrificed women to be his "brides." The native's shaman took an interest in the beautiful blonde Dwan and arranged to have her kidnapped and offered to Kong. Dwan was horrified when she found herself face-to-face with the 50 foot ape. Kong abducted Dwan and took her into the jungle, where she gradually learned that Kong was no monster but an intelligent and lonely being with a gentle soul. Dwan befriended Kong though she rejected his romantic advances, while Jack and the crew crossed the island to save her. Kong killed many of the pursuers before bringing Dwan to his mountain lair where he prepared to undress his bride. He was interrupted by a giant boa which menaced Dwan, forcing him to battle it. Jack rescued Dwan during the struggle and escaped with her to the village, with Kong in hot pursuit after killing the snake. With the oil deposits on the island worthless, Petrox executive Fred Wilson chose to spring a trap for Kong and return him to civilization as a publicity tool for the company. The trap was successful and Kong was brought to New York City aboard a Petrox oil tanker. The beast was put on display in a publicity event also starring Dwan, but Kong became enraged when he saw reporters crowding around Dwan and broke free of his restraints. Kong killed many as he ran loose through the city searching for Dwan. He finally grabbed her once again and scaled the World Trade Center, which resembled his island lair. The U.S. Army deployed UH-1 Iroquois helicopters to deal with Kong while he was trapped. Knowing his end was near, Kong set his love down and shielded her as he was riddled with machine gun fire before falling off the top of the North Tower into the plaza below, seemingly perishing once his heart ceased beating.
However, Kong was kept alive in an advanced medical facility in Atlanta for ten years under the care of Dr. Amy Franklin. She believed Kong could be saved by an artificial heart transplant, but would not survive the procedure without a blood transfusion from a compatible donor. Fortunately, adventurer Hank Mitchell discovered a female member of Kong's species, dubbed "Lady Kong" in Borneo. Lady Kong was captured and her blood used to ensure the success of Kong's heart transplant. Revitalized and conscious once more, Kong escaped the facility with Lady Kong, who quickly became his mate. The two giant apes terrorized the surrounding area as they carried out their strange form of romantic courtship. Dr. Franklin learned Kong's articial heart was failing as the U.S. Army prepared an operation to destroy Kong and his mate. Lady Kong went into labor with Kong's son and was kept safe in a barn as Kong himself bravely held off the Army's assault. Mortally wounded in the battle, Kong was able to see his mate and infant son Baby Kong before finally passing away. Kong lived on through his family, who were transported back to Borneo to live happily together.
