Jessica Lange is in good hands in this rare behind-the-scenes shot of the full-scale animatronic gorilla arms built for
Dino de Laurentiis' production of
King Kong, on the blue-screen stage in 1975-76.
Carlo Rambaldi's much-hyped, life-size robot Kong turned out to be an unconvincing dud, but these robot appendages were actually pretty remarkable feats of 70s engineering...
I don't remember ever seeing a picture of the full size robot.
ReplyDeleteIt can be seen in the film - briefly. During the "unveiling" of Kong in New York. It's the extremely unconvincing creature in the cage.
DeleteI remember it and it's very awkward when they switch back and forth between the robot and the man-in-suit (Rick Baker).
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, you were greatly missed. I love the pic. Regardless of the movies lack of box office success, I have always enjoyed it. Great actors and especially wonderful art work. Again, thanks for your efforts.
ReplyDeleteI have always love the 1976 Kong. I saw it in the theater originally. It's much better than Peter Jackson's drawn out snooze fest.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child my parents brought me to Great Adventure (1983-ish) and there was a full size Kong hand that you could sit in and have your picture taken. I wonder if it was one of these hands?
ReplyDeleteJudith Crist described this movie as "the story of a dumb blonde who falls for a huge plastic finger" and there is that finger. I think the trouble was everyone involved wanted to be taken as seriously as the classic original, except the scriptwriter who seemed to want to make a spoof. But it's not quite as funny as A*P*E - now there was a huge finger.
ReplyDeleteThis is my favourite King Kong movie.
ReplyDelete