Mighty Joe Young 1949

views updated

Mighty Joe Young ★★½ 1949

Tongue-in-cheek King Kong variation features giant ape brought to civilization and exploited in a nightclub act, whereupon things get darned ugly. Bullied and given the key to the liquor cabinet, mild-mannered Joe goes on a drunken rampage, but eventually redeems himself by rescuing orphans from a fire. Special effects (courtesy of Willis O'Brien and the great Ray Harryhausen) are probably the film's greatest asset. Also available colorized. 94m/B VHS, DVD . Terry Moore, Ben Johnson, Robert Armstrong, Frank McHugh; D: Ernest B. Schoedsack.