From time to time, I find out about a cinema event. One of those cool things that just makes me drool. Remember that George Lucas event at the Smithsonian? Well, personally this is a hundred times cooler. Star Wars, is one of my fave films... BUT when I compare it to the original 1933 KING KONG... well I slobber like no tomorrow. Well the person in charge of the Smithsonian Film Program dropped me a note, telling me about the latest event they have planned. KING KONG and FAY WRAY!!! Personally I think I would just cry the entire time she was onstage. And watching KONG, knowing she was in the audience would be a transcedental experience. Something to hold in the vault of film experiences.
This is the real deal. The movie that singlehandedly gave birth to Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen and Forrest Ackerman. The film that for all time changed them. A film that while 65 years old... is pure cinema bliss. And it's a NEW PRINT!!! This is an filmic event worth driving a couple of hundred miles for. And just for kicks, after the below information I have included the report of TOM JOAD's experience of watching KING KONG, SONG OF THE SOUTH and much more at Geek Headquarters on the tail end of SXSW!!!
I do a film program here at the Smithsonian. (Back in October you covered our George Lucas event which I must say was an amazing afternoon, you should have come.) Anyway, I don't know how regularly you list events but I am starting a series called Nitrate Cinema which will bring classic films along with the living legends who made them famous. We have Fay Wray coming in person on April 29th and we are going to be showing an amazing restored print of King Kong that night. After the film, Fay will be interviewed on stage about the making of the film, what it meant to depression era audiences, etc. Let me know if you want any info more info on the event.
Julia Pelosi
