A return to "King Kong" territory, with Oscar-winning special effects by "Kong"'s main wizard Willis O'Brien, is bubblegum, bubble-headed nonsense, though viewed strictly as matinée fodder does entertain in its gaudy fashion. Campy plot has Terry Moore and her humongous pet gorilla lured out of their African seclusion for stardom in the big city, but things predictably go awry. Silly, occasionally slow-moving picture with a decent cast. Moore is a good sport (if not a first-rate actress) and the effects (with help from Ray Harryhausen) are fantastic. Impressionable viewers should be awed. Remade in 1998. **1/2 from ****
Review of Mighty Joe Young
