When it's all said and done the sequel was at best, fair. Ex-Giant Ape Promoter Carl Denham (Robert Armstong) is being bombarded with law suits and bills from the City that never sleeps, New York. The destruction and carnage done by our previous over sized simian friend King Kong made Carl a very popular fellow with collection agencies and lawyers looking for payment. What to do ? Board another ship with Ship's Captain Englehorn (Frank Reicher) and head for Skull Island and search for treasure to repay those enormous debts. First stop the dutch port of Dakang as the two sailors take a break to watch a Monkey Show followed by a female soloist Hilda Peterson (Helen Mack).Later that night, Hilda's old Man who runs the show goes on a drinking bender with our antagonist, Skipper Nils Helstrom (John Marston)who lost his vessel under cloudy circumstances. The two drunks end up fighting and Hilda's Father is killed. Their tent becomes a blaze. Hilda releases the Monkeys. Denham and Englehorn run into Helstrom who sold them the treasure map of skull Island as Hilda salvages her act gathering up her pets. Hilda realizes there is no future for her there so she wants to join them on the ship Venture on route to Skull Island and treasure hunting. Hilda is refused by Denham but she sneaks on board anyway.With her knowledge of her Father's Death and the ruthless Helstrom aboard a mutiny breaks out and Denham, Englehorn, Hilda and Charlie the cook are put in a skiff. For comic relief the evil Helstrom is thrown off the ship as the remaining hostile crew claims, "We don't need any more captains aboard." The five souls sail on to Skull Island and are greeted by the Hostile Natives who also have their version of legal action against the marked Denham with spears. They sail off to the other end of the Island and our story begins. It takes about 45 minutes for the Camera to show our star for the first time . Baby Kong in all his albino skinned glory. Cute and adorable Baby Kong befriends our quests by defending them with giant Lizard. Special effects take over from here. You can only wonder how our story continues but your never frightened of the creature throughout this film. I found myself a little misty at films end. An average sequel as sequels go. Bring on Mighty Joe Young for an encore.
Review of Son of Kong
