Presenting the Eighth Wonder of the World

Before the King Kong film could be made, the idea of the big guy had to be sold to the big guys at RKO. This art was drawn up to do just that. I think it's a gorgeous drawing. Kong was drawn by Willis O'Brien, the skies by Mario Larringa, the city by Byron Crabbe.

It was used as the basis of one of the ads, but it was slicked up a bit, including a sleeker dame in the paw. I still like the above drawing better. 

The above drawing is also by Willis O'Brien and Byron Crabbe, demonstrating a sequence that looked a little different on film.

The book jacket. Imagine reading that on the subway without drawing attention.

Merian Cooper 'dreaming it all up'.