1930's King Kong at Auction

AP photo/Christie's Images Ltd. 2009, HO

From AP News:

King Kong figurine used in 1930s movie up for sale
By RAPHAEL G. SATTER

LONDON — A tiny King Kong figurine that helped launch the career of one of cinema's biggest monsters is going up for sale, Christie's auction house said Friday.

The London auctioneer said the 22-inch (56-centimeter) skeleton was the one used in the climactic scene of the 1933 movie in which the humongous ape climbs New York's Empire State Building, clutching a blonde starlet and swatting away fighter planes.

"King Kong" wowed 1930s audiences with groundbreaking special effects that appeared to show the titular beast brawling with dinosaurs and cutting a swathe of destruction through New York City.

Much of the credit goes to Willis O'Brien, then chief technician at RKO studios, who created the monster by adding layers of cotton, rubber, liquid latex and rabbit's fur to a metal armature.

The figurines were then filmed one frame at a time, moving them ever-so-slightly between shots to give the illusion of movement.

Although several such models were used in the film, Christie's spokeswoman Jo Swetenham said this one was thought to be the largest. She added that the monster's fleshy covering has since rotted away.

The movie spawned a series of sequels and remakes, including a 1976 version starring Jeff Bridges and Peter Jackson's computer-wizardry packed "King Kong" with Jack Black, Naomi Watts and Adrien Brody.

The skeletal miniature may lack Kong's heft, but it still comes with a kingly price tag.

Christie's said it hopes to get up to 150,000 pounds (about $240,000) from the figure's sale. Fans can bid for the artifact at the auctioneer's popular culture sale on Nov. 24.



**I've always loved the original King Kong film, the story is so emotional and dramatic. Plus, I love old movie props so I am curious to see how much this goes for! I hope some collector will cherish it, or maybe display it for others to see! In this age of electronics and CGI effects, studying primitive animatronics is a lot of fun. Really, it was ahead of it's time during filming.

UPDATE 11-27-09

Kong sold for 121,000 pounds ($200,000) at a London auction Tuesday Nov. 24

Audrey Hepburn

Photo: KM Archive/Getty Images

There are some new photo galleries at Life.com featuring Audrey Hepburn. Please visit the gallery for information on Audrey and the rare and delightful photos themselves!

Audrey Hepburn's Hunky Leading Men here.

Audrey Hepburn: Making Sabrina here.

Audrey Hepburn at Her Most Stunning here.
Audrey Hepburn's Romantic Life here.
Audrey Hepburn: Making Funny Face here.

How to Look Like Audrey Hepburn here.

Very special thanks to Colleen at Time Inc.! xo

DCBC #4

After finding this picture of Clark Gable, I have decided to induct him into my illustrious Dead Celebrity Boyfriend Club. He joins fellow members Nat Pendelton, Wallace Beery and Bob Hope. Who is on your list?

Giveaway Winner

The winner for the MAC prize is:

Emily from Cambridge, MA!

Thank you to all who entered! xo

Giveaway

I had taken a hiatus from doing giveaways, but am starting them up again! I have a wonderful rich fall collection that includes:

MAC Notable Blush (brownish rose)

MAC Cocomotion Pigment (metallic bronze)

MAC Full Body Lipstick (sheer brown plum)

MAC #41 Lashes

If you are interested, please email me (found in profile) your name and address. One winner will be drawn at random and as usual, this giveaway is open to anyone world wide and ends Wed. Sept 23rd 12noon EST. Thanks! xo

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My favorite part of the movie is the shot of Dorothy's ruby slippers as she steps on the yellow brick road for the first time!

John Willie

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Here are some of his covers.

Some more illustrations.

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Boston 1920's

Here is a fun blog to check out~ Shopping Days in Retro Boston is a nostalgic look at the glory days of elegant department stores and fine shopping in downtown Boston!

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Jane Russell turns 88

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Happy Birthday Jane!

last photo by Getty images

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2009

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The D&G show was held at Cinema Metropol in Milan, the theatre where Maria Callas recorded Bellini's Norma in 1954. Her spirit never left it seems, as the severely romantic Opera Star was their muse and inspiration. So much so, her face is seen on some of the pieces, as are playbills for classic Italian Operas including Verdi's La Traviata and Bellini's I Puritani. Bellissimo!

Dolce & Gabbana

D&G

photos Style.com