Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

31 Days of Halloween: 'King Kong' (1933)

Posted Saturday, October 8, 2016, at 10:19 PM

LITTLE ROCK — 31 Days of Halloween!

Here is a countdown of some of the most influential, terrifying, disgusting and entertaining horror films over the last 100 years.

No. 23: "King Kong" (1933)

Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, the giant ape King Kong is discovered on the mysterious Skull Island by the ambitious director Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong). But Kong's love for the young ingenue Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) leads to a deadly confrontation atop the Empire State Building.

Co-starring: Bruce Cabot, Frank Reicher and Noble Johnson.

Runtime: 100 minutes

Rated: Unrated

TRIVIA:

- Kong's famous howl was the combination of both a lion and tiger roaring, at the same time. However, the sound effect was played backwards, and more slowly, to achieve Kong's unique noise.

- The King of Skull Island does not appear on film until 47 minutes into the motion picture.

- "King Kong" grossed $90,000 on its opening weekend back in 1933, which was the largest film debut at the time. The movie's success saved RKO studio from bankruptcy.

- Kong was actually several 18 to 22-inch models made from a metal skeleton, rubber and foam, with rabbit fur for his hairy exterior. A small 22-inch, but essential prop, from the film sold for about $203,000 at auction in 2009.

- If you went to see the original 1933 release of "King Kong," it would have cost you approximately 35 cents.

- The original laserdisc edition of "King Kong" contains the first audio commentary accompaniment to a motion picture ever.

- Actress Jean Harlot was offered the lead of Ann, but refused to play the part. Frances Lee was also considered for the role, but she lost out to Wray.

- "King Kong" was the feature film debut of actor Bill Williams (Deadline at Dawn, Rio Lobo, The Adventures of Kit Carson), but his name does not appear in the credits. Williams portrayed one of the NYC theatergoers.

- It's often argued that "King Kong" is more of an adventure flick than horror film. Clearly, with today's subgenres, "Kong" falls into the Giant Monster Movie classification. Still don't believe it is a horror movie? Take this into consideration. Body count in the 1933 version of King Kong: 40 deaths.