Lot 463
King Kong (1933, RKO) Billed as "The Strangest Story Ever Conceived By Man" and "The Most Awesome Thriller of All Time," King Kong captured audience imaginations in 1933 and continues to be a favorite with movie fans. Ground-breaking stop-motion special effects, an exotic island, a girl in jeopardy and an unforgettable title character ensured the success of King Kong from its opening weekend in New York, where it earned $ 89,931 in four days (ticket prices hovered at the $ 0.15 mark). The popularity of the movie saved RKO from bankruptcy and provided some of the most enduring images of early movie making: King Kong fighting the tyrannosaurus rex, Fay Wray cradled in Kong's palm and the fabulous shot of King Kong at the top of the Empire State Building.
Lovelace, Delos W. King Kong. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1932. First Edition. 5½ x 8¼". No jacket. Inscribed in black ink "To Lincoln Bond / Fay Wray" on half title. Cloth peeling away from boards at right edge, spine wear, fading with possible water damage to front cover, binding at front and back covers has split, three free pages at front and three loose pages at back, very minor ink bleed to photographs at front and back, minor foxing, toning and soil to a few pages, top of all pages has blackened, pencil marks opposite half title and owner's name penciled on title page. Overall, fair condition.
A highly desirable Photoplay edition of King Kong with some damage, which is compensated for with the autograph of "Ann Darrow" herself (obtained in person by the consignor).
Estimated Value $200 - 300.
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| Realized $150 |
