King Kong opens across the U.S. in 1933. The classic horror film is known as much for its pioneering special effects as it is for its take on Beauty and The Beast, featuring Fay Wray as Hollywood’s first “Scream Queen.” The film’s success spawned one direct sequel, Son of Kong, a spinoff, Mighty Joe Young, and multiple remakes, as well as an animated series and Broadway musical. The film is on several all-time lists and in 1991 was added to the National Film Registry.
This Day in Halloween: Horror classic "King Kong" opens across the U.S. in 1933. / Illustration by Ari Fuyumuro