As Seen On Screen

As Seen on Screen offers readers a chance to see film reviews for the everyman, without all of the clutter and nonsense fed to the average filmgoer. Plain, straitforward, to the point. That's our goal. We offer a diverse catalogue of which to choose from, from silent comedies to modern superhero films. Final note: this is a family friendly blog. We only review films rated G through PG-13, plus the unrated films of yesteryear. So if this sounds like your cup of tea, pull up a crumpet and enjoy. Thanks for your support!

Wednesday, June 27, 2018











     Mighty Joe Young
1949  NR  SCIENCE FICTION  1h 33min
CAST— Terry Moore, Ben Johnson, Robert Armstrong, Frank McHugh
MUSIC— Roy Webb  DIRECTOR— Ernest B. Schoedsack

     What at first seems like a rip-off of King Kong (1933) is actually a film all its own. A young girl living in Africa raises an ape from infancy. A large ape. When a show business promoter visits Africa he runs afoul of the ape, whom the girl has named Joseph Young. The promoter sees not a beast but dollar signs. After coercing the girl to join his act off they head to the States to display Joe to the masses. Audiences rave over him; that is until he escapes and goes on a rampage. Joe’s berserker rage is top notch, while the finale can be a bit sticky sweet. Worth a viewing, if only for a chance to see the terrific special effects, co-designed by Ray Harryhausen. Sure, there are a few elements that come close to Kong, but overall the story has been altered to protect the hairy. Oscar-winner for Best Visual Effects. AKA Mr. Joseph Young of Africa, The Great Joe Young.
OUR RATING— ** ½
REMADE AS— Mighty Joe Young (1998)
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