This quickly produced sequel is a meager attempt to cash in on the name. Denham returns, again played by Robert Armstrong, now ruined after Kong's rampage, decides to board a ship to get away from his troubles. After a crew revolt, he becomes stranded on Skull Island, along with a few shipmates. Here they find the Son of Kong, a white haired, friendly, and playful beast.
Sequences featuring this cuter version of Kong are usually cut short to save on the budget and time. He fights a few original monster creations to protect the small crew, which he has now befriended. All of the action stays on the island, as Kong makes a sacrifice to save his friends. It's not completely without merit, as the special effects are still magnificent, made more so when the realization sets in of the time and financial constraints.
Mighty Joe Young (1949)
Though not technically part of the King Kong sequel line, this new creation was directed and written by the same team. Even Robert Armstrong returns, though playing a different role than his characters previously. This time, Jill Young (Terry Moore) raises a baby gorilla, one that grows to around 15 feet. It's a smaller gorilla than previously featured; bringing a cute charm and childlike nature that was lost on Son of Kong. Armstrong's character named Max O'Hara travels to Africa and discovers the gentle giant, and convinces Jill to allow him to take him to America. Joe Young's show is a smashing success, until a group of drunks angers him and he escapes.
The special effects here are beyond most of what was accomplished previously, more ambitious in scope. The animation has been improved significantly, and the process allows for amazing facial expression. An aging Willis O'Brien and his protégé Ray Harryhausen perform the animation, and this is the type of film that is a perfect example of their craft. O'Brien's career would end with the Giant Behemoth in 1959. He passed away in 1962 of a heart attack.