This Week in History: 1933 – A giant ape climbs the Empire State

Eighty-six years ago a giant ape was unleashed on New York City.
The premiere of King Kong was such a big event it was staged at the 6,200-seat Radio City Music Hall. Even that wasn’t big enough for the anticipated crowds, so the film was also shown at Radio City’s second theatre, the 3,500-seat New Roxy.
An ad in the New York Times the next day said over 50,000 people had turned out opening day.
“Seasoned picture fans sat fascinated, watching the most thrilling climax they had