Kong Island
Kong Island (original Italian title: Eva, la Venere selvaggia; translated as Eva, the Savage Venus) is a 1968 jungle adventure film (with a science fiction element) directed by Roberto Mauri (billed as Robert Morris). The film was promoted in the U.S. as King of Kong Island.
| Kong Island | |
|---|---|
 Italian theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Roberto Mauri |
| Produced by | Walter Brandi Ralph Zucker Dick Randall Brad Harris |
| Written by | Walter Brandi Ralph Zucker Roberto Mauri |
| Starring | Brad Harris Esmeralda Barros Marc Lawrence |
| Music by | Roberto Pregadio |
| Cinematography | Mario Mancini |
| Edited by | Nella Nannuzzi |
| Distributed by | Better Television Distribution |
Release date | 29 September 1968 |
Running time | 92 min |
| Country | Italy |
| Language | Italian |
Plot synopsis
The story takes place in the jungles of Kenya and its capital city Nairobi. Despite the title, there is no island (and no "Kong"). Mad scientist Albert Muller is experimenting with small radio transmitters implanted in the brains of gorillas that control their minds. These are test subjects with the ultimate goal of doing this to humans.
Diana, daughter of bar owner Theodore (no last name is mentioned) is abducted by apes under Muller's control during a safari. A rescue team led by mercenary adventurer Burt Dawson (Brad Harris) heads into the jungle to find her. Along the way his group is attacked by hostile natives and Burt is captured. After he escapes, Burt meets a legendary white jungle girl the natives call the Sacred Monkey (In the English dubbed version, he first calls her Eve, but later everyone refers to her as Eva).
Eva is a Tarzan-like orphan who grew up alone in the jungle. She wears only a leather loincloth and her waist-length black hair covers her breasts. She does not speak English but can communicate with animals and has a pet chimpanzee. She has one of Diana's bracelets and eventually leads Burt to a cave where she is being held prisoner by Muller. This is where the final conflict and resolution takes place.
Unlike virtually every other film which features a jungle girl character, this story concentrates on Burt and his love interest Diana, with Eva confined to a marginal supporting role.
Cast
- Brad Harris - Burt Dawson
- Esmeralda Barros - Eve
- Marc Lawrence - Albert Muller
- Ursula Davis - Diana
- Adriana Alben - Ursula
- Mark Farran - Robert
- Aldo Cecconi - Theodore
- Paolo Magalotti - Peter
- Mario Donatone - Forrester
- Gianni Pulone[1]
Legacy
Contrary to popular belief, this film has nothing to do with King Kong and does not take place on an island. The film is in the public domain.[2]
References
- Poppi, R; Pecorari, M. (1992). Dizionario del Cinema Italiano Vol. 3. Gremese Editore. Pg.203.
- "King of Kong island". desertislandfilms.com. Retrieved 20 January 2008.