King Kong Notes

King Kong has always been lucky at box office. In its first weekend in 1933, the film took $90.000, the biggest opening of its era. It Went on to generate $1.7 million - more than double its cost. Even the derided 1976 remake, earned $80 million worldwide, almost three times the cost of making the film. Peter Jackson's King Kong is now vying for the title of most expensive film made. The budget is estimated at L207 million, more than the L200 million of Titanic or Spider Man 2. Only Superman Returns, due next year, will be more expensive with a rumoured budget of $250 million. While great risks have often been accompanied by huge rewards- Gone with the Wind cost $3.9 million and then made $200 million. Big budgets do not guarantee box office triumph. In 1980 Heaven's Gate, a bleak anti-western which cost $44 million, took just $3.5 million at cinemas.