Svengoolie Season 9 Episode 23 Mighty Joe Young

Svengoolie season 9 episode 23 features the classic monster movie "Mighty Joe Young" from 1949. Directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack, the film is about a young woman named Jill Young who grows up with a pet gorilla named Joe. As she becomes an adult, her friend Max O'Hara convinces her to bring Joe to Hollywood to be a star in his new nightclub act.

However, things quickly go awry when Joe becomes enraged during his performance and escapes into the city. As the authorities try to capture him, Jill and Max race to find Joe and bring him back to safety. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and dangers, including a fire and a treacherous cliffside.

One of the highlights of "Mighty Joe Young" is the impressive special effects used to create the giant gorilla. The film was one of the last projects that used the stop-motion animation techniques pioneered by Willis O'Brien, who also worked on the original "King Kong" movie. The scenes of Joe interacting with human actors are seamlessly blended, creating a believable and compelling character.

Another standout element of the film is the emotional relationship between Jill and Joe. Their bond is genuinely touching and provides the heart of the story. Terry Moore, who plays Jill, gives a strong performance as a woman torn between her love for Joe and her desire to give him a better life.

In addition, "Mighty Joe Young" features a talented supporting cast, including Ben Johnson as Max and Robert Armstrong as the nightclub owner, Mr. Smith. Their interactions with Joe and each other add depth and humor to the film.

Overall, Svengoolie's presentation of "Mighty Joe Young" is a fun and engaging way to experience this classic monster movie. The combination of exciting action, heartfelt emotion, and impressive effects makes it a must-see for fans of the genre. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of giant monsters, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this thrilling adventure.