Queen Kong

Queen Kong, released in 1976, introduces the viewer into a fantastic, playful, gender swapping parody of the classic King Kong storyline. The movie is a British sex-comedy film directed by Frank Agrama and stars Robin Askwith, Rula Lenska, and Valerie Leon. It offers a comedic treat to the viewers, incorporating an array of humorous gags, satirical filmmaking, and elements of a gender-flipped adventure.

The storyline showcases Rula Lenska as Luce Habit, an ambitious, spirited independent filmmaker who is determined to make a super smash picture featuring wild and ferocious animals and braves the unexplored wilderness of Africa to execute her herculean task. Lenska proves to be a strong and independent woman, exuding gumption as she navigates the world of film, particularly in a way that was arguably ahead of its time, considering the era in which the film was produced.

Robin Askwith stars as Ray Fay – an allusion to King Kong's Fay Wray – who is the sole man in an otherwise all-female crew led by Luce Habit. Askwith’s character, Ray, serves as the object of desire and affection in a refreshingly witty and whimsical inversion of the damsel-in-distress scheme.

Before their voyage, the enthusiastic crew hijacks Ray Fay from the streets of London and then travels to the unexplored jungle of Lazanga. Losanga becomes the film's fictional equivalent of Skull Island, substituting the traditional mist-shrouded, primeval locale with an exotic African veneer.

The eponymous Queen Kong is the central feature of the island, a gargantuan female gorilla whose size and strength are inversely proportional to her gentle and affectionate nature. Queen Kong becomes smitten after meeting Ray Fay, the woman-like beast demonstrating a kind of reserved tenderness and whimsical affection that comically contrasts her enormous presence. The relationship isn't as one-sided as it initially appears; despite his initial fear, Ray Fay reveals surprising layers in his interactions with Queen Kong.

The inhabitants of Lazanga, where women are the rulers, capture Ray and offer him as a sacrificial offering to appease the mighty Queen Kong. The characters’ dynamics are constantly shifting, providing an exciting, enduring appeal. The charm lies within the twisted tale unfolding in tug-of-war fashion, drawing viewers into its peculiar yet fascinating world.

Valerie Leon appears in the movie as the High Priestess of the Lazanga tribe, portraying an intriguing and captivating character. Leon lends an exotic, mesmerizing flavor to the film, her character adding a different layer of complexity. The tribe contributes to the film's ongoing gender-bending theme, seen in their rituals, power hierarchy, and general character dynamics.

The film showcases impressive mechanical effects and a person-in-suit method to bring Queen Kong to life. By the standards of the 70s, these were quite innovative. Special effects create a palpable, fictional universe for audiences to plunge. A unique feature about this film is its musical numbers, which add an extra level of entertainment, making it stand out among other parodies of its time.

It should be noted that Queen Kong is not a film intended to take itself seriously. It is a farcical take on the famous King Kong story, with numerous satirical elements dotted throughout the script. Queen Kong's passion for Ray Fay mirrors the iconic relationship of King Kong and Ann Darrow, but with a humorous twist. In true parody fashion, the filmmakers spoke to societal issues of the 70s, remarking on the still-relevant themes of gender roles and the representation of women in the film industry.

This movie, with its quirky humor, cheeky dialogues, and wild storyline, seeks to entertain, causing smirks and chuckles along the way. It revels in its combination of adventure, comedy, sci-fi, and gender reversals, making it a unique entry in 70's British cinema. For those who appreciate British humor and a twist on traditional tales, Queen Kong is an entertaining watch.