- Title: UNITED KINGDOM: King Kong model up for grabs in movie memorabilia auction
- Date: 23rd November 2009
- Summary: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (NOVEMBER 20, 2009) (REUTERS) SHOWROOM AT CHRISTIE'S AUCTION HOUSE BLACK SILK EVENING DRESS OWNED BY MARILYN MONROE TAG READING 'THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF MARILYN MONROE' POSTER FOR 'THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS' MARILYN MONROE'S NAME ON POSTER PICTURE OF MONROE ON POSTER 'SOME LIKE IT HOT' POSTER HEAD OF MUSIC AND FILM MEMORABILIA DEPARTMENT AT CHRISTIE'S, NEIL ROBERTS, WALKING THROUGH EXHIBITION (SOUNDBITE) (English) HEAD OF MUSIC AND FILM MEMORABILIA DEPARTMENT AT CHRISTIE'S, NEIL ROBERTS, SAYING "It's a general film auction, the first section is vintage film posters, about 300 lots, and then we move into the general memorabilia sale where we have sections for very iconic areas - James Bond, Marilyn Monroe, we have good autographs section, we have great animation section from Disney, original Disney drawings, so there's something here for everybody really. If you've got an interest in movies, there'll be something here for your particular taste." RARE ARMATURE OF KING KONG, USED IN THE 1933 FILM TO CRATE THE ICONIC FINAL SCENES WHERE KING KING CLIMBS THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING SKULL OF KING KONG MODEL HAND MORE OF KING KONG MODEL PHOTOGRAPHS FROM SET OF 1933 MOVIE 'KING KONG' PHOTO OF ACTRESS FAY WRAY WEARING 'BEAUTY' COSTUME IN SCREEN TEST SKETCH OF DESIGN FOR 'BEAUTY' COSTUME
- Embargoed: 8th December 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: United Kingdom
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
- Reuters ID: LVA16S5K4IVLZHH0VAQE6ZGLM6I7
- Story Text: A model of King Kong used in the original 1933 movie will go under the hammer next week as part of an auction of movie memorabilia at Christie's in London.
The eclectic mix includes 290 vintage posters and 160 pieces of memorabilia from all genres and eras in cinema history, and will be auctioned off on Tuesday (November 24).
"It's a general film auction, the first section is vintage film posters, about 300 lots, and then we move into the general memorabilia sale where we have sections for very iconic areas - James Bond, Marilyn Monroe, we have good autographs section, we have great animation section from Disney, original Disney drawings, so there's something here for everybody really. If you've got an interested in movies, there'll be something here for your particular taste," said Neil Roberts, head of the music and film memorabilia department at Christie's.
But the 22-inch model of cinema's most famous ape is undoubtedly the star of the show.
The armature was used to create the stop-motion animation in the film's climatic final scenes, when Kong scales the Empire State Building in New York.
It is believed to be the only such model in existence, and is a remarkable relic from a groundbreaking film.
Christie's has estimated the model could be sold for up to 150,000 pounds (247,460 US dollars).
"The interest is amazing, you know from prospective buyers but actually from the general public of film, moviegoers. You know they just can't believe that this item is still in existence from such an iconic," said Roberts.
A collection of Marilyn Monroe mementoes includes posters from her films, personal letters and items from her wardrobe. A three-quarter length black silk evening dress may fetch up to 8,000 pounds (13,187 US dollars).
James Bond memorabilia is also expected to be popular. A two-piece suit worn by Roger Moore in 'The Man with the Golden Gun' (1974) could attract up to 5,000 pounds (8,250 US dollars) While there's always been brisk trade for vintage mementoes from Bond's early years, Roberts says there's growing interest in the spy's more recent incarnations.
"We've always known that historically James Bond is collectible, from the Sean Connery and Roger Moore periods, but to suddenly find people have taken on board Daniel Craig is great thing - to know that the market is still developing and growing," said Roberts.
A pair of sunglasses worn by Craig in 'The Quantum of Solace' has been given a top estimate of 1,500 pounds (2,475 US dollars).
With photos of screen sirens, personal letters from Hollywood stars, and Harry Potter props also up for grabs, there's something for every movie-lover. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None