Original subtitles

(King Kong appears by permission of RKO Pictures)

35th Anniversary Commemorative Release

Toho Co. Ltd.

KING KONG'S COUNTERATTACK (A.K.A. KING KONG ESCAPES)

Producer TOMOYUKI TANAKA

Technical Advisor ARTHUR RANKIN JR. Screenplay TAKESHI KIMURA

Music AKIRA IFUKUBE Cinematography HAJIME KOIZUMI

Starring

AKIRA TAKARADA MIE HAMA

RHODES REASON (Voice: Kei Taguchi) LINDA MILLER (Voice: Akiko Santou)

EISEI AMAMOTO YOSHIFUMI TAJIMA SACHIO SAKAI RYUJI KITA IKIO SAWAMURA

HARUO NAKAJIMA YUU SEKIDA

Special Visual Effects EIJI TSUBURAYA

Director ISHIRO HONDA

My report.

Oh!

Will we be surveying animals on this trip?

No, this is our personal research.

It's not related to our mission.

Why are the two of you so interested in gorillas?

They're horrid.

How about a gorilla twenty meters tall?

Would you be interested in that?

Twenty meters?

This is Kong.

The mightiest creature on Earth.

But Kong is only a legend, isn't it?

There may be some truth behind the legend.

You mean Kong is real?

I've investigated the island from which the legend came.

The data I collected confirms that a gigantic anthropoid indeed lived there.

And perhaps lives there even today.

Have a look at this.

Isn't this just an ancient ruin?

That's what we thought, at first.

But it was made far more recently.

It can't be more than thirty years old.

What, this?

But who made it, and for what reason, no one knows for certain.

Do you believe Kong made it?

The natives certainly believe so.

And this. An impressive tunnel, yes?

They say this is also Kong's work.

Which island is it?

Its name is Mondo Island. Right here.

Not too far off our current course.

I'd love to stop there for a look.

Unfortunately, we're on a tight schedule.

Our deep-sea oil exploration is important.

We're under orders by the U.N. Research Council.

We can't stop for our own purposes. I'm sorry.

It is like the original Kong in every way!

Powerful!

Able to think and act on its own!

It's a little early to celebrate, don't you think?

Your objective wasn't to build a plaything.

Plaything? Don't be absurd!

This machine is the most advanced feat of engineering the world has ever seen!

If it can't obtain Element X for us...

It will be nothing more than the world's most expensive toy.

Bah! There's no cause for concern.

It's based on the research of Carl Nelson and Jiro Nomura of the United Nations Research Council.

Spare me the trivial details.

I've no interest in monsters.

Hear me out.

Mechani-Kong is based upon a living creature.

One that arranges five-ton boulders as stepping stones and tunnels great caves out of solid earth!

So?

Carl Nelson designed a robot to duplicate its biology and anatomy.

I saw fit to transform his vision into reality.

My government has invested a fortune in you.

It was not for the sake of fulfilling some scientist's pastime.

Of course! I know that.

The Mechani-Kong I have created is even stronger than the original.

Spare me your boasting until it has done its job.

Suppose it fails?

You know the consequences.

Judge for yourself!

I am Doctor Who!

My creation will prove itself capable of feats no other man or machine can accomplish!

All right! Let's go!

Shall we?

Behold! A strong reading for Element X!

Up to now, the hardest efforts of all the nations of the world could turn up no more than three ounces of the material.

Enough Element X to fill a freight car awaits us below.

A ton of Element X, deep under ten thousand tons of ice and rock.

What equipment do you think would be capable of mining it?

It will be worth the cost of building an army of Mechani-Kongs!

The tests are completed.

Results?

Perfect.

With this, your country will become the world's strongest nuclear superpower in no time.

Even the United States and Soviet Union will fear it.

It could take up to five years for us to process the ore.

Six months will suffice.

Six months?

With Element X, any country can quickly and cheaply create a mighty arsenal with which to wield authority.

To think that such a place would see the birth of a new world order...

That's what I thought.

I don't know which country you serve and I don't want to know.

But it will be delightful to see some tiny, helpless land bring the entire world to its knees!

Well, shall we begin?

Yes, sir.

Is it not extraordinary?

The real Kong cannot do what it can.

Is it all right?

Failure is not possible.

What's wrong?

I'm not sure!

Move! Out of the way!

What's wrong?

The deposit is emitting a concentrated magnetic field.

It's too powerful.

Find the cause of failure and fix it!

Examine the IU data! Begin production of the second unit immediately!

Leaving without saying goodbye?

It's better that way, don't you think?

This is not a failure!

Give me a little more time to correct the problem!

Try as much as you like.

However, you cannot expect any more financial assistance from my country.

Very well!

Leave the Element X where it is!

But we both understand there are no other known deposits.

You cannot leave!

Suppose another client comes for it?

Is that a threat?

You've invested so much in this project so far. Do you really wish to throw it all away?

Very well.

I'll ask my government to give you a little more time.

But be warned. A second failure will not be tolerated.

Hey!

Control tower! Control!

Get him out of there!

Hey! Are you okay?

Help the injured!

All stations report condition!

What's the damage? How bad is it?

- Starboard valves all clear!

- Port side hydralics damaged!

Starboard valves all clear!

What happened?

The canyon wall collapsed.

There's danger of additional rockslides.

Right. Prepare to surface.

Prepare to surface!

Prepare to surface! Inclination fifteen degrees!

After we surface, conduct a thorough inspection.

Commander, the propeller shaft's out of alignment.

Thanks.

Fortunate timing.

There's an inlet on that island that's a perfect spot to set anchor.

Let's take advantage of it to conduct repairs.

Oh, not you too!

Why didn't you come get that taken care of immediately?

Oh, it's nothing.

Don't argue.

It's my duty as the ship's doctor!

What's so funny?

Looks like you got your wish. In fact, all three of us did.

We'll be landing at Mondo Island.

Strange. The natives didn't come to meet us.

Do you think something's happened?

Can you understand him?

Yes. They speak a Javani dialect.

He's saying we must not come here.

Warning us not to break their taboo.

"Kong?"

"Bon"... It means "king."

They call him "King Kong."

He says that we're trespassing in Kong's domain.

Then...Kong is alive?

It seems so.

Let's try to track the old man down and see if we can find out more.

Susan, wait here.

By myself?

We have no idea what we'll run into up on those cliffs.

Wait here.

Over there.

Damn!

Hold your fire! Look!

- Kong!

Look at that!

Put me down, Kong! Put me down!

Please, Kong!

Kong! Set me down!

Kong, please!

Put me down!

Susan!

Commander!

Let's get out of here!

Wait! What about Kong?

This may be our only chance! Hurry!

Quickly! If he catches us again, we're finished!

Look out! Sea serpent!

We've lost the stabilizers!

Look! Kong!

All right, control's restored. Hang on!

Take the controls.

Cease fire! Stop!

Cease fire! Stop!

Cease fire!

This is your commander. We're coming aboard.

Give the order to prepare to dive.

Prepare to dive!

Are you all right?

We're okay.

Emergency dive!

We can't, sir! The feed valve's being replaced!

Tell them to hurry!

Hey! How is it? Are you finished?

Sir!

Not yet!

How much time do you need?

Another fifteen minutes!

Fifteen minutes. Work as fast as you can! - Yessir!

He doesn't seem to want to wreck the ship.

He's treating it like a toy!

Commander.

Let me go up.

What do you intend to do?

I'll try to calm him down. Or at least buy us some time to complete the repairs.

Commander, I'll go.

What?

Kong didn't hurt me. He let me go.

Commander, I think I'm the one who should go. Let me try.

Is there any other choice?

Okay. We'll prepare to dive while you distract him.

We've got to escape this inlet. Prepare emergency procedures!

Yes, sir!

Susan...

Are you sure?

Be careful.

Kong! Please don't shake the ship!

I eat and sleep on this ship!

Please!

All systems ready.

Okay. Call Susan in.

We'll dive as soon as you're secure.

Right.

Wait.

Take this. Just in case.

Stop! Don't!

Stop! Put me back!

Please! Stop!

Kong!

No, no! Stop!

I want to go back to the ship! Please take me back!

Goodbye, Kong.

Susan, quickly!

We're ready to go! Hurry!

Goodbye.

Susan, well done. Thank you.

Your attention, please!

We're dropping everything and returning to U.N. Headquarters in New York immediately!

Our report will astound the world's scientific community!

Go change out of those wet clothes.

Kong's still watching us.

In addition to Kong, on Mondo Island there live giant reptiles that have long been extinct on other continents.

One might say it is a living museum of the prehistoric era.

That concludes my report. I will now take your questions.

At this morning's meeting of the Research Council it was decided to dispatch the Explorer back to Mondo Island.

Is this for the purpose of capturing Kong?

No, not to capture him. Our mission is to study him in his natural habitat.

Bringing him to New York would be difficult and counterproductive.

Will this mission have the same crew as before?

Yes. The crew will essentially be the same.

Particularly Lt. Commander Nomura and Ms. Watson, who are already familiar to Kong.

Kong was very gentle with Ms. Watson. What to you suppose was the reason?

Ms. Watson, do you have any thoughts on the matter?

I believe we understand.

You see, no matter what else, Kong is male.

And Ms. Watson...

Well, I'm sure you get the picture.

If there are no further questions, I will now turn over the meeting to the council chairman.

Thank you for your attention.

This is LCM3. Go ahead.

I've decided to give you one more chance.

You've heard Nelson's report, then.

Are you finally convinced of Kong's existence?

This Kong is flesh and blood.

Will he be able to withstand the radiation?

Do not be concerned. It will not overwhelm him immediately.

However, he will not survive.

By the time the work is complete, his life will be all but over.

Are you certain you can capture him alive?

Of course! Just as I have said.

And suppose things do not go according to plan?

I have considered all possibilities.

Of course, additional finances may be required.

That won't be necessary. I would suggest another method.

King Kong seems to respond to Carl Nelson, Jiro Nomura, and Susan Watson.

The only problem is what to do with them once their role is complete.

Disposing of three more bodies will pose no difficulty.

Very well then. We will proceed.

But this absolutely is your last chance.

Value your own life above all else.

We must act swiftly. The Explorer will be here soon.

Are the helicopters ready?

Yes sir!

There!

Ready the bombs!

Ready!

Attack!

Very well, take us down.

Success!

Prepare for transport!

Hurry!

Commence operation! Quickly!

Okay!

Yes, yes. I quite understand.

Target is secure.

Good.

- Lift off! - Lifting off.

Ready to receive!

All right. All right. All right... Stop!

Excellent. Now listen carefully, all of you.

Nelson and Nomura will not take this lying down.

Chief, have the Explorer tracked by helicopter.

Yes sir!

Monitor their communications and keep me informed.

Yes sir!

Kong is still on the island, then.

Yes, he must be.

This wasn't done too long ago.

He might be close by.

Fan out and search.

But whatever you do, don't excite him.

Okay, let's go.

Kong's opponent was human.

This was some powerful stuff.

Lieutenant!

Have some men collect samples.

Kong may be wounded.

We should be able to find him quickly if he's down. Everyone start searching!

All right, spread out!

I hope Kong got away.

Yes. Looks like they attacked from the air.

Commander! Commander!

Susan!

Water.

He's been shot.

Can you do anything for him?

What did he say?

He said that a withered, skeletal devil with the eyes of a rat carried Kong away into the sky.

Lieutenant!

See that he has a decent burial.

No other natives around.

Seems like he was the last one.

Too bad we didn't find him sooner. Maybe he could've told us more.

He told us enough. I understand who the culprit is.

This is the work of that infamous international fugitive, Doctor Who.

Transmit this to headquarters right away.

Aye aye.

Commander! We have a reply from U.N. Headquarters.

"Proceed immediately to Station 6318 North for investigation by the nearest field office."

That's Tokyo.

An Asian country must be involved in this, then.

Tokyo will soon be able to tell us which country these came from.

Yes, but Kong. Do you think we'll find him?

Don't worry, We'll find him.

So long as they haven't taken him to the North Pole.

Get out of there!

It's dangerous!

Knock before you enter!

Hurry up and state your business!

Greetings. How was New York?

The United Nations has already named you as a suspect in its investigation.

Whenever some earthshaking incident occurs, my name is the first to come up.

It's always that way.

And yet, they've never captured you?

Correct.

The man who can outwit Doctor Who does not exist.

King Kong. Have you seen him?

I don't like it. I don't feel safe with him not under sedation.

He's perhaps a little unnerved by his abrupt change of circumstances.

How do you intend to control him?

Hmph. It will be a simple matter of hypnosis.

He will obey my commands.

Hypnosis?

A mind like Kong's is quite susceptible to hypnosis.

I gleaned that from Carl Nelson's research as well.

If you insist.

But it would have been simpler to bring those three here to force Kong to work for us.

And what would we do if Kong did not remember them?

I am Doctor Who.

Do not cook up your own little schemes just for the sake of bickering with me.

Commander, a seaplane is requesting to speak with you. Shall I connect you?

Roger. Patch them through. Over.

This is JSDF Navy Captain Sato from Tachiyama Base.

I have a message for Commander Nelson.

Due to an emergency situation we have been dispatched by United Nations Tokyo Station to pick you up.

It is requested that Lt. Cmdr. Nomura and Lt. Watson accompany you.

Please board immediately. Over.

Welcome aboard.

What is this emergency situation?

King Kong has appeared in Hokkaido.

In Hokkaido?

Possibly. Either way, we were ordered to fly you directly to Hokkaido.

These guys are not Japanese.

I'm certain of it.

Run!

Let him out.

Is it safe?

He's quiet now, is he not?

Hear this. From now on, you will obey my orders.

Understand? Go and retrieve Element X.

Turn to the tunnel and walk.

That tunnel will take him under the crater.

I do hope nothing goes wrong this time.

Kong. You are doing well.

Keep digging!

Kong!

Kong!

Why did you stop? Keep digging!

He has succeeded where Mechani-Kong failed.

Kong! Ignore it!

Dig! This is nothing to you! Keep digging!

Kong! Listen to me!

Your work is not finished! Dig!

Do not fall asleep!

Stay awake! Snap out of it!

Dig! Dig!

What are you doing? Dig!

Do not stop!

Dig! Keep digging!

Keep digging!

What are you doing?

Accursed idiot monkey!

Move! Move!

Are you listening?

Come on, just a little further! Dig!

You have failed!

No!

Close the gate!

Yessir!

Kong's body withstood the radiation, just as I predicted.

But the hypnosis wore off faster than expected.

What!?

Sir! We have them.

Oh? You brought Carl Nelson?

Yes, sir.

A perfect copy of the robot we designed.

Seems like Dr. Who wasn't satisfied with a robot.

He wanted the real Kong.

What is this place?

What are you doing?

I regret that I may not answer your questions.

Ah, Carl! It's good to see you!

You too, Nomura! How long has it been?

It hasn't been long enough, Doctor Who.

What is all this for? Is Kong here?

He is. Normally, we keep him in that pen.

What do you think of my robot, my Mechani-Kong!

Is it not incredible?

What's your game, Dr. Who?

You're trying to do something the robot couldn't accomplish.

You need the real Kong to do it, don't you?

I am mining Element X.

Element X?

Every nation on Earth wants it, as much as they can get.

Otherwise I would not have built this laboratory in such a godforsaken place.

But the robot failed.

And Kong won't follow orders.

That's why you brought us here.

That's right, Carl.

And you actually thought we'd agree to help you?

Oh, I knew you'd refuse.

But what about the young lady?

I won't help you either.

Not at the moment, perhaps. Take them away.

Move!

Hmph, some "laboratory." It has a holding cell!

So these are Doctor Who's guest quarters.

It doesn't even have a TV.

That's the spirit. Don't lose hope.

To tell the truth, I'm really scared.

Don't worry, Susan.

Until Dr. Who gets his hands on Element X, he needs us alive and well.

Nelson. Come with us.

Please come in.

Please, make yourself comfortable.

Would you like a drink?

Sure. Thanks.

Do you find me attractive?

What's your connection to Doctor Who?

Oh, he and I are merely business partners.

Be more specific.

Do you work for him, or does he work for you?

It's quite cozy here, even if it is the Arctic.

But if you prefer, we could go somewhere more pleasant. New York, Tokyo, London, Paris...

We could fly to any city in the world in a few hours.

Or if you wish, to your very own private research institute.

Tell me...

What country sent a young lady like you to a place like this?

You must not concern yourself with such things.

You're not Japanese, nor Chinese.

Thai? Vietnamese? Burmese?

- She is neither.

Take him back to his cell.

Hands off!

You didn't waste a moment. But did I not tell you?

He is unlike any other man you have yet encountered.

Are you jealous?

Nonsense.

Still, you'd do well to leave him to me.

I won't allow you to torture him.

It would only strengthen his resistance.

Torture was not what I had in mind.

Then what do you have in mind?

I shall turn off the heat in his cell.

It will gradually drop to thirty degrees below zero.

That is unaccaptable.

He could be far more useful as our ally.

I remain confident that I can convince him.

Very well. Fine. You will find out soon enough.

What's the matter?

Look at it this way, Susan.

Things can only get better, because they certainly can't get much worse.

I hope you're right.

Carl. Would you come with me?

What is it this time? Torture?

It's been a long time since we've played chess.

Those two seem to be in love.

They could be happy, if you don't interfere.

Susan!

I've switched off the heat to their cell.

That cell is my execution chamber. It is quite efficient.

All I need do is cut the power and death becomes a blessing by comparison.

Susan. Here.

Put this on.

Jiro. It's all right.

It's better this way.

If you cooperate, they could be enjoying a cup of hot coffee right now.

Kong's more likely to listen to them than me.

Check.

Soon now, the walls of their cell will be like ice.

Why freeze to death in this lonely place?

Nelson proved to be useless. So I disposed of him.

What?

Not one other person knows where you are, or what has become of you.

Cooperate, and when it's all over I will send you away to India or South America or wherever you desire.

Your passports and money are already prepared.

I would rather not resort to force, but I am certainly not above taking your lives.

Come on, you.

Susan!

Jiro!

Be still, damn you!

Jiro!

You'd do anything to protect her.

Will you do anything to save him?

Susan! Don't answer!

Very well.

Let's find out what these icy walls will do to this lovely face.

How will he like you once your face has lost its beauty?

Susan!

It's Kong!

Quickly!

Quick, find the key.

Hurry, Susan!

Kong is free!

He's heading south from Gate One!

Pursue King Kong! Capture King Kong!

Hurry!

Oh! You're alive!

How did you escape?

Doctor Who told us you were dead!

Tell him later! We've got to get out of here!

Come.

Hold your fire. It's too late.

Don't worry, it's not poisoned.

It seems like we've all come out losers in this.

Let's forget about Element X for a while and enjoy ourselves.

Get up!

How far can Kong swim?

As far as he likes, for as long as he likes.

He swims from island to island as he pleases.

Can't you see that it's all over?

Get out.

Change your clothes. We're going after him.

There's no point now.

We still have a chance.

When we find Kong, I'll use this girl to make him obey me.

Take them away!

Good!

Good!

Okay!

Radio news reports have confirmed that Kong swam ashore in the vicinity of Tokyo.

No.

This ship must not enter Tokyo Bay.

But this is our only chance to recapture Kong!

On land, Mechani-Kong will most assuredly triumph against him!

My robot is the only one who can take him alive!

I don't care which one wins or loses!

Even if this is our final opportunity, I cannot allow it.

I demand to know why! Tell me the reason!

If they fight in Tokyo, tens of thousands of lives will be lost.

Oho!

And since when have you become so high-minded?

How many tens of thousands...no, how many millions of lives will be sacrificed to the power of Element X?

That isn't my concern.

But an international incident will surely bring our plans to light.

There, there.

Let's discuss this inside.

Kong is approaching the heart of the city from Kachida.

Civilians in the area are ordered to evacuate immediately by direction of the Defense Agency.

Evacuate immediately.

- Success! - It's working!

I'm releasing all of you.

Why are you helping us now?

My work here is finished.

I have failed.

Something happened between you and Doctor Who.

Please don't ask questions.

Once you reach shore, lure Kong out of Tokyo.

It will be chaos if Mechani-Kong fights him there.

Come with us.

No. I cannot go.

If you stay behind, what will you do?

You don't know what he'll do to you!

Please don't worry about me.

There's scuba gear prepared for you in the adjacent cabin.

Wait! We can't just abandon you here.

I am a foreign agent.

I'll accept full responsibility for you.

You don't even know the name of my country.

I've done many things of which I am not proud.

But it was all for the sake of my homeland.

And that is why I cannot go with you.

Now hurry!

Farewell.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Hey, who goes there? Halt!

Go!

Have you lost your mind?

If you start shooting we'll all be captured!

Those are his orders!

Stop it!

Move!

Look out!

Tokyo Emergency Defense Military HQ

Hold your fire!

If you provoke him, Kong could destroy the city!

Who are you?

I...I'm afraid I'm out of uniform.

I'm Commander Carl Nelson of the U.N. research vessel Explorer.

Ah, I see.

Lieutenants Nomura and Watson will attempt to calm him down.

But the troops must be held back.

Susan!

Stand back!

Let me go!

Lights!

Prepare to fire!

Wait! Please! You must not provoke him!

Let us handle it.

Call from headquarters!

Right.

Abort! Abort!

Hey, come back!

Let her go.

Kong!

Lt. Cmdr. Nomura?

A call from Commander Nelson.

Kong!

Kong!

Kong!

Is she okay?

It's all right.

Kong will listen to her.

Kong, don't worry.

Everything will be all right.

Take positions!

Third squad in position! Standing by!

Hey! What's that?

Mechani-Kong!

Everyone! Run! Quickly! Run for your lives!

Run away, Kong! Don't fight it!

It's not alive! It's a machine!

You can't beat it!

Kong! Run away! Run away!

Kong's too quick.

It won't matter.

Seize the girl and escape!

Kong!

Kong!

Move! Regroup at Tokyo Tower!

Captain, contact the ranger unit and bring it in.

Yes, sir.

Surrender and return to the ship!

Otherwise, I will drop this girl!

Kong!

Kong!

This is it!

Dock the ship and prepare to receive them!

Yes sir!

Greetings!

By letting the girl escape, you ensured my victory!

What is the meaning of this?

Exactly what it seems. Step away from the console.

What did you do?

Nothing.

Watch her!

I'm Lt. Cmdr. Nomura.

Send the men up after me.

Yes sir.

Lights!

All right! Move out!

Hurry!

Susan! Okay! You're all right now.

Jiro!

Okay. I'll get you down from here.

Hold on to me.

That's it.

Medics?

Standing by!

Just a little further, Susan.

Don't worry. Let's go.

Kong!

Susan!

Jiro!

Susan! Don't move! Stay where you are!

Jiro!

Jiro!

Over there!

Break out the rope! Hurry!

Rope!

Susan, hang on!

Jiro!

I'm coming, Susan!

Hang on!

Right!

All right! Pull up!

Susan!

Just a little further.

You're all right now. Come on.

Susan.

Ranger unit, report your status.

Ranger unit reporting! Mission successful!

Are you okay? Good, let's go!

No! Test the "C" circuit!

What are you doing?

Stand back! Get away from her!

Fall back! Fall back!

Back! Get back!

Commander!

Susan! Susan! Thank God you're safe!

Thank God. It's okay. It's okay. You're safe now.

Hey! Hey! What are you doing? We have to get out of here!

But we still haven't retrieved Kong and Mechani-Kong!

Idiot! To Hell with Kong!

Yessir!

He's coming!

He's coming! He's almost here!

K-Kong? Coming here? - Yes, sir!

Quickly, get us out of here!

But you wanted them loaded onto the ship.

Change of plans, damn you!

Yessir!

Set sail immediately!

Kong! Stop that ship!

Please, Kong!

Hello, Commander. Will he stop them?

I'm certain of it.

Fire! Fire!

Shoot him! Keep firing!

Keep firing! Fire!

Keep shooting!

Abandon ship!

Hey! What's happening? Are you okay?

Hold on...

The deposit of Element X is safe now.

The U.N. will secure it.

It was a close call, though.

Look at Kong!

Kong!

Kong!

King Kong!

Let him go.

Yes.

But...

He's going home.

He's had enough of what we call "civilization."