
A Petrox oil exploration expedition, cunningly joined by paleontologist and conservationist Jack Prescott, sets out for a little-explored Pacific island. Along the way, the expedition rescues a shipwrecked Hollywood starlet named Duane. On the island, the oilmen encounter a giant gorilla, called Kong by the locals. The ape kidnaps Duan, but Prescott manages to free her. The head of the expedition decides that since no oil can be found on the island, it is possible to take the monkey off it and earn money by showing it to the New York public. However, during the first performance Kong is released and starts to destroy everything in his path.