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The Next Reel • Season 14 • Series: People Hunting People • The Most Dangerous Game

The Most Dangerous Game

“What I needed was not a new weapon, but a new animal.”

Setting the Stage for the Ultimate Hunt

In 1932, RKO Pictures produced The Most Dangerous Game while simultaneously building elaborate jungle sets for their upcoming production of King Kong. Based on Richard Connell’s 1924 short story, the film became one of the earliest to explore the concept of humans hunting humans. Using the same jungle sets and several cast members who would later appear in King Kong, including Fay Wray, directors Irving Pichel and Ernest B. Schoedsack crafted this taut 63-minute thriller on a modest budget. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off the People Hunting People series with this 1932 film The Most Dangerous Game.

Pre-Code Thrills and Dark Psychology

The film’s pre-Code status allowed for surprisingly graphic content, including human heads displayed in jars and mounted on walls. Originally, even more shocking footage was shot, including fully stuffed human corpses positioned in death poses, though these scenes were ultimately cut. As Bob Rainsford and Eve Trowbridge run through the jungle, their clothing becomes increasingly torn and revealing – another pre-Code element that wouldn’t have made it past censors a few years later.

The film’s exploration of hunting humans as sport raises intriguing questions about civilization versus savagery. Count Zaroff’s twisted philosophy about hunting humans being the ultimate game creates a compelling narrative that examines humanity’s darker impulses. Leslie Banks delivers a memorably sinister performance as Zaroff, using his real-life facial paralysis to enhance his character’s menacing presence.

Points of Discussion

  • The innovative cinematography, including POV shots through the jungle
  • Max Steiner’s adventurous score that becomes diegetic when played on piano
  • The film’s efficient use of its brief 63-minute runtime
  • Its enduring influence on the “humans hunting humans” subgenre
  • The rapid development of the central romance

This lean, atmospheric thriller maintains its impact even after 90 years. While some elements feel dated, The Most Dangerous Game effectively establishes many tropes that would define the “hunting humans” subgenre. We found much to admire in this tightly-crafted adventure, particularly its exploration of humanity’s capacity for both civilization and savagery. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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