Prior to their King Kong fame, Merion Cooper and Ernest Schoedsack filmed Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness in the jungles between Laos and Thailand. Still popular today, the silent movie starring Lao villagers and wild animals was nominated for best picture at the first Academy Awards. The filmmakers are seen here with Schoedsack’s wife, Ruth Rose, and villagers-turned-actors Kru and his daughter Ladah. Kru’s wife, Chantui, and son Nah also starred in the film.

Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 70267624