Megahit movies in hard times

Economic downturns have done wonders for the box office. Here are some of the greatest movies to hit the big screen during market slumps.

When the original "King Kong" premiered with special effects previously unseen, its larger-than-life gorilla wowed Depression-era moviegoers eager for an escape. The black-and-white flick broke attendance records and is credited with saving its maker, RKO Pictures, from bankruptcy (the tiny studio is still making movies).

Average ticket price: $0.23 ($3.89 in today's dollars)
NEXT: Blazing Saddles (1974)