Although every scene of Stanley Kubrick's nightmarish Cold War satire is steeped in mordant humour, none makes a greater impression than the fate of Major ''King'' Kong (Slim Pickens). While attempting to fix the bay doors of a B- 52, he climbs on top of an atomic bomb to get a better view of the sparking wires overhead. Moments before the plane is above its target, the doors suddenly open... Kong's long fall to oblivion, whooping and waving his hat as though riding a bucking bronco, has become not only one of the most iconic death scenes but also one of the most enduring images of twentieth century cinema. With the major's jubilant cries breaking an otherwise eerie silence, the end of the world has never seemed so much fun.