In both versions he is one of the main heroes of the story, a man who is on a ship heading for the mysterious Skull Island, where Carl Denham intends to make a film.
In the 1933 film, Driscoll is a tough sailor, the Venture's first mate, who disdains having women on ships, considering even their mere presence to be a "nuisance".
It is eventually Driscoll who saves Ann from Kong's clutches, but the ape gives chase until Denham knocks him unconscious with a gas bomb.
Having returned to New York City, Driscoll and Ann continue to work for Denham as Kong is chained to a stage and shown to live audiences.
It is believed that the choice of actor Bruce Cabot to play Driscoll was in part due to his strong resemblance to popular heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey, who at the time embodied the rugged, heroic male "ideal".
His duties as first mate are transferred to Ben Hayes, portrayed by Evan Parke, while the character name and the function of Ann Darrow's romantic interest are given to a playwright who tries to write a screenplay for Denham, as a friend, played by Adrien Brody.
With limited time, however, Driscoll did not write nearly enough, and Denham, desperate for more, tricks him into staying on the ship as it leaves for Skull Island.
When they reach the island, Ann is kidnapped by the native inhabitants as a sacrifice for Kong, and Driscoll sets out in search for her along with the rest of the crew.
Driscoll is nearly killed for his heroic effort, but Ann approaches and stops Kong's rampage, saving Jack's life this time around.
[1] On the making of documentary, Adrien Brody commented that of all the films he had ever made, King Kong was the one for which he was most anticipating seeing the finished product.