Synopsis
The movie Godzilla: King of the Monsters! (1956) is a heavily re-edited American adaptation of the 1954 Japanese film Godzilla. The film was directed by Terry O. Morse and Ishirō Honda, with special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya. The film was a Japanese-American co-production, with the original footage produced by Toho Co., Ltd., and the new footage produced by Jewell Enterprises. [1] [2]
The movie Godzilla: King of the Monsters! (1956) begins with an injured American reporter, Steve Martin, who is brought from the ruins of Tokyo to a hospital filled with maimed and wounded citizens. A recent acquaintance, Emiko, discovers him by chance among the victims and attempts to find a doctor for him. Martin recalls in flashback stopping over in Tokyo, where a series of inexplicable offshore ship disasters catches his attention. When a victim of those disasters washes up on Odo Island, Martin flies there for the story, along with security officer Tomo Iwanaga. There he learns of the island inhabitants’ long-held belief in a sea monster god known as “Godzilla”, which they believe caused the ship disasters. [1][2]
When American reporter Steve Martin investigates a series of mysterious disasters off the coast of Japan, he comes face to face with an ancient creature so powerful and so terrifying, it can reduce Tokyo to a smoldering graveyard. Nuclear weapon testing resurrected this relic from the Jurassic age, and now it’s rampaging across Japan. At night, Godzilla wades through Tokyo leaving death and destruction in his wake, disappearing into Tokyo Bay when his rage subsides. Conventional weapons are useless against him; but renowned scientist Dr. Serizawa has discovered a weapon that could destroy all life in the bay — including Godzilla. But which disaster is worse, Godzilla’s fury, or the death of Tokyo Bay?. [1] [2]
Cast
- Raymond Burr as Steve Martin
- Takashi Shimura as Dr. Yamane
- Momoko Kōchi as Emiko
- Akira Takarada as Ogata
- Akihiko Hirata as Dr. Serizawa
- Sachio Sakai as Hagiwara
- Fuyuki Murakami as Dr. Tabata
- Ren Yamamoto as Seiji
- Toyoaki Suzuki as Shinkichi
- Tadashi Okabe as Dr. Tabata’s Assistant
- Toranosuke Ogawa as President of Company
- Frank Iwanaga as Tomo Iwanaga – Security Officer
Trivia
Godzilla’s roar was made by dragging a resin-coated leather glove up and down a contrabass and having the subsequent recording slowed down significantly. [2]
Raymond Burr said that, contrary to popular belief, all his scenes were not done in one day, but over the course of six days. [2]
It was simply impossible to create all the sets in one day, especially the daylight scene filling in for Odo Island and the night scene on the hilltop during Godzilla’s first rampage. [2]
Reviews
“Godzilla has rightfully earned its place in film history. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie, you will be duly impressed.” – millionmonkeytheater.com
“The 1956 version presented an edited view of the film more suited to Western audiences, but one that isn’t entirely at odds with the original. It’s still worth watching, but I highly recommend you watch the original, 1954, edition as well.” – ianchadwick.com
Cody Meirick on November 29, 2023