Gorgo 
                                 
Director: Eugene Lourie
Year: 1961
Rating: 6.0
Kaiju comes West. Of course, the Kaiju or Giant Monster film was actually created in the West, first with King Kong and then with The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms but by 1961 this genre had been taken over by the Japanese and their monsters - Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra. So much so that when this was released it was considered a homage to Godzilla. In fact, it was initially going to be set in Japan but I expect they felt that Tokyo had been demolished enough and so decided to destroy London instead - two cities oddly that were badly bombed during WW2.  The special effects from Tom Howard are the equal of the Japanese Kaiju films using the same techniques – a man in a rubber suit and miniaturization – with the destruction and panic in the London scene being especially well-done. What the film is lacking though are any likable characters – even the child is annoying. Certainly, the special effects in the Kaiju films are the reason people bought tickets but the best of them surround that with characters you care about. Not in this one.  



A salvage boat partnered by two Americans Joe (Bill Travers) and Sam (William Sylvester) are off shore when a volcanic explosion occurs and almost turns over the boat. They land in a small island off the Irish coast and notice that the villagers are very unfriendly. They soon find out why. The explosion has sent gold onto the beach – but more than gold it soon turns out. Also, a prehistoric monster with a resemblance to Godzilla. But with fewer powers – no ability to breath fire or fly. But an ability to crush anything under foot. The Americans in their infinite wisdom – and greed – decide to capture the monster and exhibit it in a circus. A nod to King Kong. Except there is no beauty in this film – in fact no women at all which strikes one as strange. You need woman screaming. That is standard. Later of course you have hundreds screaming for their lives.



Because Gorgo as they name him is but a mere lad. With a mother. A mother who loves her child. And is so much larger. Bombs, missiles, fire and electricity won’t stop this mom. The lengthy stomping of London is great – the scenes of panicked crowds running through the streets with buildings falling on them is terrific. Thank you America for bringing a monster to out shores.. At one point Sam says to Tom when they hear mom is on the way, we should let Gorgo back to the sea. Tom sees dollars disappearing and says are you crazy. After the mother ruins London, he tells Sam, I guess you were right. And Sam being an all-American guy punches him on the shoulder and says it is ok. As the London Bridge lays in ruins in the background. You guys might want to get out of town. Directed by Eugène Lourié who also directed The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, The Colossus of New York and The Giant Behemoth.