The History of King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)

The History of King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)
#Godzilla #GodzillavsKong #KingKongvsGodzilla
Sources
- Stories of Narrow Escapes from Death - Celebrity Special Edition - Godzilla (2001) • Stories of Narrow Esca...
- Fan-made Batman Meets Godzilla - batmanmeetsgodzilla.com/issues...
- Brian Solomon's "Godzilla FAQ"
- David Kalat's, "A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series".
- Steve Ryfle's "Japan's Favorite Mon-Star: The Unauthorized Biography of "The Big G".
- Ed Godziszewski and Steve Ryfle's "Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, from Godzilla to Kurosawa"
- wikizilla.org
- www.tohokingdom.com/
You can purchase or rent "King Kong vs. Godzilla" at www.amazon.com.

[@BigActionBill]

***Corrections*** - 41:33: 1964* - 43:48: Over 11 million tickets* - 54:00: Lizzie*

[@ironpredator6662]

a question, when you'll arrive to modern movies will you make a video for all monsterverse movies (so included kong skull island) or only the godzilla ones?

[@BigActionBill]

@@ironpredator6662 I'll definitely talk about Skull Island but prob not it's own video

[@Tg2Lc]

I've checked and the name of the theme is "Godzilla's Ressurection"

[@RileyJ3866]

@@BigActionBill another question: do you plan on doing videos on the anime Godzilla content (trilogy movies/Singular Point)? I would love to hear your review of both properties

[@Iselinw]

Very nice video

[@MrEjidorie]

If I remember correctly, King Kong vs. Godzilla was my first film I watched at a movie theater. I was a Japanese kindergartener, and I watched this movie with my mother and my younger brother at a local movie house in 1962. I was overwhelmed by Godzilla`s powerful presence, and I have been hooked on Godzilla since. I`m now a 65 years old retiree, but King Kong vs. Godzilla is still an important part of my life, and I`m very glad that Godzilla is loved by many people all over the world as a Japanese citizen.

[@johnskott6304]

Godzilla was definitely a large part of my childhood too, in America. I was born in 2000, so I was really into the millennium era the most at first, but the first one I ever saw was a copy of terror of mechagodzilla we had on VHS. Watched it over and over over again, to the point that I still have the titanasauras roar burned into my memory. After that it was a few years of getting every Godzilla movie that the library had everytime we went, always happy to see one pop up I'd never seen before. One of my favorite childhood memories relates to Godzilla as well. I had this vinyl bandai figure of the original 54 Godzilla, and my dad would put his cigarette in it's mouth sometime to make it look like his atomic breath. Always found that quite funny. Anyway, your post made me take my own little stroll down memory lane. Thanks for sharing.

[@brianbardel482]

As an American I legit grew up on godzilla in the early 2000s, I had every toy, knew the name and film appearance of every monster, etc. The fact it was foreign never even crossed my mind. It hooked me then, I'm 23 now and i literally have a godzilla statue arriving in the mail tomorrow, godzilla is just as much apart of my life just as much as any Japanese kid. I love these films and Characters and attend g fest Chicago every year for over a decade. Amazing these things can bring so many different peoples together.

[@indorfan]

I'm a British kid born in 2009, absolutely love Godzilla, my first movie was 2019's king of the monsters, after that Godzilla Vs Kong and then Godzilla (2014), I haven't had a chance to watch any other movies tho

[@chadgorosaurus4898]

This movie was the first Godzilla movie I ever watched and im glad. It has the best fight in the franchise.

[@honu_of_Tarlach]

My dad always told me that there was a Japanese version, "Godzilla vs King Kong" where Godzilla won instead of Kong, likely to protect my feelings, watching this has been an unfortunate yet informative experience

[@robertstewart9658]

That story circulated for a long time. Ron Howard mentioned it in an old TV Guide interview. Only later did we all learn it was just a dream.

[@asafakiva1619]

Welp..people beat me to it. But both Japanese and English version ended the same way with King Kong winning. Godzilla of course is victorious in the 2021 film

[@jeetkunedoatlanta2464]

It stems from the crest wood house books.

[@shadegreen5351]

@@jeetkunedoatlanta2464 One of my favorite book series as a kid. I checked them all out several times from the Elementary School Library. I now own both physical and ebook versions of the classic series.

[@jeetkunedoatlanta2464]

@@shadegreen5351 I checked them out all the time! I don't own them. Where did you get the ebook versions?

[@zekevolkov113]

*Update* The first ever Godzilla film I watched as a kid. I remember I was helping my dad clean out his movie collection and I was obsessed with dinosaurs. So I saw a big dinosaur and a big monkey and wanted to see it. 4 year old me didn't even notice the silly suits nor the strings on the planes. I was fascinated with these two duking it out. This film is perhaps the most important film to me since it inspired me to be a film maker in which I'm in film school as I write this comment in. I'm excited for GvK 2021 since now I get to see the rematch between these two. *I have graduated from film school and I mentioned that this film inspired me as a child to my adulthood. I also mentioned the 2021 Kong vs Godzilla. Now that I'm working I'm hoping to work a kaiju film someday. Have a good day everyone*

[@yolkoholic]

The first godzilla film i watched was Godzilla vs Monster Zero

[@yolkoholic]

@@kaosalakane1979 my favorite is 2001 goji

[@supersmashproductions9890]

Congratulations

[@davecrowson448]

My first one, too

[@shawnnewcomer4879]

I doubt a stranger could relate more😂👍

[@Raichu9012]

Your godzilla videos are like a drug and I'm addicted.

[@dannyromero307]

same

[@ramblingRJ]

I always assumed the sudden earth tremor at the end indicated that Godzilla got buried in a landslide from that cliff, explaining why we see Godzilla burrowing up out of the ground in "Mothra vs Godzilla."

[@mroldschool001]

As i remember, there was a hurricane and they were pumping the land clean again, right? I thought Godzilla had been tossed ashore and buried during the hurricane which is why he came up from the ground in Mother vs. Godzilla

[@robertstewart9658]

Same here.

[@Gojirawars03]

@@mroldschool001 This was my understanding of how he got there.

[@JacobKaiju]

I do agree with Kong's roar in this film and in Escapes, it is definitely terrifying. My guess is they had some guy yell or roar and then mix it with some animal sounds to produce it. Most of the kaiju sound f/x from Godzilla series are usually musical instruments or animal sounds as well (depending on function, Desghidorah's roar from the Rebirth of Mothra is a a lowered pitch elephant cry). Fun Fact: the Kong roar was sped up and added with a elephant's trumpet to create the roar for Gomora from the Ultraman series. I don't mind the Kong suit or the US soundtrack, though I will say, the Kong suit from King Kong Escapes is the better suit.

[@BigActionBill]

i think you're right, it does sound like a person is screaming

[@arnelalberto1968]

fp❤🎉😢 see everyone to😅❤❤❤😂66 by

[@RileyJ3866]

I gotta say I really love your brand of comedy and the jokes you use in almost a monotone voice. You’ve quickly become honestly probably my favorite Godzilla reviewer on KZbin

[@RealMcLovin]

Who is that in your profile pic

[@RileyJ3866]

@@RealMcLovin Guts from the anime/manga called Berserk. Easily my favorite manga of all time, and it’s essentially “Dark Souls: The anime/manga”. Seriously, check it out

[@GaiusIntrepidus]

@@RileyJ3866 Guts is best husbando

[@Anlushac11]

Kong: "Atomic breath? HE HAS ATOMIC BREATH?! NOBODY SAID ANYTHING ABOUT ATOMIC BREATH!. Screw you guys Im going home!"

[@maximustheshoosh227]

Hold up! Willis O Brien’s ex wife murdered their 2 sons!? I did not know about that! I feel extremely sorry for Willis O Brien. And I wished that his life would of went better but instead his life turned into a living hell. R.I.P Willis O Brien.

[@KevBeCool]

I immediately paused the video as soon as I heard that exact part....

[@transformersrevenge9]

43:03 MAKE THIS INTO A MOVIE!!! Batman: WHERE WERE THE DRUGS GOING!?!? Jackie: Please, I don't want any trouble! Highly choreographed and prop filled fight ensues...

[@bruhmingo]

I was looking forward to this video more than Godzilla vs Kong

[@pikapanda577]

I was looking forward to this video just as much

[@Madmok128]

Ha

[@mkcstealth7624]

Your series of videos on Godzilla film have been an absolute treat. Its always nice to see other peoples views on the films but the sheer depth you go into regarding behind the scenes along with the people building the sets, in the costumes, the directors and producers. Keep up the amazing work

[@Naila_Beautiful_Life]

8:27 me when my food arrives at the restaurant 😬

[@ammagnolia]

Awe cute!!!! Lol

[@blindkaiser1]

The tone of the videos is very straight forward much like a documentary, but the dashes of well timed and brilliantly executed bits of humor make for a very enjoyable and informative watching experience. It was honestly completely unexpected and I'm happy to have stumbled upon these nuggets of movie history.

[@mitchellshuttleworth3204]

My all time favorite line of the entire Godzilla franchise: "its ok, their smoking!"

[@GoofyPoptart]

Bro that shit is hilarious.

[@emilianovillarruelhernande343]

Basically is the same thing like Freddy vs Jason both survived but only one comes out of the water

[@Jdawgwatchr56]

I'm just glad I got the Japanese version with the Godzilla blu ray Showa collection.

[@xaviercruz2633]

8:02 Remember men, Kaiju is eternal

[@jagerzaku9160]

Based

[@BlueBlaze99]

It's no use, go, save yourself! Go on without me!

[@loopdog8710]

This video deserves millions of views

[@lloydnbrownjr8997]

I totally must admit, I had never heard anyone go deep and indept, as much as, you have discussing King Kong vs. Godzilla from details of behind the scenes, to trouble and almost disastrous life ordeal on set during the final battle!!! But, most of all, you are the only individual who has given the name of the actress who portrayed the lead Island girl!!! Dude, you are Awesome and your Channel Rocks!!! And also, in my opinion that click clacking noise is from Godzilla's Bone Claws!!! I would imagine that he knew that Kong, wasn't completely out cold, so he was taunting him with his back facing him, and too surprise kong, when he tired too make a surprise attack on the Big G!!! Awesome upload and channel!!!

[@transformersrevenge9]

I heard that what happened to his mentor, is the reason that Ray Harryhausen had a strong distaste for Godzilla movies. Also, I'm pretty sure that the Kong suit here, was re-used in Ultra Q episode 2.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

Nearly a hour long? I'm gonna have fun watching this 😁

[@Devils_Lair_Comics]

I can't wait for the histories of the rest of the Millennium series

[@jss8617]

Love your videos. At 45:15, the reason the film quality appears lower is its an optical effects shot. Most any shot of radiation breath requires printing the breath as a separate film element over the original set footage. The final result is a photo of a photo, with a noticeable quality drop.

[@milesdeforest3931]

The most impressive thing about this movie is the miniatures. Truely great practical effects.

[@coopercastille]

I just wanna say, I've recently came across your channel and I am absolutely perplexed as to HOW you have slightly less subs than me?? You deserve so much more attention, your videos are very well researched and put together, these re-done reviews have also been incredibly good. It's neat seeing the quality of your content increase from your "History of Godzilla" videos in just 2-3 years. Keep up the great work!!!

[@BigActionBill]

Thank you!! That is very nice of you to say, hopefully I can continue to improve!

[@patrickgarvin2570]

Fantastic, in depth review as always. The lengths you go to for backstory and production is unmatched. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to this very particular craft. Long live tokusatsu!!!

[@Jman20077]

In my personal head cannon, At the end of the movie instead of one winning and the other loosing, They had a moment of respect for one another kinda like they did in the new version except under water

[@Ianrietveld]

Yaay a new video

[@littlesister7021]

In the original movie, they went into the water and they simply went their separate ways. They would have to continue their fight later. Which happens in 2021. What a fight it was. Very Entertaining!! Well worth the wait. # Team Godzilla!!!

[@AK-47Outlaw]

@Bigactionbill I'm Sincerely Grateful for all of your hard work and Research you Do, for theses Analytical Indepth Reviews it shows time and effort so Thank you very much and Subscribed for Life !!!!!!!!

[@thekungfukid1990]

Damn an hour long? Cant wait to watch this

[@fahriakalin5936]

whoa i literally just subscribed to this channel like one second before this upload - crazy timing

[@serviceablestuff3424]

you have no idea of how much i love this series, keep em coming!

[@pennzilla57soviets]

You know why I love your content so much? It's because you tell it from the heart. I love how you add your personal experiences to the story. Well done good sir

[@mattlawrence1932]

The scene were the train breaks down & Godzilla is getting closer is still very suspenseful & scary to this day

[@shadow-gr4iw]

Tbh this is why the first film is so important the history behind making it and how it was made. Their so much tragedy and light hearted moments that went behind this that I never wanted to see them do it again because the same feeling wouldn't be there. Remember how u felt seeing Godzilla vs king Kong for the first time, it's special and it can never be recreated or duplicated.

[@mroldschool001]

Hey Bill! A lot of the American version music was recycled from Creature from the Black Lagoon! Especially when the people were fighting the octopus and parts of Godzilla and Kong's Fuji fight. For 20+ years the movie was thought of as a Kong win until Tomikyuki Tanaka retconned it to a tie, just as you said. The tap tap tap sound was just Godzilla clapping his hands and the claws connecting. I always thought that was dumb and was so glad it wasn't a mannerism used again.

[@davidrofulowitz7538]

I didn't realize the original Japanese language version of G vs KK was on KZbin until yesterday. So I watched it and found it definitely better than the American dubbed version and a little more serious, though I may be wrong about that. I enjoyed watching your review on the history behind this movie...very informative for sure!

[@kanyecheedar9170]

Favorite Godzilla movie, excellent video as always

[@zenhiro73]

Really appreciate these and all the work you put into them Thankyou was really looking forward to this one tho and learning all behind the scenes “lore” per say

[@joechill344]

I'm glad i found this channel. I appreciate all the work you put in please keep it up.

[@ginrei724]

These Godzilla history documentaries are great! I'm going through and watching them all in order now. Thank you for making them!

[@garfieldsmith332]

Still my favorite Godzilla film. First saw it at the theaters on its' release in Canada in 1963.

[@Puppybreth242]

Been watching all of these videos. Can't praise you enough for how professional and indepth these mini documentaries are. Reminds me of old KZbin.

[@brandonb1681]

The US version's misspelling of the names of the original work shows they didn't care. They can't even get the names right? Day 1 stuff. This was well done. TY.

[@furryfoolurmine]

This video is fantastic. The special features in Godzilla movies are lackluster. Your video provided this and more. Keep up the good work.

[@BubblegumCrash332]

Thank you for all the detailed research you do for these retrospectives. The best Godzilla videos on KZbin 👍👍

[@ivane5110]

I didn't see this until over a decade later, but it was perfect timing; the 70's was a great time for me as a Godzilla & fantastical gorillas fan. Godzilla movies were in regular repeats on TV, his cartoon was every Saturday, he had his own comic (and even fought the Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., Fantastic Four, some of the X-Men, Ghostrider and Black Widow) and a jumbo action figure, while there was a King Kong movie in theaters & cartoon on Saturdays, while Planet of the Apes was on TV and at the Drive-In, and Tracy was busting ghosts & dracula with F-Troopers, and Gorilla Grodd was challenging the Super Friends and every other week had at least one gorilla on some comic cover! What an awesome time! Thanks for the fun reminder.

[@dreadwaters7898]

Just found this channel I’m a huge Godzilla fan. All the background information is amazing and brings a new light to this movie when I watch it. Great video

[@sethchapman1425]

Love these, and love that you are going back to them. Making them longer.

[@DarkReturns1]

Best Godzilla KZbinr I've seen in a long time. This is great stuff man, thank you!!!

[@nicholaskernan5669]

Again thank you for everything you have done! I thought I was the only Godzilla fan that thought that the 1998 Hollywood Godzilla would have been a hit if they hadn't used the Godzilla name maybe Gorgo or something else! Love your videos!

[@sonicguyver7445]

A very impressive retrospective. This was one of the three Godzilla movies I had as a kid. Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla and Destroy all Monsters were the others. But now being older a lot of these behind the scenes stuff I find fascinating. All the stuff behind planning, filming, and marketing strategies is really cool.

[@Azulzinhokkk]

I love your videos a lot! Makes me really appreciate these movies more and more. It makes me somewhat long for days gone by in the cinema industry.

[@ShinGoji1987Official]

Another fantastic history lesson! I love how deep you go into these with your research including the small obscure details. Keep up the fantastic work! I like Kong but TeamGodzilla all the way!

[@ShinGoji1987Official]

@@kaosalakane1979 Heck yeah man!

[@crazybanana2228]

I love your Godzilla history videos, keep up the work!

[@RealLifeRyan]

Fantastic video, man. Loved it

[@Sabowie]

I'm surprised my VHS copy still works I watched it so often as a kid!

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

I just watched this movie for the first time because I am obsessed with apes and was able to get the laserdisc for only $4. I don't speak Japanese and this version had no subtitles, but I still had a lot of fun and was mostly able to work out what was going on. In my mind, they were bringing Kong to fight off Godzilla. Although now the whole advertising bit makes more sense. I did wonder why they sent a guy from a commercial to go and get Kong, but then his ability to play the drums does come in handy. I'm also a Doctor Who fan so when Kong's face started glowing, I thought he was regenerating. However, this film was a year before Doctor Who started and the first regeneration wasn't until 1966. Also in my head, the scientist was a politician lol. I did enjoy it a lot though and knowing what was actually happened hasn't changed that.

[@LtRee96se]

Well, I finally found the Japanese version of "King Kong vs Godzilla". I only have the English dubbed version and that has been the only one I have ever seen. I truly can't say that I liked it, as Godzilla still loses, but the comments you have made about the story now make a lot more sense. I enjoyed that part of it. And I agree about the odd clicking noise that Godzilla is making. The only thought of what it could be is Godzilla's claws clicking together as he "claps" his hands. But even that is a stretch and it bugs me, too. But thank you for your review of this. I enjoy all of the reviews and I watch them on about a weekly basis, as I work. Fun for me!!

[@kublaikhan1383]

Great channel and awesome doc! Had some stuff in there even I wasn't aware of! 10/10

[@foiltarmogoyf6203]

Man this video makes me want to rewatch this movie. Maybe I could get my son to sit with me, too. Your channel is amazing and has reignited my love for Godzilla.

[@imperialguardproductions]

This was an amazing look into the history of this movie. This was my introduction to both Kong and Godzilla. Me and my parents were checking out movies in Blockbusters (back when it was still a thing) when I was 4 years old, and I wandered off into the monster and horror section and I saw a DVD cover of a giant fire breathing dinosaur fight a giant monke between a Japanese castle and immediately wanted to watch it. My parents rented it for me. We went home to watch it and became a life long Godzilla fan ever since. Haruo Nakajima inspired me to want to learn more about and possibly be a stunt actor or mo-cap actor in the future. Great job on this retrospective man. Keep up the great work

[@gdiris4481]

I've been waiting for this

[@NoBudjetFilms]

The main reason that I am really excited for the upcoming Godzilla vs Kong movie is because I want it to do really, really well and we get at least 1-2 more movies out of this franchise.

[@kaiiheenjik1668]

You got your wish, Godzilla and Kong movie coming out soon.

[@jhonviel7381]

I gotta say I really love your brand of comedy and the jokes you use in almost a monotone voice. You’ve quickly become honestly probably my favorite reviewers on KZbin

[@YONE.MIE.]

Yes!!!! Been waiting this one to drop! Love these epic videos

[@RickDaSquirrel]

I had to stop the video after hearing about O’Brien. Absolutely sickening knowing that it was worse then I thought.

[@cbbuntz]

Just chiming in to say you're channel is great. I'm not even a Godzilla fan but your videos are interesting.

[@martinjones8216]

This video should be showed on TV, it's an interesting documentary

[@otterrivers3765]

i love this kind of stuff. im watchin these all in a row!

[@necrotoaster94]

Amazing video here, high marks and very much appreciated. Growing up this movie was on Boston Channel 56's famous Saturday afternoon 'Creature Double Feature' often enough that it became one of my favorites. Still a great watch for me to this day. 😁

[@chestshavenbelgium]

First time on this channel. Great review of the movie and all it's history. Subscribed!

[@iamjackscompletelackofsurp9606]

Akira ifukube = One of the greatest film score composers of all time

[@alonsorojas3829]

What a great video and investigation. Everything I always wanted to know.

[@captaincat4361]

I just stumbled across this video and I had to watch it. You have a new viewer and I see you have other histories I will be watching. This movie was the first time I saw Godzilla. It was also the first videotape I owned. Even though it's campy now to my adult worldview, this movie will always hold a place in my heart. Your video here is nicely done, your script is great, all in all, a great documentary. I will watch it again definitely. Thank you for this History.

[@joeomalley2835]

This is awesome stuff. I just found your channel. I've always loved the King Kong and Godzilla classic movies.

[@ianmalloy4282]

I don't care what anyone says... I love that King Kong suit! That's the one I grew up with so dammit that's what I like. Also, just discovered your channel after being recommended the Final Wars video and now I'm going through all the "History of..." videos and I'm loving them! Keep up the good work and I look forward to your future work.

[@biggleearchives149]

Another great one!

[@travisbicklejr]

Outstanding video!

[@dewaeryadi7776]

We need a movie about these brilliant movie creators

[@helmethead7406]

Its cool that this is both kongs 3rd film and godzillas 3rd film

[@jeetkunedoatlanta2464]

It's Kongs second movie not 3rd.

[@helmethead7406]

@@jeetkunedoatlanta2464 king kong Son of kong King Kong vs godzilla

[@jeetkunedoatlanta2464]

@@helmethead7406 son of Kong doesn't have Kong in it.

[@helmethead7406]

@@jeetkunedoatlanta2464 still counts as a king kong movie though that is weird

[@jeetkunedoatlanta2464]

@@helmethead7406 I know I'm playing semantics. It is the third movie in the Kong franchise but only the second Kong Film. Godzilla on the other hand appeared in two films prior.

[@Mai-Gninwod]

Obsessed with your channel. You have reignited a godzilla obsession in me that has been mostly stagnant for almost 15 years. I was absolutely MAD for ol G back in the day. Saw Mothra on comcast on demand as a child and she was therefore always my favorite. I respect your opinion though lol. You’ve inspired a full series re-watch. Thanks bro

[@MrRugbyloosehead]

Great Bio of one of my favorite films, I can still remember going to see this classic, when was 10 years old in a Saturday afternoon matinee, along with King Kong escapes(of course!) I remember how excited I felt at the prospect of watching this, and along with other kids who cheered when both monsters met and fought,I loved it all! and couldn't wait to go see it again next Saturday! I still watch both of these movies to this day ,and now on the preferred Blu ray disc's ,I also can't wait for the rematch coming soon (hopefully) to a theater near you!

[@graemehumfrey3955]

Great work , thx .

[@brandonbyrd2336]

I'm loving this series of history videos on Godzilla movies. Pls keep going with the new movies too. I need one for Shin Godzilla specifically. Either way great work.

[@BigActionBill]

Thank you!

[@bjorn2007]

Love to watch you’re history of godzilla video’s. 👍🏽😊

[@BensonMTG]

Godzilla and Kong fighting, the pagoda be like “I’m in danger.”

[@jimsaldana2302]

Love your recap videos. Great info and some unseen pictures and video snippets. Thanks and subscribed.

[@dreadwaters7898]

Your reviews remind me of when I was watching James rolfs godzillathon when that came out. Thank you for all the effort you put in.

[@shibble]

Clicked the notif Clicked the like button

[@socom242]

Thank you!!! Awesome work. Now I hope (eventually) you can make one about “King Kong Escapes” 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@josemontano7767]

Great video very interesting

[@PoCrack321]

Keep this video at 0 dislikes!! Great video man!!

[@vincentfranklin17]

This was the first Godzilla film I watched as a kid. I loved it!

[@Kaiju-Driver]

The funny supercuts are yet another great touch.

[@jayreagans1160]

Lastly great video!!

[@scotthintze5901]

This is the first Godzilla movie I watched on tv back in the late '70's. I really enjoy this. I didn't know that the lion and tiger roars were used for both Kong and Godzilla. I enjoy the fighting sequence when Kong throws Godzilla over his shoulders. I also enjoy how the creators changed Godzilla's facial expressions, from scary to kid friendly. I even enjoy the fight whee Kong throws a boulder at Godzilla, then Godzilla uses his tail to hit it like a baseball back to Kong. The most interesting f/x is when Kong's face turned glowing blue reminds me of Frankenstein. I only wish I could see this on the big screen.