The History of Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)

The History of Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)
#Godzilla #Mothra #GodzillavsKong
Sources
- 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/
-Sci-Fi Japan TV's video: • Memories of Godzilla /...
-Ifukube Documentary: • 音で怪獣を描いた男
You can purchase or rent "Mothra vs. Godzilla" at www.amazon.com.

[@Animated__Freak]

I like watching the 1961 Mothra, this movie and then Ghidorah the three headed monster in order. It becomes almost like a Mothra movie trilogy.

[@Sgt.Dornan117]

Funnily enough Ghidorah became Mothras main antagonist in Mothras trilogy later on. Ghidorah is a Mothra villain just as much as Godzillas villain, it adds more gravitas to the King of the Monsters movie imo.

[@Fusion991]

@@Sgt.Dornan117 k

[@bruhmingo]

@@maingamer6846 don’t forget monster zero. That list of films is really the perfect consecutive series of Godzilla films

[@Rampy470]

Ah yes, the Godzilla face turn saga

[@haydenbrewer787]

Finally, we get more lore about one of the best showa era Godzilla movies.

[@Eddyval-oq2vt]

64 Godzilla vs motha is 1 of best Godzilla movies period, for sure top 5

[@Emerald501st]

Am I the only one who thinks that Mothra's silk being flammable would actually be a neat addition to her power set?

[@hetalianotaku7103]

Not to mention she was literally on fire in Final Wars when she finally killed Gigan!

[@Z4gle]

I laughed way too hard at the "he's a ground type now" bit

[@mckenziebryant6729]

I appreciate your effort in recovering "Mothra vs. Godzilla" because I enjoy learning the historical background and how the giant monster movies are made.

[@Ziomaletto]

12:27 - That's exactly what I thought. :D 14:46 - Mothra: "I'm trying to sneak around... But I'm dummy thicc and the clapping of my wings keeps alerting Godzilla." 26:28 - Godzilla: "Making the mother of all omelettes here, Mothra! Can't fret over every egg!"

[@mkcstealth7624]

For me, this is the best Godzilla film in terms of its technical aspects. From the miniatures, to the effect work, to the sheer fact that to this day Mothra's wings beat the most realistic out of all the movies and was done so even though the cameras were rolling with slowed down footage. Truly a masterpiece

[@timconklin2164]

Agreed and it also IMO had the scariest looking Godzilla.

[@filmkid8221]

I think that, besides later films, King Kong vs Godzilla has the best miniatures

[@redskull378]

​@@timconklin2164 Nah the og design and the gmk design are the scariest(in my opinion)

[@djangofett4879]

​@@redskull378GMK godzilla is adorable compared to shin godzilla

[@Grandmaster_Dragonborn]

I think the reason Mothra didn’t just get the egg herself is because it would likely draw too much attention, and thus put Infant Island in potential danger. The humans would’ve been a lot more sneaky moving the egg.

[@scooterdescooter4018]

no one asks how mothra squeezed that big ass egg out of herself.

[@tht1blackguy209]

Glad to see this series is still going

[@Devils_Lair_Comics]

I think he's just redoing the videos on the shows era Godzilla movies

[@LtRee96se]

I always have to smile when you say "Who am I kidding? I still love this sh*t." And at home, I'm saying out loud "Me, too!!!" I just love the movie reviews that you do. I put them on and listen &watch while I work. These reviews are just so cool. I really can't say enough about them. You did a fantastic job.

[@BigActionBill]

LOL really nice of you to say. I'm hoping to get Terror of Mechagodzilla out soon, it's taking longer than usual because of my actual job and other things in life taking up a lot of my time currently.

[@LtRee96se]

@@BigActionBill Hey, no rush on my part. I enjoy watching every one. And, I confess, I watch them over and over again. I might even have them memorized. Godzilla is just so interesting to me. I have see other people's historical videos on Godzilla, but they just don't go very deep. I have even got a book on the subject and (of course) the Criterion collection. I wish they would come out with the Showa series.

[@christiandolz6272]

So much care and love put into research and production, this series is such a gem, hopefully all the kanju community will find you soon enough if the algorithm treats you well 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@kiofea]

I found it recently and still re-watching these today. Excited to see the Monsterverse videos (even if I don't like the movies themselves), but more importantly Shin Gojira.

[@loanaoftheshellpeople5627]

Godzilla vs Mothra is one of my Favorite Movies. This was an Excellent Documentary.

[@Enshohma]

Happy to see you returning to older episodes and making extended remake versions.

[@aerodific]

I like the amount of info and fun facts that are put in the video, makes it more interesting and fun to watch.

[@kylenaversen]

The MosuGoji suit would be later be used for Tsuburaya Production Series, (Before there was Ultraman) 1965-1966 Ultra Q, as a mammal-like reptile kaiju, Gomess.

[@nerddeooo]

absolutely no one asked, but the original Mothra Movie was one of the very, very few toho movie that got dubbed in Brazillian Portuguese.

[@MCMLXXXIX]

22:46 Coolest tangent ever.

[@tobequitefranco]

LOVE your connection between Sacred Springs song and the Japanese school children singing from 1954 Godzilla. And what a good tangent! Dang!

[@maniacalclefable1354]

My favorite Showa Godzilla film ( I consider Gojira in a tier of it’s own ) is finally reviewed in the best documentary series on the platform.

[@maniacalclefable1354]

Yes I know he already made this, but his earliest history of Godzilla videos weren’t the best. ( The 7 minute era specifically. )

[@maniacalclefable1354]

@@supamilkchanbitches3730 Godzilla Raids Again is a sequel to the original Gojira, and subsequent Godzilla films from the Showa Era are considered sequels. Gojira is canon to multiple eras, though, so I see where you got mixed up.

[@maniacalclefable1354]

@@supamilkchanbitches3730 First off, If it is just how you see it then why am I wrong, if it’s just a matter of opinion? Second, Godzilla Raids again is a sequel to Gojira. Dr. Yamane reappears for one, and also the movie’s entire premise is built on the fact that in the original, Yamane says another Godzilla could appear. But the most important fact; an era is not defined by a continuity, but by the time when it was released. Gojira was released in the Showa era not only of Godzilla, but Japanese history.

[@Cobatsart]

This is my favorite godzilla movie by far. Godzilla is at his peak "Unstoppable force" energy here. He's not even doing anything bad, just basically going for a walk. That walk just happens to involve a citywide level of property damage, and nobody can stop him, and it ultimately comes down to the two baby mothras making him trip over his own feet into the ocean. It's hilarious, but still awesome

[@ericg1100]

I noticed that as well 😂😂😂

[@switz]

Just wanted to say that I really like your analysis and how wide the breadth of your scope is in approaching these. I look forward to every video

[@ihavenoname6184]

Your newer Godzilla reviews are so informative and are very interesting, Good Job so much effort was put into your videos

[@WeBarelySober]

Love the content man ! I'll be waiting for you to eventually cover Godzilla 2014 and Shin Godzilla.

[@NoBudjetFilms]

Great video! I think it would be really cool if the Monsterverse made a standalone Mothra movie. Mothra was great in King of the Monsters, and I think she could make a great movie on her own. Apparently she laid an egg before her fight with Ghidorah, so she could come back. I know the Monsterverse hasn't been crazy successful, but I really hope they make at least a couple more.

[@brianyaeger8209]

If I’m not mistaken (which happens often lol) the writer for Godzilla vs Kong came out and said that GvK was successful enough that they are now working on future Monsterverse movies Doesn’t mean that they will actually make these movies, but at least they are workshopping ideas for more movies

[@KingOfThePirates101]

@@brianyaeger8209 We also gotta remember when MCU first started, it wasn't that popular. I have a feeling Monsterverse will be MCU rival in the near future or so when it comes to movies. 😆

[@redskull378]

​@@KingOfThePirates101 Especially because the MCU aren't doing that good.

[@JosephOliver-th9se]

Yes And Mothra with her own Monsterverse Solo Movie With Godzilla, Anguirus, Megaguirus, and Battra.

[@Vaga-Bard]

@@redskull378can’t go as bad as mcu went. Godzilla is aggressively not inclusive. The checking boxes killed mcu. Godzilla has incredible lord behind it. If they stay true to it, Godzilla could be one of the most successful franchises ever. I remember the hype around Godzilla 2000. I was only 10, but I remember all the buzz. I was watching the 60s movies when I was little bitty.

[@alonsorojas3829]

Love the long video format, the history, the tangents, everything. Thanks Bill.

[@GothGfGG]

This long indepth videos are amazing thank you so much for making them

[@kensimon1773]

I’m happy to have discovered this channel and getting questions answered after all these years

[@DetectiveOlivaw]

I'm going through all your history videos, and they're all incredibly well-produced and comprehensive! Learning about the making-of and especially the genesis and inspirations for each film is super interesting, and your video on the first film especially is detailed as hell! I considered myself a pretty big kaiju fan and I'm learning a lot I didn't know before. Thanks very much for all of these!

[@danmillar6323]

This is a great update on the previous video with even more interesting facts.

[@bryanmark14]

Awesome! I kinda thought this series of videos was over now. More to enjoy!

[@BearRanger]

I may have posted before, but I have to say this one of the best in the series. so much was right with this. A joy to watch. Thanks for the review.

[@joeysullivanTM]

The Legend has come back! Welcome back Bill! This was still awesome (re-upload) 💯 But ngl this was even more interesting than the original upload.

[@kcadventures1454]

You really outdid yourself on this one bill! Great job!

[@carlosbetancourt7139]

Dude your Godzilla videos are the best, Keep up the great work.

[@repomanzilla]

Yes!!!!! Keep them coming bro we love your videos!

[@matthewcirello8259]

I've been wondering what happened to your Showa Era history videos. Glad to see that they're getting the full blown history treatment

[@zedpwner]

im making spaghetti sauce and this video is the perfect length i need to wait

[@SG-jq5vt]

Always enjoy your videos! Been following since this winter - thanks for keeping me entertained! Excellent work!

[@animeveteran]

11:47 I wonder if, at the time, the practices of real estate agents in Japan were more underhanded. Though there's two decades between the two media, I can't help but recall the inspiration for Frieza in Dragon Ball Z. Toriyama saw these real estate speculators and agents as just the worst kind of people, and it's what inspired that cold, witty demeanor Frieza had. If practices were any kind of similar between those two times, it wouldn't be a stretch to think Sahara also saw them as a real-life source for learning how to be villainous. Goodness knows, I hope things aren't quite so bad now.

[@douglasw.7864]

Just discovered your channel today. Loving the content. It’s keeping me entertained as I battle illness.

[@jeffreygriner9464]

Excellent work. Thanks so much

[@robertstewart9658]

The special effects in this film are superb; better even than films that came later. Mothra is easily the second most recognizable kaiju and I have yet to be able to play her in Tokyo Clash as my daughters keep grabbing the figure before I can get to it.

[@Dektoonics_inc.]

I'm just glad your daughter's enjoy her like we all do

[@Takaichi666-]

28:27 I’m glad you brought this up as a kid and as an adult I always loved when he fired his heat beam I always assumed it was out of aggravation and it’s still awesome to watch

[@Telcontar86]

A Big Action Bill upload is an immediate like, and a comment afterwards. I appreciated the quick delve into the solo Mothra film at the beginning. Excellent video as always!

[@RSEFX]

Oh, and, uh, apologies for not saying this right off the bat: Thanks for the excellent history and all of your excellent work detailing the making of these now legendary fantasy movies. Great to see images of the actual people whose on-screen work has long been appreciated, but whose likenesses and even simple existence has long been invisible.

[@herbaldragon7646]

Well done sir,very thorough

[@mariofilho9431]

I was honestly not expecting to watch this whole video, well done

[@rod7071]

Love your Godzilla history super details. Being a huge fan of Big G for years this is awesome. Just curious to know are you planning a history of Toho Kaiju movies as well? Like Rodan and Frankenstein Conquers the world War of the Gargantuas etc. would love to hear the stories behind those movies as well. Thanks

[@BigActionBill]

Currently I'm not but you never know, I do try to mention those films in passing while talking about Godzilla movies.

[@khandimahn9687]

Yay! New extended history video!

[@dcs672001]

Nice work on these mini documentaries I can only imagine the work it takes to complete these

[@DanielNakasone]

Amazing work!!

[@paulrubens776]

that was interesting, great video

[@ShinGoji1987Official]

A fantastic video for one of the best Goji films! I love those little Biblical references you keep decoding in these too, keep up the great work man!

[@DarkROSkull013]

Thank you for your research and the efforts you put into these videos. This was my 2nd Godzilla movie. I remember back in '98. I had just watched Zilla and was hungry for more Godzilla content. VHS rentals were a big thing back in the day, and 6 year old me had no idead Godzilla existed prior to '98. Imagine my surprise when I read the title "Mothra vs Godzilla". The 90's and early 2000's were good times.

[@transformersrevenge9]

Amazing video as always. Also, are you a Metal Gear fan? I just went through the entire series, and oh boy what an amazing ride that was.

[@ivane5110]

Not only do I love this series (your Godzila reviews), but they are hands down the best I've come across (and I've seen some really good ones). As for the Godzilla movies themselves, I loved them growing up (though all were on TV, and most on a black and white TV...which actually added to it). By the time I was watching many if not all of the crossovers had already happened and as repeats were in differing orders, so I just assumed were created to be his opponents. But Mothra was the first that I saw in his own movie, and once I realized it wasnt going to be a Godzilla movie I was actually blown away. It was like seeing Joker had his own comic. Loved it! I wonder if the crossovers were amazing or expected back when it came out?

[@EdgarFierce]

Love your channel!

[@angryboi595]

I love seeing the background history of old movies mainly monster movies since most movies nowadays have a toxic background to them or just aren't interesting but monster movies always has something special. And I think mothra vs godzilla is one of the best showa godzilla films. Also this godzilla suit is the best one next to 2002 godzilla suit

[@j.vinton4039]

Mothra is a Kaiju gem. She’s beautiful, benevolent, a mother, fearless, and enduring.

[@goochfitness26]

When I was younger the style of the older Godzilla wasn’t my thing but now that I’m older I’m starting to appreciate it for what it is. These videos help me continue to do that💯💯

[@ChrisPeteG]

The addition of the Frontier Missile sequence is one thing I love about the US version of the film. I don't care for renaming it "Godzilla vs The Thing", referring to Mothra as The Thing most of the time, or for Mothra being referred to as a "he".... So ideally the US version with a proper title and proper Dub would be the best cut of the film.

[@BryanTruong]

Great work

[@kingdomcomesuperman3669]

As always love the historical research, one of the historical ties that always fascinated me was how Honda and Sekizawa's experience during the war led them down vastly different styles for their preferred Kaiju movies. Along with the Ifukube vs Godzilla documentary where, like you said, seeing kids see how much of an impact that song had was wholesome. Always conflicted on this release since for the human characters I think it's one of the best cast and plots period. Godzilla's MosuGoji design is one of my favourites, his antagonistic nature, Tsuburaya is at his peak for special effects JDF vs Godzilla, Mothra's marionette was amazing, and Ifukube's score. But the main selling point, the Kaiju vs Kaiju battles, were some of the weakest imo from Mothra vs Godzilla outside of dragging him and blowing him away for a bit in her flying form were weak imo and especially with the silk-camping ending. Still regardless one of the best of the Showa Era.

[@killindylan17]

I love these videos

[@demongorr]

Big Action Bill with the big Friday upload fuck yeah

[@CorraThaxton]

39:30 Oh man, I remember those bumpers from the vhs tapes. So good.

[@kieferfulsom4432]

I friggin love this movie so much, there’s a lot to unpack from this but I love all the things you went over. I think this is my favorite Godzilla movie behind the first, everything the cinematography, the music, heck even the human Elements are so good.

[@kieferfulsom4432]

Side note: I completely forgot that military attack scene right after Mothra and Godzilla fight, I thought after he killed Mothra he went straight to Iwa Island, or at least maybe that’s how it should’ve happened with the military scene earlier in the film. :-p

[@gojiblock8401]

Please do the Rebirth of Mothra trilogy! I love those movies and I have so many questions about their creation.

[@cultofj3777]

Thanks, I was always confused about the origin of Mothra. I had always heard the movie was based on a book and I wondered about the publication history. Now I know!

[@justinsullivan1285]

This is definitely one of the best in the showa era. You're doing a hell of a job with these videos Bill. Have you seen Godzilla Minus one? If so, what did you think?

[@padawanmage71]

Thanks for the video! So many i remember watching on 'Creature Double Feature' back in the early 80s. As for the weird turtle skeleton, i thought that was a kind of dig at Gamera. Did those two every fight?

[@tobequitefranco]

I loved watching this movie when I was a kid with my sister. She was a big Mothra fan, and I am still a big Godzilla fan. That scene of Godzilla emerging from the beach is hilarious and awesome

[@migsyh2065]

Eeeeyyyyyyy he's back!

[@Jagent]

This was one of my favorite Godzilla films when I was growing up. :)

[@imperialguardproductions]

I actually got to see this movie (along with Vs Megalon) in a special theater screening hosted by Bob Eggleton. It was great seeing this movie and hearing audiences reactions to all the monster scenes.

[@elindioedwards7041]

This was a very good movie IMO. The music and story were very good. And some of the scenes are actually chilling. The footage of Godzilla emerging from the beach, the subsequent attack on the industrial facility stand out for me. In addition I find Godzilla"s appearance near the hotel also a little frightening. This along with Ghidorah The 3 Headed Monster was the high point of the Showa era and the entire franchise in my estimation.

[@MetalGearRisingRevengence]

My most favorite Showa Godzilla movie!!

[@briangladstone5131]

Really enjoy these documentaries and learning a lot. This was last of the original chilling Godzilla's that gave me bad dreams. Godzilla's appearance and that chilling walk to the Hotel. Of the first four this is my fav. Unlike the arguments about who won King Kong - Godzilla #1, this one left no doubt he got rolled and defeated.

[@joe3019772008]

he can melt the rock but, he can't touch these lil bastards. lol. classic godzilla at it's funniest. lol.

[@squish8785]

yesss my favorite movie is finally here

[@kelleyhalma1024]

I just watched this movie last night and I loved it.

[@RSEFX]

My understanding is that AIP had put some money into the film and had some say re the script (though I'm pretty sure their input was likely minor). AIP was partnering with all kinds of foreign entities at the time with the goal of securing distribution rights: They were "on the move" in the mid-to-late 60's, working hard to increase their steady flow of product for exhibitors. (I used to get AIP's in-house newsletters, and had a subscription to Boxoffice---one of several exhibitor trade publications---at the time. I recall coming across little snippets of financial background about AIP's international partnership and distribution deal-making efforts. )

[@Pyracantic]

FUCK YEAH A NEW UPLOAD!!!!!

[@lp-xl9ld]

Nice that you put in the background of the original MOTHRA. Now all you need to do is the original RODAN...or will that be included with the promised GHIDORAH video?

[@luisjaime2567]

Remake would be great

[@vines2639]

Can you do some other series like Gamera or Ultraman? I love this series

[@joeysullivanTM]

He will when he's done with the Godzilla films. Just gotta wait.

[@vines2639]

@@joeysullivanTM Let's gooooo!!!

[@ironpredator6662]

ohh the movie that in my country was called at the time "WATANG! in the fabulous empire of the monsters"...

[@sum_gie]

The trailer at 39:32 is from the Simitar home video release. They made 5 of them for the original (King of the Monsters!), this, Monster Zero, Godzilla’s Revenge, and Terror of MechaGodzilla.

[@dps0610]

Love this movie. Probably my favorite vs movie.

[@NoraTSS2077]

The whole body dummy incident is tragically comical lol

[@ramonsanchez6903]

Great Video

[@etaab6568]

37:31 I can no longer unsee it...

[@HeavyJ713]

Everytime that I see this movie and Godzilla monster Island ( Where he has a son.) Im reminded of the weekend show where Grandpa Munster would host Godzilla movies on TBS Channel 17.

[@PhilinBrazil]

I love Mothra so much but I always fall asleep during her movies. As soon as those twins start singing, I am out. But, strangely, I love Mothra to death and was so happy that she appeared in King of Monsters. Great vids, btw. Just recenly found your channel. Great content.

[@jimsaldana2302]

That American trailer was actually one of a set of 5 trailers made exclusively for the 5pk Simitar VHS release.

[@calebprescott440]

I really like the history videos of godzilla I hope we get history videos of gamera and king kong

[@joeysullivanTM]

He will, just be patient. 😁

[@calebprescott440]

@@joeysullivanTM in a couple of years

[@markclincy4353]

I loved,loved this Godzilla movie.

[@FreakDaMIghet]

I remember watching this movie on the big screen at G Fest many years ago. When Yoshifumi Tajima first appeares, somebody in the audience croed out "Mein Führer!" become of his signature mustache, and the whole place erupted jn laughter.

[@RSEFX]

To my eyes, the best miniatures in these Japanese fantasy-SF films appeared in RODAN and the original GODZILLA, and were never really improved upon. The miniatures in the later films weren't helped by the choice of so many human-eye level camera angles (meaning human eye level on the miniature effects stage) and flatter lighting. (There was also some pretty solid miniature work in THE MYSTERIANS and BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE.) MOTHRA was an altogether different kind of film in the "giant monster" genre in Japan, far more of a fairy-tale fantasy, and very charmingly done. I wound up with a full set of behind-the-scenes photos from THE MYSTERIANS, and maybe will develop a "making of" article or video about it at some point. It seemed to be a kind of Japanese answer to THE WAR OF THE WORLDS in a very very general way.

[@tylerc.1548]

26:22 Dat face tho... "He's just standing there... MENACINGLY!"