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.tohokingdo...
-Sci-Fi Japan TV's video: • Memories of Godzilla /...
-Ifukube Documentary: • 音で怪獣を描いた男
I do not own nor do I claim to own Godzilla or any property related to it. This video falls under fair use as it is educational regarding the history of the Godzilla film franchise. Any usage of footage from movies or marketing material is transformative for educational purposes.
FAIR-USE COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
You can purchase or rent "Mothra vs. Godzilla" at www.amazon.com.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@calumsanderson6741]

what a great idea!

[@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

[@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!"

[@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.

[@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

[@Enshohma]

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

[@Z4gle]

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

[@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.

[@ihavenoname6184]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@alonsorojas3829]

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

[@tobequitefranco]

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

[@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 😂😂😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@GothGfGG]

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

[@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!

[@kcadventures1454]

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

[@danmillar6323]

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

[@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💯💯

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@carlosbetancourt7139]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@j.vinton4039]

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

[@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?

[@repomanzilla]

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

[@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

[@zedpwner]

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

[@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!

[@SG-jq5vt]

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

[@herbaldragon7646]

Well done sir,very thorough

[@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?

[@luisthekingjaime94]

Remake would be great

[@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. )

[@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.

[@mariofilho9431]

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

[@CorraThaxton]

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

[@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.

[@khandimahn9687]

Yay! New extended history video!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jeffreygriner9464]

Excellent work. Thanks so much

[@bee-beargaming]

I love learning about the behind the scenes so those videos of you're are awesome

[@Tohan_Gaming]

My most favorite Showa Godzilla movie!!

[@kelleyhalma1024]

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

[@loanaoftheshellpeople5627]

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

[@EveryTimeIDavid]

Love this movie. Probably my favorite vs movie.

[@paulrubens776]

that was interesting, great video

[@biffyqueen]

I see this movie as "Godzilla wakes up with a bad hangover, sees the egg, decides he needs an omelet." As for the babies winning, imo he lets them, or maybe he's tired, I mean he's been rampaging all day, didn't get his omelet, has a killer head ache and they're after him all "You killed our mom you freaked out maniac" so he lets them wrap him up in silk and put him to bed. More seriously, the way he actively tries to avoid them and scare them off makes me think he does feel bad for killing Mothra and doesn't want to kill them too.

[@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?

[@NoraTSS2077]

The whole body dummy incident is tragically comical lol

[@maximaldinotrap]

@Big Action Bill, after you are done with Godzilla you should do Mothra and Rebirth of Mothra. Also, if Godzilla is King of the Monsters then Mothra is basically Queen.

[@dcs672001]

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

[@ironpredator6662]

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

[@thebreakfastmachine6]

After tackling Godzilla/Toho films, would you consider other tokusatsu "History of" videos? Like Gamera, Ultra man, etc.

[@BigActionBill]

I've been asked this quite a bit lately, but I don't want to promise anything regarding that because these videos take a lot of time/effort, and I'm not as well versed with Ultraman or Gamera so that would take even more time/effort. But maybe down the line, I won't rule it out. I'm more into anime than I am tokusatsu, but Godzilla-specific stuff I will always cover because he's the first fictional character I was enamored with.

[@thebreakfastmachine6]

@@BigActionBill Thank you, videos like these are a labor of love and it shows!

[@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

[@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.

[@chrismulwee4911]

So, apparently the silk cocoon in which the two Mothra larvae trap Godzilla is fireproof. If you watch closely, Big G tries to burn his way out, but it doesn't do any good.

[@mistergrool3941]

To this day, my dad still says that America changed this movie's name to "Godzilla vs The Thing" because they were too embarrassed to admit that Godzilla loses to "a stupid, giant moth," in his words. Even though this is arguably my favorite Godzilla movie, I still like to believe in my heart that my dad's theory is true.

[@mikecomerford1986]

I have watched ALL your docs on Godzilla, and well they are great ! I am a huge fan and I always loved the poster art. But to be the debbie downer im not a fan of the movies after "meltdown" from 95. The ending there was great, no need for cgi stuff .... If you think about it it leaves off with Gzilla Jr roaring, which could lead to Gzilla 2014. Thats just my opinion. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

[@DanielNakasone]

Amazing work!!

[@BryanTruong]

Great work

[@jimsaldana2302]

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

[@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?

[@EndPoliticalCorruption]

Given your anguish over Godzilla losing to Kong as expressed in the previous video, I thought you'd have a stroke over the indignation of Godzilla being defeated by a pair of worms. Yet you were surprising calm. I feel cheated out of a well-deserved melt-down! lol

[@scotthintze5901]

I enjoy Mothra vs. Godzilla. I enjoy the twin fairies as well as the fight between Godzilla and Mothra.

[@brandonb1681]

Nelson from Mothra is my favorite Kaiju villain.

[@markclincy4353]

I loved,loved this Godzilla movie.

[@jorgegaleno9518]

30:07 i noticed a blooper here if you look closely enough you can tell that mothra's wings got so much smaller than before and that would make sense because it is a puppet not the actual prop.

[@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.

[@Exia-Prime]

15:28 The part where godzilla shakes the dirt off makes me think of the monarch trailer where godzilla shakes off the dirt hopefully it was a reference to this film.

[@yurirentfro2743]

@Big Action Bill, do you happen to have the link to the documentary "Godzilla vs Ifukube" that you mentioned?

[@BigActionBill]

Thank you for reminding me, I just put it in the description too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4eaXpduo711a68

[@jcrowellz2000]

26:24 "Godzilla is aout to do something to the egg?" I always thought it was obvious what Godzilla was wanting to do the whole time. He gets there and looks at the egg behind the cage, and salivates and chomps slowly while looking at it. He's going to eat the egg. Much like a lizard steals and eats eggs. This makes the monster's motivations more animal like, just like the previous 2 movies, Raids Again and Versus King Kong. The fact that Mothra has to come and save the egg from Godzilla and then hiding it from him under her wing, like you suggested, in her final gesture is quite dramatic. This helps keep Godzilla an antagonist and not anthropomorphizing him like the later movies tended to do.

[@robbycooper6787]

I once read a weird fan fiction where there was dialogue about making a dress for mothra and it was a weird experience to say the least

[@migsyh2065]

Eeeeyyyyyyy he's back!

[@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

[@EdgarFierce]

Love your channel!

[@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.

[@mj91212]

I know it came out well beforehand, but that title still makes me think, what would Godzilla vs John Carpenter’s “The Thing” look like?

[@markbarret6836]

Notice the scene where the villains grab the plate. There is a blooper here. The plate design is one way when it is grabbed, and is in another direction when it is uncovered. Look for it.

[@LordCullBot]

the sudden night time shot could just be the sky looking dim from all the fire

[@watchwaddle]

I had such a crush on Yuriko Hoshi when I saw this for the first time when I was little.

[@Algeriawindows69]

yay finally

[@stoneyboyd]

23:20 I really like how you compared Junko’s pleading with Mothra on behalf of all humanity to the Story of Sodom and Gomorrah where Abraham is pleading with God to spare the cities if fewer than 10 righteous people were found there.

[@BenBootKHTwo]

Mothra movie ❤️ why dont I own it. I must ask for it for Christmas. Steel book Blu Ray is a good price.

[@BigActionBill]

It’s pretty awesome

[@mukilandhinesh3931]

I really want to see a 250 meter wingspan mothra just be in the same space as a 50 meter Goji. It would be so funny to see godzilla be dwarfed by a moth