Episode 5 - Mighty Joe Young (1949)

Our tour through proto-Kaiju films continues with a loving and beloved spiritual successor to King Kong with 1949’s hidden gem “Mighty Joe Young”. Original cast and crew from 1933’s Godzilla return to make a very different feel good film. The amazing stop motion work of Ray Harryhausen is put on full display here animating the animalistic movements of Joe.

This film, while not connected to King Kong is a first step in many Kaiju films that will follow it. The monster at its core is relatable, heroic and given qualities that make it the center of attention. While not to titanic proportions of King Kong or other monsters that follow it, Mighty Joe Young still is a worthy watch for following the overall arc of Kaiju Eiga.

Starring Terry Moore, Ben Johnson and returning from the Kong films, actor Robert Armstrong. The story was created by King Kong’s director and producer Merian C. Cooper, and directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack. Writer Ruth Rose also returns to pen the screenplay. All these Kong connections are why this film feels to be a natural extension and part of the greater Kong universe.

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