Episode 5 - Mighty Joe Young (1949)

Episode 5 October 11, 2021 00:50:46
Episode 5 - Mighty Joe Young (1949)
Kaiju Vs. History
Episode 5 - Mighty Joe Young (1949)

Oct 11 2021 | 00:50:46

/

Show Notes

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.

Twitter: @kaijuvshistory

Email: kaijuvshistory@kaijuvshistory

Other Episodes

Episode 139

May 13, 2024 00:40:28
Episode Cover

Episode 139 - The Naked Monster (2005)

A parody Kaiju film looks to take the stars of the 1950s monster movies and put them in a ultra-low budget comedy. Will the...

Listen

Episode 120

January 01, 2024 00:42:23
Episode Cover

Episode 120 - Rebirth of Mothra II (1997)

In order to start the year off right we return to what is considered often the odd one out of the Mothra Trilogy. Scooby...

Listen

Episode 11

November 15, 2021 00:40:56
Episode Cover

Episode 10 - It came from beneath the sea (1955)

Kaiju Vs. History Episode 10 – It came from beneath the sea (1955) Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds...

Listen