Why did the Brits make their version of Godzilla? - Gorgo (1961) Discussion

[–] The-Silent-Photoplayer 19 years ago

Except that the two stories have nothing to do with one another.

-J. Theakston
The Silent Photoplayer
http://www.thephotoplayer.com/

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[–] fictionalman 19 years ago

Let's see. Both are giant reptilian monsters that are supposed to be millions of years old and come from under the ground. Both giant reptilian monsters wreak havoc and destroy a major city. One is named Godzilla, the other is named Gorgo with both their name beginning with G. Nope you are right; these two films have nothing in common.

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[–] The-Silent-Photoplayer 19 years ago

No... I said the STORIES have nothing to do with one another. One is about the effects of a reptilian monster (created through radiation) that is lured to civilization unintentionally. The other one is a pre-historic beast that has been around for millions of years that is captured and havoc breaks out when the mother comes looking for it.

Obviously GODZILLA inspired it, but it's an entirely different movie with an entirely different story, so it's hardly a rip-off.

-J. Theakston
The Silent Photoplayer
http://www.thephotoplayer.com/

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[–] ZoneFighter 15 years ago

Actually the Japanese monsters name is Gojira, a combination of Japanese words meaning gorilla and whale.

Have you forgotten how it felt that day/To see your homeland under fire/And her people blown away?

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[–] seashellz 19 years ago

you forget-the Americans had their BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS, and the other UK monster film, not as good, was THE GIANT BEHEMOTH (ever met a small behemoth?)

And then..........there was REPTILICUS!

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[–] mvario 18 years ago

For those who want to accuse Gorgo of "ripping-off" Godzilla, you should be aware that Godzilla in fact "ripped-off" Beast from 20,000 Fathoms. Both Beast and Gorgo were directed by Eugène Lourié (who also "borrowed" from himself with Giant Behemoth).

-Mike

UPCOMING HORROR MOVIE LIST:
http://upcominghorror.blogspot.com

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[–] Big G-2 18 years ago

I wouldn't directly say that Godzilla was a "rip-off" of THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS as Toho was making their film in 1954, around that same year Ray Harryhausen's movie reached Japan. Influenced? Definately. But never a rip-off. If anything, The Beast, Godzilla and Gorgo are all heavily influenced by KING KONG (1933), and to a lesser extent, THE LOST WORLD (1925).

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[–] mvario 18 years ago

I think that's open to some debate. From what information I can find Tomoyuki Tanaka was aware of Beast, which was Warner's top grossing film of `53. The story lines are very similar. In both cases you have a pehistoric dinosaur released by a nuclear test, leaving a trail of destruction (including the sinking of a fishing boat at night) as it heads by sea towards a major city. It gets there and causes more mayhem and destruction until a scientist comes up with a scientific method for it's destruction.

I haven't heard it for myself, but I understand that on the commentary for the latest US release it's stated that the original Godzilla script even contained a lighthouse scene.

Aside from the political and cultural undertones to Godzilla, that's quite a lot of similarities for it to be coincidental. The only other films I'm aware of that bear that much similarity to Beast are Lourié's own Giant Behemoth and Emmerich's 1998 Godzilla "remake" which is more similar to Beast than it is to Godzilla.

Rip-off is probably too strong a phrase to use (and one Godzilla fanboys certainly would find indigestible), but it certainly true that it isn't original either. Given the similarities I would say "heavily influenced by".

-Mike

UPCOMING HORROR MOVIE LIST:
http://upcominghorror.blogspot.com

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[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] PostmortemG 18 years ago

"Having mother and child Gorgo leave London and go back to sea to live in peace was different from the traditional monster movie."

Definitely. I recently bought The Destruction Edition DVD, which I've watched twice within the span of a few days. The last time i saw this film was nearly 20 years ago [ Back when i was 7 or 8 ], recorded off American Movie Classics i think, and i definitely appreciate it more than i did back then. This movie is full of metaphors and symbolism for sure, and the mother monster destroying the city in order to rescue her offspring is a great touch.

"Cain and Abel will go to Heaven... if they can make it through Hell!" -Los Hijos Del Topo

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[–] diddymuck 16 years ago

Giant Monster flicks were vogue at that time.

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[–] sweiland75 15 years ago

How ironic an American would ask this question when it is Americans who have also ripped off many foreign films, too.

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