It’s Raymond Burr for the Defense Against “Godzilla-King of the Monsters”- Tonight!

Tonight on MeTV, in answer to many viewers requests, we again present the English-language version of the famed Toho Studios film that started the reign of the most famous Japanese kaiju (giant monster) in motion picture history! Beginning the series with a far more serious and tragic feel, and adding in the future “Perry Mason” ( cue that theme music!) Raymond Burr to guide us- here is the movie that reveals the origin of "Godzilla- King of the Monsters"!

This 1956 film begins with reporter Steve Martin ( Raymond Burr-and, yes, it is ironic that the character is named Steve Martin, long before we all became aware of the banjo-playing comedian ) – hospitalized and in serious condition, having been brought to an over-crowded medical facility loaded with other victims of a horrible catastrophe. We learn what has happened via a flashback to Martin flying in to Japan for a visit with an old scientist colleague. Upon arrival, he is whisked away by the authorities, who ask if he saw anything unusual in the ocean below his aircraft during the flight ?! The reason is that there have been some strange unexplained naval disasters in nearby waters.

When a lone survivor of one of these mysterious events washes ashore at a small island, Martin joins military investigators to check out the island- and finds that the natives there actually believe that the disasters were caused by a legendary gigantic sea monster-whose anger they have attempted to squelch for many years by making sacrifices! The investigation turns up traces of radioactivity- and- unbelievably- giant footprints!

The origin of these is discovered when the mighty Godzilla actually appears! After its frightening appearance, Dr. Yemane, a renowned expert who is part of the investigating party, returns to Tokyo to explain his theory that this gigantic creature has been awakened from ages of hibernation by man's atomic testing (a theme that will be reused in countless future movies). Martin seeks out the scientist pal he came to visit, Serizawa, who he thinks may have an educated opinion, but when he tries to consult with him, his friend claims to be far too busy. Coincidentally, Dr. Yemane’s daughter is scheduled to marry Serizawa- but it appears that her heart now belongs to another man- and she is trying to figure out how to reveal the truth to the scientist. During one of her attempts to tell Serizawa the sad news, she discovers a horrible discovery he is hiding from the world- for its own good!

Suddenly- in the first scene of its type, due to be echoed in many more films- Godzilla appears in Tokyo Bay and heads onshore to cause horrific destruction to the city! Any defensive system plans fail miserably- and Godzilla's rampage seems unstoppable! Martin does his best to provide live coverage of the damage being done- only to be injured as the devastation continues.

This brings us up to the point where the movie started, with Martin hospitalized and, like the authorities, at a loss as far as what to do next. Circumstances end up pointing towards one single dangerous way to end Godzilla’s attacks- involving the secret discovery of Serizawa’s. There is major disagreement about whether or not this should be utilized- but, at this point, can anything, known or unknown, provide even slim hope that the monstrous creature can be stopped- before it's too late?

This film was the first exposure most of us of a certain age had to Godzilla- and, you’ll notice , as I mentioned earlier, that this movie has a much more serious tone than almost all of the later Godzilla films, utilizing the great sadness and heavy emotion of its parallels to real-life events. We’ll run down the movie’s history, explain how Burr was inter-cut into the original all-Japanese cast, and pay our respects to the man who was inside the Godzilla suit. Also, watch for the special comedy segment with our friend, the hilarious Jamie Farr- best known as Max Klinger from "MASH”! Additionally, you’ll see a song (the most appropriate one we could think of for this movie, due to its human star), a guide to movie dubbing, a vintage promo for a dubbed game show that was a big hit on cable, and- make sure you are watching right before we wind up the show for a memorable visit from years ago by two legendary women whose cartoon voices you know very well!

One more quick reminder, while time grows short- you may want to hit the store here on our website to order something special for your Sven-fan Valentine!

“Godzilla- King of the Monsters” surfaces on MeTV tonight at 8 pm eastern/pacific, 7 central time- and you can check your local listings, or at www.metv.com, for time and station in your area. Don’t forget that we are also available as part of the FrndlyTV app, which has a minimal monthly fee. The live-Tweeting continues on Twitter during the show, making us trend every week- just be sure to add the hashtag #svengoolie to your Tweets! This morning, our local viewers can pucker up once more for Hammer’s “Kiss of the Vampire” at 11 am on Chicago’s CW26.

Join us tonight as a giant radioactive monster causes the future Perry Mason to attempt to come up with a defense- to which even Hamilton Burger would not object!