Tonight on MeTV: A HUGE Origin Story- the 1st Appearance of "Godzilla-King of the Monsters"!

Tonight, on MeTV, we are very happy to 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! It’s a far cry from some of the later films, much more serious and tragic. Added for the American version, the future “Perry Mason” ( cue that theme music!) Raymond Burr became a part of movie history- as he witnesses the origin of "Godzilla- King of the Monsters"!

This 1956 film begins with reporter Steve Martin (Burr-and, yes, it is not lost on anyone that the character has that name, long before we all became aware of the comedian and current star of “Only Murders in the Building”) – in serious condition, and hospitalized in an over-crowded medical facility loaded with other victims of a horrible catastrophe. We learn what has brought things to this point- as we flashback to Martin flying to Japan for a visit with an old scientist colleague. Immediately upon arrival, he is whisked away by the authorities, who mysteriously ask if he saw anything unusual in the ocean below his aircraft during the flight.

The reason for the inquiry is that there have been some strange unexplained naval disasters in nearby waters. A lone survivor of one of these mysterious events washes ashore at a small island, and Martin joins military investigators to check out the island. They discover that the natives there actually believe that the disasters were caused by a legendary gigantic sea monster-whose anger they have attempted, for many years, to appease by making sacrifices!

The investigation turns up some shocking results-traces of radioactivity- and- unbelievably- giant footprints!

The source 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. When he tries to consult with him, he is surprised when his friend claims to be far too busy to meet.

Coincidentally, Dr. Yemane’s daughter is scheduled to marry Serizawa- but sadly 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- for the good of civilization!

Suddenly- in the very first scene of its type, echoed in many more films- Godzilla appears in Tokyo Bay and heads onshore to cause horrific destruction to the city. Any and all defense 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 back to where the movie started, with Martin hospitalized and at a loss as far as what to do next, just like the authorities. Circumstances end up revealing that the one single dangerous way to end Godzilla’s attacks is the secret discovery of Serizawa’s. Major disagreements cloud the decision of whether or not this should be utilized- but 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 the later Toho Godzilla films. It was reflective of the great sadness and heavy emotions of 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”- and more guest stars- our friend Billy Gardell of “Mike and Molly” and “Bob Hearts Abishola” -a vintage visit with Wil Wheaton-plus a suitable song, a guide to movie dubbing, and some Sven bloopers from our very first year at this company!

“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. The live-Tweeting continues on Twitter/X, as well as comments during the show on Bluesky during the show- we have been trending nationally every week- thanks to posters using the hashtag #svengoolie! This morning, our local viewers can get some left-over produce with a second run of “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” at 11 am on Chicago’s WCIU, The U.

Join us tonight as a giant radioactive monster faces off against the future Perry Mason- which leads to a continuance in the horror genre!!