Rodan (1956).

The Scoop:
This is Toho’s follow-up to the success of “Godzilla, King of the Monsters” (1954) and “Godzilla Raids Again” (1955), and if you can get past the endless stock footage of nuclear testing at the beginning, you’re home free.

Well, almost. From there, you have to contend with the lead character’s ridiculous, film noir-esque voice-over narration and a much delayed appearance of the monster (a giant winged thing that stomps on stuff, pretty much just like in every other Toho monster movie). Even by the cheesy low standards of vintage kaiju flicks, this one is pretty tepid. But on the plus side, among the American voice over cast is George (“Mr. Sulu”) Takei in his first professional acting job.

Best Line:
“If this thing you call Rodan is extinct, why is it still alive?”

Side Note:
This was Toho’s first full-color monster movie.

Companion Viewing:
Any other Godzilla film.

Links:
IMDb.
Monstrous.

Take a Look:
The American trailer:

Rodan hatches: