Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)

Director: Ishiro Honda

Written by: Shin’ichi Sekizawa

Released the same year as Mothra vs Godzilla, this film introduces us to the villainous monster-mainstay, King Ghidorah.

Having fallen to earth in a meteor, Ghidorah’s awakening is foretold by the mysterious Prophet of Venus, a missing princess possessed by the last descendants of a ruined planet and hounded by ruthless assassins.

When the three-headed titan awakens it falls to Godzilla and Rodan to battle the creature, but they are too busy battling one another to care.

It is only through the intervention of the all-round class act, Mothra that the three unite and drive Ghidorah from the earth.

There are some great scenes in this one, Mothra playing the voice of reason between Godzilla and Rodan makes for an amusing visual and the handicap match final between the three of Earth's mighty defenders and the evil space dragon never fails to entertain.

I’ve never been a fan of Ghidorah’s early look, resembling something made piecemeal from three different monsters it looks especially clunky here, most noticeably when the monster takes flight but you have to give credit to the sound designer for embuing him with a distinct and alien roar that would become an eerie signature for decades to come.

In "Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster," the MosuGoji suit underwent modifications, notably receiving a new head with altered facial characteristics. The enhancements included movable eyes, a reduction in the upper lip and teeth, and elongation of the tongue, extending beyond the lower teeth. These alterations were necessitated by damage incurred during the preceding film, particularly during scenes where Godzilla collided headfirst with Nagoya Castle and subsequently when his head briefly caught fire. This variant of the suit is also referred to as the SanDaikaijuGoji.

Overall, this is an enjoyable movie that places Godzilla reluctantly on the side of good and further cement his transition from villain to hero.

***