Godzilla Turns "Hippie" In Ecological Showa Entry

Above, a Bandai 6" Hedorah figure I bought in Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month marked the 50th anniversary of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (released in the U.S. in 1972 as Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster). Yes, this is the movie in which Godzilla uses his atomic breath to fly like a rocket to chase Hedorah.

I first saw the movie on television. It was certainly different, to say the least, but it was entertaining. Well, all of the Showa series of Godzilla films were entertaining, even the worst ones. Ecological awareness was in vogue during the early 1970s and Godzilla vs. Hedorah reflected that.

Above, J. D. Lees and Yoshimitsu Banno have a discussion over dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From IMDb:

Coming to Earth on a fallen meteorite, The microscopic alien life-form Hedorah feeds on Earth's pollution and grows into a Gigantic, ever Evolving, poisonous Gas and acid-secreting monster. Godzilla, Earth's Defender senses the Threat and Meets ''the Smog Monster'' in a Literal, Battle for Earth's Survival.

Fifty years is certainly a long time, but it sometimes boggles the mind at how fast it goes. I was in high school at the time it was released. 

Above, suit actors Kenpachiro Satsuma and Haruo Nakajima take a break
during filming of Godzilla vs.Hedorah. Photo autographed by both actors. 

I met Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno at the 2005 G-FEST in Chicago.

During my 2006 trip to Japan, I picked up a 6" Bandai Hedorah figure (shown at top).