It certainly is, and we cheer Gojira on! The famous close-up shot of Momoko Kochi, as Emiko, screaming, suggests not only a brilliant depiction of terror, but the realization that this actress is now working with a brand-new star!!!!!!!!!!!!
Svengoolie, on his broadcast, explained, as I did, how the film was truncated, but what surprised me, not having seen this version in years, and not even really wanting to, save for the "Gojira" footage, is how much of the footage remains in this version. The shot of the mother and child huddling together in fear, which has to be one of the greatest anti-war images, as well as the children singing, and the people being wheeled in and out of the hospital. Yes, some scenes were cut and re-arranged to cut down on the anti-war message, but it could not be stopped. It is still there.
Gojira should have received an Oscar nomination for his brilliant and moving performance. He out acts everyone on screen, including Raymond Burr, which is not saying much, but is the truth.
I can only advise you to look at the 1954 "Gojira," in Japanese, with English subtitles. Then you will see what an artistic masterpiece the film actually is.
As for "Sventoonie," well "Circus Of Fear," from 1966, was not one of his better selections. Despite a reputable cast--Christopher Lee, Klaus Kinski, and Suzy Kendall--it was still more heist comedy, like "Rififi," or "Topkapi," than a circus thriller. There was less circus footage than the film promised, and that really disappointed me. Yes, there was a serial killer, and a hunt on to find out who was responsible. The surprise revelation of the killer was the only good moment in the film.
But, next to a gem like "Gojira," any film would seem worse.
I never had circus fantasies as a child, but I do love stories about haunted circuses or amusement parks. But, from the look on Suzy Kendall's face, I would never go into this profession.
And with that hair? I would be disgraced!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Make sure to style your hair, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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