Rodan (1956)

Rodan, also known in the United States as ''Rodan! The Flying Monster!'', is a Japanese feature film of the science fiction genre. It is classified as a Tokusatsu of the daikaiju ("giant monster") subgenre. It was directed by Ishirô Honda with a script written by Takeshi Kimura and Takeo Murata based on a story treatment by Ken Kuronuma. In the U.S. version of the film, dialogue sequences were re-written by David Duncan. The movie was produced by Toho Co., Ltd. and premiered in Japan on December 26th, 1956. It was released in the United States on August 6th, 1957. The film introduces the giant flying monster Rodan, who will go on to become a recurring staple in the Godzilla film series by Toho.

Notes & Trivia

 * The original Japanese title for the film is Sora no daikaijû Radon. It is also called 空の大怪獣 ラドン, which translates as Radon, Giant Monster of the Sky.


 * In U.S. releases of the film, the title is Rodan! The Flying Monster!.


 * Rodan is the first and, to date, only film in it's respective solo series.


 * Rodan is the first movie in the Godzilla film series that was shot in color.


 * In the United States, Rodan grossed $500,000 at the box office over its opening weekend on August 6th-August 9th, 1957.

Fun Facts

 * The man behind the wings and pointy head is actor Haruo Nakajima. Haruo is also known for wearing the Godzilla costume in most of the Shōwa period Godzilla films of this era.

Keywords
1950s; Giant animal; Giant monster; Insects; Japan; Kitamatsu; Kumamoto Prefecture; Kyushu; Miner; Mount Aso; Nagasaki; Nagasaki Prefecture; Rodan