Katsumi Tezuka
Also Known As: not available
Biography: Katsumi Tezuka was a Japanese actor and former baseball player. He was best known for serving as the suit actor for numerous kaiju in several Toho science fiction and horror films directed by Ishiro Honda. Tezuka fate after the 1960s is uncertain and his date of death is unknown.
Department: Acting
Place of Birth: Japan
Birthday: August 31, 1912
Adult: No
Gender: Male
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Known For:
Forty-Eight Man
Overview: Jidai-geki by Kiyoshi Saeki
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-06-26
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Matango
Overview: Five vacationers and two crewmen become stranded on a tropical island near the equator. The island has little edible food for them to use as they try to live in a fungus covered hulk while repairing Kessei's yacht. Eventually they struggle over the food rations which were left behind by the former crew. Soon they discover something unfriendly there...
Genres: Horror Science Fiction Thriller Drama Mystery Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-08-11
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Ôban
Overview: A young country boy leaves his village for Tokyo, where he begins to work as a stock trader. First part (of four) of the film adaptation of Bunroku Shishi's novel, Oban.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-03-05
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Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean
Overview: Obscure French version of the original Godzilla. The film combines elements of the original Toho version and the American King of the Monsters! in a unique assemblage exclusive to the Francophone market. Released by Les Films du Verseau.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 1957-03-14
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Godzilla
Overview: A re-edited Italian-language dubbed version of the original Godzilla, using as a basis the U.S. version, "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" (1956), plus WWII newsreel footage and clips from other science fiction films. The re-edited film was then colorized via a process called "Spectrorama 70" consisting of applying various colored gels to the black and white footage. The film's opening and ending also features new music composed by musicians Fabio Frizzi, Franco Bixio, and Vince Tempera (under the pseudonym Magnetic System).
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: it
Release Date: 1977-01-01
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Rebels on the High Sea
Overview: A film by Hiroshi Inagaki.
Genres: Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-08-08
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The Mysterians
Overview: In Japan, scientifically advanced invaders from the war-destroyed planet Mysteroid cause an entire village to vanish, then send a giant robot out to storm the city by night, after which they request a small patch of land on Earth and the right to marry earthling women, claiming to be pacifists. Mankind must decide whether to capitulate or to resist.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Drama Thriller War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-12-28
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Varan the Unbelievable
Overview: In an effort to find an economic means of purifying salt water, a joint U.S.-Japanese military command is set up on an isolated Japanese island where an unusual salt water lake is situated. However, their purifying experiments arouse the prehistoric monster Obaki from hibernation at the lake's bottom, and it proceeds to attack Japan. Although made by a U.S. independent film company, this film was based on a Japanese Toho monster film of 1958, "Daikaiju Varan", from which all of the monster effects scenes and a few incidental dramatic shots were edited into it.
Genres: Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1962-12-07
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Godzilla
Overview: Japan is thrown into a panic after several ships are sunk near Odo Island. An expedition to the island led by Dr. Kyohei Yamane soon discover something far more devastating than imagined in the form of a 50 meter tall monster whom the natives call Gojira. Now the monster begins a rampage that threatens to destroy not only Japan, but the rest of the world as well.
Genres: Thriller Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-11-03
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Godzilla Raids Again
Overview: Two fishing scout pilots make a horrifying discovery when they encounter a second Godzilla alongside a new monster named Anguirus. Without the weapon that killed the original, authorities attempt to lure Godzilla away from the mainland. But Anguirus soon arrives and the two monsters make their way towards Osaka as Japan braces for tragedy.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-04-24
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Mothra
Overview: Shipwreck survivors found on the presumably uninhabited Infant Island leads to a scientific expedition that discovers a surviving native population along with the Shobijin, tiny twin fairy priestesses of the island's mythical deity called Mothra. After the fairies are kidnapped by an exploitative businessman named Clark Nelson, Mothra sets out to rescue them.
Genres: Adventure Science Fiction Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-07-30
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The H-Man
Overview: Nuclear tests create a radioactive man who can turn people into slime.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-06-24
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Atragon
Overview: The legendary empire of the lost continent of Mu reappears to threaten the world with domination. While countries unite to resist, an isolated World War II Captain has created the greatest warship ever seen, and possibly the surface world's only defense.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Adventure Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-12-22
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Battle in Outer Space
Overview: In 1965, the space station JSS-3 is destroyed by a fleet of UFOs, which then begin a global siege on Earth, using rays to manipulate gravity and control the minds of men. In response, a global council meeting is held to determine the source of the attacks and prepare a rocket ship armada for a counter-attack, a true battle in outer space. . . The film is a sequel of sorts to Toho's THE MYSTERIANS in the reprise of the Etsuko Shiraishi character of that film as its heroine. It was edited to 74 minutes for its American release.
Genres: Science Fiction Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-12-26
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King Kong vs. Godzilla
Overview: The advertising director of Pacific Pharmaceuticals, frustrated with the low ratings of their sponsored TV program, seeks a more sensationalist approach. He orders his staff to Faro Island to capture King Kong for exploitation. As Godzilla re-emerges, a media frenzy generates with Pacific looking to capitalize off of the ultimate battle.
Genres: Science Fiction Comedy Adventure Fantasy Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-08-11
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Mothra vs. Godzilla
Overview: Journalists Ichiro Sakai and Junko cover the wreckage of a typhoon when an enormous egg is found and claimed by greedy entrepreneurs. Mothra's fairies arrive and are aided by the journalists in a plea for its return. As their requests are denied, Godzilla arises near Nagoya and the people of Infant Island must decide if they are willing to answer Japan's own pleas for help.
Genres: Drama Action Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-04-29
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Gorath
Overview: In 1976, a drifting star named Gorath is discovered to be on a collision course with Earth. Although it is smaller than Earth, its enormous mass is enough to destroy the planet totally. A mission sent to observe Gorath is destroyed after the ship is drawn into the star, with a later mission barely escaping the same fate. However, Astronaut Tatsuma Kanai is left in a catatonic state due to his near death experience. Unable to destroy the invading star, Earth's scientists undertake a desperate plan to build giant rockets at the South Pole to move the planet out of Gorath's path before it is too late.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-03-21
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Angkor Wat Story - Beautiful Sadness
Overview: A Japanese artist (Ikebe), who had won the favor of the Cambodian royal family when he rescued their daughter during World War II, returns and falls for the now-grown princess, though neither realizes the other's identity.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-03-25
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クレージーだよ 奇想天外
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date:
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King Kong vs. Godzilla
Overview: When an underhanded pharmaceutical company goes to a remote tropical island to steal King Kong for advertising purposes, they get more than they bargained for when the gigantic ape attacks an unsuspecting village and an enormous octopus.
Genres: Action Science Fiction Comedy Adventure Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1963-06-26
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Varan
Overview: When a rare species of butterfly is found in a mysterious valley in Japan, a pair of entomologists go to investigate and find more. They discover Varan, a giant monster, who decides to leave the valley and head straight for Tokyo.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-10-14
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The Last Embrace
Overview: Yukiko Nogami is rescued during a mountain blizzard by handsome forester Shinkichi, and the two subsequently fall in love. But when Shinkichi dies in an avalanche, Yukiko leaves the mountains in despair and takes a job in a bar where she becomes deeply involved in the personal lives of several of the patrons. One day she thinks she sees Shinkichi alive, but it turns out to be a gangster named Hayakawa, a man on the run who bears an astonishing resemblance to Yukiko's lost love. Against her better judgment, she is drawn to help Hayakawa, though clearly danger follows him.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-03-11
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The Retreat from Kiska
Overview: In 1943, the Aleutian island of Kiska was fortified by a small contingent of Japanese soldiers. When word arrived of an impending attack by an overwhelming force of Americans, the Japanese Navy attempted one of the most daring and unlikely evacuations in military history. This is that story.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-07-04
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Marital Relations
Overview: The story of a couple, a spoiled son and a down-to-earth girl, in Osaka in the early Showa era. The film won the prestigious Blue Ribbon awards for best director, best actor (Morishige) and best actress (Awashima), and the Mainichi Concours award for best actor and best screenplay (Yasumi Toshio). It ranked second (after Naruse Mikio’s Ukigumo) on the Kinema Junpō top ten films for the year.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-09-13
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Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island
Overview: A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.
Genres: Action Adventure Drama Romance History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-01-03
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Daredevil in the Castle
Overview: During the raging war between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa clans, the swordsman Mohei (whose family has been completely decimated) is recruited by Toyotomi to overcome the seat of power, Osaka Castle. Mohei's daredevil skills will be put to severe tests.
Genres: History War Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-03
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Godzilla, King of the Monsters!
Overview: During an assignment, foreign correspondent Steve Martin spends a layover in Tokyo and is caught amid the rampage of an unstoppable prehistoric monster the Japanese call 'Godzilla'. The only hope for both Japan and the world lies on a secret weapon, which may prove more destructive than the monster itself.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1956-05-18
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The Three Treasures
Overview: The legend of the birth of Shintoism. In Fourth Century Japan, the Emperor's son Ouso expects to succeed his father on the throne, but Otomo, the Emperor's vassal, prefers Ouso's stepbrother, and conspires to have Ouso die on a dangerous mission he has contrived. But Ouso prevails in the mission and returns to his father's castle under a new name, Prince Yamato Takeru. Otomo plots to have the Prince sent into even greater danger, but Otomo is unaware that the gods have favored the Prince and the outcome is far from what any of them expected.
Genres: Fantasy Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-11-01
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Moment of Terror
Overview: When an only child is struck by a car and dies, the child's mother seeks vengeance against the driver in this thrilling drama. The car was driven by the wife of a company president who is having an affair. The woman's husband manages to buy silence about the incident, but the victim's mother discovers the identity of the driver. After she secures a job in the home of the company president and his philandering spouse, the woman plans to murder the couple's son when he reaches the age of her late son.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-04-16
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Gigantis, the Fire Monster
Overview: A prehistoric monster called Gigantis emerges alongside another creature named Angurus.
Genres: Action Horror Science Fiction Adventure
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1959-05-21
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I Was a Prisoner in Siberia
Overview:
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-04-03
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Her Captive Gamblers
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-06-03
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The Story of Iron Arm Inao
Overview: An Ishiro Honda film.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-03-21
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Chûshingura
Overview: After their lord is tricked into committing ritual suicide, forty-seven samurai warriors await the chance to avenge their master and reclaim their honor.
Genres: History Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-11-03
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Rodan
Overview: Mining engineer Shigeru investigates the disappearance and death of his fellow coworkers when prehistoric nymphs are discovered emerging from the mines. After an attack on the local village, Shigeru heads deeper into the mines only to make a more horrifying discovery in the form a prehistoric flying creature. Soon a second monster appears as the two converge in Fukuoka.
Genres: Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-12-26
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Navy Bomb Squadron
Overview: Japanese propaganda film
Genres: War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1940-05-22
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The Eagle of the Pacific
Overview: Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, a brilliant tactician, is a loyal subject of the emperor, despite his grave misgivings about leading Japan's navy into war with the United States. He opposes the attack on Pearl Harbor, but, overruled, he leads his forces to the best of his ability.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-10-21
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Shanghai Rose
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-08-13
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Song of the White Orchid
Overview: Song of the White Orchid was a co-production of Toho and Mantetsu, the railway that served the colonial region of Manchuria, and the first film in the Kazuo Hasegawa/Shirley Yamaguchi (Ri Koran) “Continental Trilogy.” Handsome Hasegawa (representing Japan) runs up against an impertinent Yamaguchi (representing the continent); not surprisingly, in the course of the film the woman comes around and realizes the benevolent intentions of the Japanese. In Song of the White Orchid Yamaguchi leaves Hasegawa, who plays an expatriate working for the railway, because of a misunderstanding. She joins a communist guerilla group plotting to blow up the Manchurian railway. Learning of the subterfuge that led to the misunderstanding, she renews her faith in Hasegawa—and by extension Japan—and tries to undermine the plot.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1939-11-30
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Beast Alley
Overview: "When human beings venture too far along a trail made by wild beasts, it is said, they quite often discover themselves on a road of no return." Based on the novel of the same name by Seichô Matsumoto.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-09-05
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Tokyo 1960
Overview: A Filipino re-edit of the original Godzilla. Appears to have been edited in a similar fashion to the American King of the Monsters!, with the use of Filipino actors. No footage of this version has ever surfaced.
Genres: Action Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: tl
Release Date: 1957-12-27
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