28959

Godzilla (Toho, 1954). Japanese B2 (21" X 30") Style B. Godzilla (Toho, 1954).

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Godzilla (Toho, 1954). Japanese B2 (21  X 30 ) Style B. Godzilla (Toho, 1954).
<B>Godzilla (Toho, 1954).</B></I> Japanese B2 (21" X 30") Style B. Known as "Gojira," the film opened in Japan in 1954 to acclaim, including a Best Picture nomination in the Japanese equivalent of the Academy Awards. Three years later, a dubbed and heavily edited version opened in America and became a cult, if sometimes ironically comic, treasure. Unfortunately, much of the serious subtext about the anxiety of the Atomic Age -- with references to Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the fire-bombing of Tokyo -- surrendered to 1950s Cold War Americanization (and Raymond Burr confesses to his accomplice role). Fifty years and 28 films later, in 2004, the original Japanese version finally opened in American theaters. This impossibly rare one sheet -- from the original Japanese release -- is only the second time any poster from the 1954 release has been offered in an American auction; in July, Heritage Galleries sold the original Style A. This Style B remains incredibly clean: slight wear on the edges was repaired when mounted on linen, and the occasional light stain and abrasion appears on the image (but only noticeable upon close inspection). The poster has had the show date and times painted neatly in the blank imprint area on the bottom of the poster. The poster's scarcity and excellent condition should send more collectors into a frenzy than Godzilla itself. Rolled, Very Fine on Linen.