Lost among the Godzillas, Rodans and Gameras of Japan, comes "Monster from a Prehistoric Planet." Actually, this monster, called a Gappa, is found on a South Pacific island. Back in the day when publishers used to finance expeditions, a group explorers survey an island owned by the publishers of "Playmate" magazine. After an earthquake, a scientist and a reporter discover a giant egg in an underground cavern.
The "Playmate" editor claims the egg and takes it to Japan. En route, the egg hatches and Ma & Pa Gappa sense that their baby is alive. The Gappas visit Japan. Guess what happens.
On one hand, "Monster from a Prehistoric Planet" is routine giant monster attacks Tokyo story, complete with a little native boy who befriends the baby Gappa. Yet there are some beautiful outdoor scenery with a sense of cultural documentary.
In terms of monster scholarship and scientific research, "Monster from a Prehistoric Planet" was released in 1967 under another title, "Gappa the Triphibian Monster." In Dennis Gifford's "A Pictorial History of Horror Movies," this "Gappa" is advertised as "Even Mightier than KING KONG!" Thirty four years after release, "King Kong" was still the yardstick in which all monsters were measured.
