Biography
Terry O. Morse (January 30, 1906 β May 19, 1984) was an American film director and editor. He is perhaps best known for directing the American scenes in Godzilla, King of the Monsters!, the "Americanized" version of the 1954 Japanese Godzilla film from Toho. The film went on to long-lasting success with regular showings at drive-in theatres, repertory theatres and on television. Its popularity completely obscured the original film which remained virtually unknown in the United States for several decades after its release. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Morse began his career as a film editor in 1927, and early in his career was credited as Terrell Morse, and later Terry Morse. Although he continued working as an editor throughout his career, he also directed films, starting with The Adventures of Jane Arden in 1939.
Most of his career was spent at Warner Bros., and was usually within the crime melodrama genre, although he also directed some comedies. He was unhappy with the movies he was given to direct and went independent.
By this time, Morse had gained a solid reputation as a "film doctor," whose sharp editing skills helped to improve some movies. He was therefore asked to edit and direct new scenes in Godzilla, King of the Monsters!, spliced into the original film. At the time, the re-editing was so effective that American audiences were convinced that Raymond Burr had actually gone to Japan to shoot the picture. It became the most famous film he was involved with.
His son, Terry Morse Jr. followed him into filmmaking, and is a film producer and director.
Morse died in Newhall, California.
Filmography
all 72
Movies 72
Director 19
Godzilla (1977)
Cotter (1973)
Tiger by the Tail (1970)
The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1969)
Panic in the City (1968)
What Am I Bid? (1967)
Young Dillinger (1965)
Taffy and the Jungle Hunter (1965)
Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)
The List of Adrian Messenger (1963)
Blue Hawaii (1961)
Love in a Goldfish Bowl (1961)
Blueprint for Robbery (1961)
Walk Like a Dragon (1960)
The Hangman (1959)
The Space Children (1958)
Love Slaves of the Amazons (1957)
Curucu, Beast of the Amazon (1956)
Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956)
The Big Bluff (1955)
The Moonlighter (1953)
Ruby Gentry (1952)
Japanese War Bride (1952)
Unknown World (1951)
Journey Into Light (1951)
Rogue River (1951)
Tulsa (1949)
Bells of San Fernando (1947)
Don Ricardo Returns (1946)
Dangerous Money (1946)
Shadows Over Chinatown (1946)
Danny Boy (1945)
Fog Island (1945)
Old Acquaintance (1943)
Murder in the Big House (1942)
Three Sons o' Guns (1941)
Wings of Steel (1941)
A Fugitive from Justice (1940)
Tear Gas Squad (1940)
British Intelligence (1939)
Smashing the Money Ring (1939)
No Place to Go (1939)
Waterfront (1939)
On Trial (1939)
The Adventures of Jane Arden (1939)
Crime School (1938)
Talent Scout (1937)
Men in Exile (1937)
Stolen Holiday (1937)
Love Begins at Twenty (1936)
The Big Noise (1936)
Colleen (1936)
Man of Iron (1935)
I Live for Love (1935)
Front Page Woman (1935)
The Case of the Curious Bride (1935)
The Woman in Red (1935)
I Am a Thief (1934)
I Sell Anything (1934)
The Dragon Murder Case (1934)
Harold Teen (1934)
Massacre (1934)
Two Seconds (1932)
The Heart of New York (1932)
Misbehaving Ladies (1931)
The Right of Way (1930)
Numbered Men (1930)
The Girl from Woolworth's (1929)
The Girl in the Glass Cage (1929)
Why Be Good? (1929)
Mad Hour (1928)
French Dressing (1927)
Ratings
Information
Known ForDirecting
GenderMale
Birthday1906-01-30
Deathday1984-05-19 (78 years old)
Birth PlaceSt. Louis, United States of America
CitizenshipsUnited States of America
Also Known AsTerry Morse, Terrell Morse, Terrell O. Morse, T.O. Morse
This article uses material from Wikipedia.
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