The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms (1953)

Godzilla was introduced a year after this Beast, yet Godzilla reaped all the rewards, becoming a superstar of monsters. Why? Could it be as simple as 'what's in a name?' Maybe they should have called this Rhedosaurus-Gigantic Beast From 20,000 Fathoms?
I learned that some famed analyst of such monstrous films felt that the Beast was poorly designed - by Harryhausen standards. Perhaps it was the large head? None of these reasons seem to make sense. This Beast should have been a star.
When that Beast moves, as only a Harryhausen creature can, it catches our eye, it commands our attention. We are spellbound by the artistry and, especially, by the iconic nature of the Beast. It is one of a kind - there nothing else like it, and Harryhausen improved on his formula (we all know what creatures I'm thinking of). I can never forget the scene of the Beast grabbing that gutsy, crazy cop; maybe I'll remember Godzilla through tomorrow after watching the movie. But, after that...?  After that, I think of the Beast from below. BoG's Score: 7 out of 10