I admit the Japanese version is better but I can't find too much fault in Raymond Burr's performance or call it wooden.He showed the right emotion at the right time and genuinly seemed interested in the part, as opposed to other actors who got stuck doing these types of roles.If he comes off as detached sometimes remember he is a REPORTER and has to remain objective and analitical as possible though these moments of detachment make his emotional moments that more moving.

"I'm saying a prayer George."

And keep in mind that Burr probably hadn't seen any of the Japanese footage he was supposed to be reacting to.The fact that he is able to convey the right emotions at the right moment is a marvel in itself.Terry Morse and Burr could have just said "Hey the studio just wants a monster movie so to heck with doing a good job." but instead they tried to rise above the expectations of their bosses and deliver a better 50's monster movie than the other low budget studios. Compare GKOTM with KING DINOSAUR or THE GIANT CLAW and even Harryhausen classics like IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA and you can tell they were trying their best with what they were given and with what their bosses expected from them.