The Doors' Jim Morrison strutted around LA cockily referring to himself as the Lizard King. An arty cinephile, Morrison by chance saw the original "Godzilla" and, properly chastened about the reality of "lizard kings," promplty moved to Paris and died.

Here in New London, "Godzilla" fans like Jaime Duquette and Jay Silva, observing that Sunday is the 65th anniversary of Japanese release of the original version, approached the Garde Arts Center honchos about a commemorative screening. Given that Sunday is also the end of what might properly be described as Halloween weekend, a matinee presentation of the digitially restored classic will indeed take place at the Garde.

"If you can get past the guy in the rubber suit, it's a pretty good movie. Pretty dark, too," Duquette says. "Also, there's been a big resurgence in 'Godzilla' interest since Warner Brothers' remake in 2013. And finally, we just want to see it on the big screen."

The afternoon will include a clip from the 2013 version as well as audience giveaways.

The original "Godzilla," 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $12; (860) 444-7373.