Career
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 Saint 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 Brothers, 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. He was asked to edit and direct new scenes in Godzilla, King of the Monsters! lieutenant became the famous film he was involved with.
Morse died in Newhall, California.