IN GODZILLA WE TRUST

Get ready for a monstrous birthday bash--Godzilla’s hitting the big three-oh.

It was 30 years ago, come April 26, that the reptile was hatched (so to speak) in this country. That’s when the original “Godzilla” premiered in NYC.

L.A.-based UPA Productions, which has long held American rights to the big guy, feels a celebration is in order. So president Hank Saperstein is producing “The Best of Godzilla” (for TV syndie in June), with clips from the Godz’ 16 films and an awards ceremony--in which he’ll get a twisted gold-plated skyscraper as best monster actor.

“It’s our way of correcting an oversight--what we feel is an injustice,” explained marketing director Patricia Saperstein (Hank’s daughter). “I grew up with him. He’s kind of like my big brother.”

She pointed out that Godzilla’s also pitching for Dr Pepper--his latest spots show him meeting the reptile of his dreams: Newzilla, a.k.a. Ms. Zilla.

And then there are all those Godzilla products--including a 6-foot inflatable and a cigarette lighter (“You press his fins and the flame shoots out”).

It’s enough to whip up fervor among some of the country’s most revered cultural/educational institutions. Among those planning special film festivals: New York’s Museum of Modern Art and our own USC.