Planet of the Apes (1968)
I felt like watching a classic with my wife, it was fun to revisit this wonderfully strange and exciting world where the dominate species were not humans but apes. The film was nominated for a few Oscars including Best Costume Design, Best Music Original Score for a Motion Picture (not a Musical), and an Honorary Award was given to late make-up artist John Chambers. This film was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and the screenplay credits go to Michael Wilson and Rod Serling (best known from the Twilight Zone series). The film was based upon the novel by French writer Pierre Boulle.
The film is an absolute classic among many movie goers; it was hailed by many during its release. The film has a very interesting ending which will leave your mind wandering. The acting by the cast is magnificent and the special effects for its time were quite good.
The plot basically goes like this, a few selected astronauts from a special space exploration mission discover a new world as they land in the future, they have no idea what they are in for, as they find out on this planet things are very primate and primordial. The crew is lead by George Taylor played by screen legend Charlton Heston, he is accompanied by Robert Gunner as Landon, Jeff Burton as Dodge, and Dianne Stanley as Astronaut Stewart who was uncredited.
As they venture out into what is known as “The Forbidden Zone” they try to find traces of life. After the initial setup, things become much more interesting as they meet up with the apes. The leading ape characters are played by Roddy Mcdowall as Cornelius his wife Dr. Zira is played by Kim Hunter. Maurice Evans portrays Dr. Zaius, James Whitmore plays the President of the Assembly, James Daly is Dr. Honorius, Buck Kartalian is Julius, Lou Wagner is Lucious, Woodrow Parfrey is Dr. Maximus, Wright King is Dr. Galen, Paul Lambert is the Minister, and Norman Burton is the Hunt Leader.
Later on, Taylor befriends Nova who is among the human captives played by Linda Harrison.
The film would go on to spawn four more sequels Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971), Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972), Battle of the Planet of the Apes (1973). There is however a remake using the same title Planet of the Apes (2001) directed by Tim Burton starring Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Clarke Duncan, Estella Warren, and Paul Giamatti.
I think you will enjoy this, if you have never seen it before; this is a science fiction classic and will leave your mind thinking about the different possibilities.
Tags: Astronaut Stewart, Buck Kartalian, Charlton Heston, Cornelius, Dianne Stanley, Dodge, Dr. Galen, Dr. Honorius, Dr. Maximus, Dr. Zaius, Dr. Zira, Franklin J. Schaffner, George Taylor, James Daly, James Whitmore, Jeff Burton, John Chambers, Julius, Kim Hunter, Landon, Linda Harrison, Lou Wagner, Lucious, Maurice Evans, Michael Wilson, Norman Burton, Nova, Paul Lambert, Pierre Boulle, Planet of the Apes, President of the Assembly, Robert Gunner, Rod Serling, Roddy McDowall, The Forbidden Zone, Woodrow Parfrey, Wright King
