Planet of the Apes (1968)Directed by Franklin J. SchaffnerProduced by Arthur P. Jacobs Music by Jerry Goldsmith -

AwardMake-up by John Chambers – Special award

Screenplay by Michael Wilson Rod Serling Based on novel La Plaète des singes Monkey Planet 

(1963) by Pierre Boulle

Taylor – Charlton HestonCornelius – Roddy McDowall

Zira – Kim HunterZaius – Maurice Evans

Landon – Robert GunnerDodge – Jeff Burton

Nova – Linda Harrison

Budget: $5,800,00Gross: $32,600,000

Cast & Etc.

Reviews“Heston is by now just about the only Hollywood actor capable of playing archetypal heroes -- Moses, Ben-Hur, the last man alive, etc… In stature and screen presence, he is heroic and he is noble”  Roger Ebert

“A political-sociological allegory, cast in the mold of futuristic science-fiction, it is an intriguing blend of chilling satire, a sometimes ludicrous juxtaposition of human and ape mores, optimism and pessimism.” Variety

“Physically, Heston, with his perfect, lean hipped, powerful body, is a god-like hero; built for strength, he’s an archetype of what makes Americans win. He doesn’t play a nice guy; he’s harsh and hostile, self-centered and hot-tempered.” Pauline Kael

John

Chambers

Award for outstanding

make-up achievement

Begins in space…

Space Ship

And that completes my final report until we reach touchdown. We're now on full automatic, in the hands of the computers. I have tucked my crew in for the long sleep and I'll be joining them…the men who sent us on this journey are long since dead and gone. You who are reading me now are a different breed - I hope a better one.

I leave the 20th century with no regrets. But one more thing…But seen from out here everything seems different. Time bends. Space is boundless. It squashes a man's ego. I feel lonely. That's about it. Tell me, though. Does man, that marvel of the universe, that glorious paradox who sent me to the stars, still make war against his brother? Keep his neighbor's children starving?

Feeling lost in the unknown

First Glimpse

Cornelius & Zira

Taylor finds his voice.

“Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty

ape!”

The Hearing

Defender of the Faith &Minister of Science

Let it be clear at the outset that all matters pertaining to this inquiry are confidential, and anyone discussing them outside this chamber will be held in contempt of the Tribunal.

At the very least, this man has the right to know whether there’s a charge against him. -- Objection. The accused is indeed a man. Therefore, he has no rights under ape law.

This man is not being tried. He is being disposed of…scientific heresy…is on trial here

The Hearing

Gag that monstrosity!

29th scroll 6th verseBeware of the Beast

man, For he is the devil’s

pawn.Alone among God’s

primates, He kills for sport…Or Lust Or Greed.His brother to possess His brother’s Land. Yea, He will murder

Let Him Not breed In great Numbers…For He will make a

desert Of his home and Yours.Shun him.Drive him back into His Jungle lairFor he is the

Harbinger of Death.

Oh my God. I'm back. I'm home. We finally really did it.

You Maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn

you all to hell!

Planet of the Apes (1968) Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)Planet of the Apes (1974) (television series)Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975)

(animated) Planet of the Apes (2001)Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Planet of the Apes Franchise

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Described as “an origin story” with an estimated budget of $90,000,000 (IMDB)

Questions for Planet of the Apes

As you watch Planet of the Apes, try to place yourself in 1968 watching it after it was first released. With that in mind, which sequences do you think are significant?  As you watch these key sequences, what do you think was the intended emotional response(s) to these sequences.   

Describe Taylor’s attributes and what does he represent? Does he represent humankind?  If so, how do you feel about him representing humankind?  Zira?  Cornelius?  

What statements can be made concerning authority?  Does the authority figures in this film reflect the culture of the time or does it cross over with a larger statement.     

Is the audience exposed to scientific advancements and theories in this film.  How is science represented?   Would you say that it is pro-science?

Not considering the sequels, what do you think is the future of humans (Taylor and Nova) when the film ends?