Planet of the Apes (1968)

Planet of the Apes
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner
Written by Michael Wilson and Rod Sterling from a novel by Pierre Boulle
1968/USA
IMDb link
Repeat viewing/Amazon Instant
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

[box] Dr. Zaius: You are right, I have always known about man. From the evidence, I believe his wisdom must walk hand and hand with his idiocy. His emotions must rule his brain. He must be a warlike creature who gives battle to everything around him, even himself.[/box]

1968 was certainly a year for science fiction blockbusters!

The year is 3978 A.D.  Three astronauts emerge from deep hibernation to find they have crash landed.  The planet has conditions suitable for human life and is occupied by mute and wild humans and highly intelligent apes.

The lone survivor George Taylor (Carleton Heston) is the first talking man the apes have encountered.  Scientist Zira (Kim Hunter) and her sweetheart Cornelius (Roddy Mc Dowell) befriend Taylor and want to learn about what makes him tick.  Their superior, Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans), believes that he should be castrated and rendered mute ASAP.

Can’t help admiring the make-up, scenery, and special effects extravaganza that is this movie.  I have never liked Charleton Heston much so it’s not a fave.

John Chambers won an honorary Academy Award for “his outstanding make-up achievement in the movie.”  The first competitive award for make-up was not created until 1981.  The film was nominated in the categories of Best Costume Design and Best Music, Original Score for a Motion pictures.