PLANET OF THE APES (1968) - PG

Charlton Heston stars in this camp classic from the 1960s that spawned a long run of sequels and prequels, but certainly no equals. Perplexed astronaut George Taylor (Heston) crash-lands on a strange alternative earth where the evolutionary slots of men and apes are horrifically reversed, with humans used for entertainment and experimentation by apes.  But turnabout is fair play as Taylor escapes and leads his simian jailers on a merry chase that culminates on a beach at the foot of a once-famous landmark that tragically answers one too many of Taylor's questions.

This film could be compared to BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES. Charlton Heston (Ben-Hur) commands the screen as the stranded astronaut. The ape makeup, thanks to Creative Makeup Design guy John Chambers, is quite impressive. The film's "twist" ending is the highlight of the movie.

The cast includes: Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter, Roddy McDowall, James Daly, Maurice Evans, and James Whitmore.

Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner.

The Planet of the Apes Review