Dr. Zaius, Taylor, and Nova search for man’s destiny in original PLANET OF THE APES, screening July 8-14 at Film Forum
PLANET OF THE APES (Franklin J. Schaffner, 1968)
Film Forum
209 West Houston St.
July 8-14
212-727-8110
www.filmforum.org
With Rupert Wyatt’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes, starring James Franco, Frieda Pinto, Andy Serkis, and John Lithgow, scheduled to hit theaters August 5, Film Forum is bringing back the first and, by far, the best of all the Apes movies, as well as one of the best sci-fi films ever made. Based on the 1963 novel by Pierre Boulle (and with an early script by Rod Serling), Planet of the Apes offers up the nightmare scenario of a world where caged mute humans are ruled over by well-dressed speaking gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees, and orangutans. But when astronaut George Taylor (a never better Charlton Heston) suddenly shows up — and can not only talk but is ready to fight to the death for his freedom (although he never does cry out, “Let my people go!”) — the balance of power is threatened and a final showdown is imminent. Taylor is quick to land himself a mate, the savagely beautiful Nova (Linda Harrison), and is soon befriended by an extremely intelligent and socially advanced chimpanzee couple, Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) and Zira (Kim Hunter), who take more than just a scientific interest in him. Meanwhile, Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans) knows more than he’s letting on, and he’ll do just about anything to protect the precious, and very dangerous, secrets he is guarding. “There’s got to be an answer,” Taylor says to Dr. Zaius, who replies, “Don’t look for it, Taylor. You may not like what you find.” Indeed, Taylor and Nova head out toward one of the grandest surprise endings in the history of film. Planet of the Apes was nominated for two Oscars — Best Costume Design (Morton Haack) and Best Original Score (Jerry Goldsmith) — and John Chambers earned an honorary Academy Award for his marvelous makeup, which included turning James Whitmore into the president of the assembly. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, who went on to make Patton, Papillon, and Yes, Giorgio, the still fresh and original Planet of the Apes is being screened at Film Forum in a new 35mm print July 8-14, where it’s sure to be a madhouse.