Detailed Summary
Brent’s Arrival on the Planet of the Apes
The film begins with Brent (James Franciscus), an astronaut sent on a rescue mission to find Taylor (Charlton Heston) from the first film. Brent’s ship crashes, and he discovers he’s on the same planet as Taylor—a world dominated by intelligent apes. Brent encounters Nova (Linda Harrison), Taylor’s mute companion, and they set off to find him.
The Ape War Council
Meanwhile, the apes, led by General Ursus (James Gregory), are preparing for war against a mysterious and forbidden region known as the Forbidden Zone. Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans) reluctantly agrees to support Ursus’s aggressive plans, though he fears the consequences of venturing into the Forbidden Zone.
The Underground Mutants
Brent and Nova eventually discover an underground city inhabited by mutated humans with telepathic powers. These mutants worship an ancient nuclear bomb as a god, believing it to be their salvation and ultimate weapon. The mutants capture Brent and attempt to use him to destroy the apes.
Brent and Taylor’s Reunion
Brent finally finds Taylor, who has been imprisoned by the mutants. The two join forces to escape, but they are soon caught in the crossfire between the invading apes and the mutants. As chaos erupts, Brent and Taylor fight to stop the apes from detonating the bomb.
The Catastrophic Conclusion
The film ends on a dark note. Taylor, mortally wounded, manages to activate the bomb in a final act of defiance, leading to the planet’s complete destruction. The film concludes with the chilling voiceover: “In one of the countless billions of galaxies in the universe, lies a medium-sized star, and one of its satellites, a green and insignificant planet, is now dead.”
Movie Ending
The ending of “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” is one of the bleakest in sci-fi history. Taylor detonates the bomb, destroying the entire planet in a desperate attempt to prevent the apes from taking control and possibly using the weapon themselves. This ending shocked audiences at the time, as it was rare for a major film to conclude with such an apocalyptic scenario.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a science fiction dystopian drama with strong elements of political and social commentary, continuing the dark and thought-provoking themes of its predecessor.
Cast
- James Franciscus as Brent
- Charlton Heston as Taylor
- Kim Hunter as Dr. Zira
- Maurice Evans as Dr. Zaius
- Linda Harrison as Nova
- James Gregory as General Ursus
- Paul Richards as Mendez
Film Music and Composer
Leonard Rosenman composed a tense and eerie soundtrack that enhances the film’s dark and unsettling atmosphere.
Filming Locations
- Malibu Creek State Park, California: Many of the outdoor scenes were filmed here, continuing the series’ use of rugged, desolate landscapes.
- 20th Century Fox Studios, Los Angeles: The underground city of the mutants was created using sets at the Fox studio lot, designed to evoke a haunting and decayed world.
These locations helped convey the desolation and decay of a future Earth dominated by apes.
Awards and Nominations
While the film didn’t receive significant awards, it remains notable for its contribution to the expanding “Planet of the Apes” franchise and its bold storytelling choices.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Charlton Heston agreed to reprise his role as Taylor only if his character met an early demise, which resulted in the film’s dramatic conclusion.
- The budget was significantly lower than the original film, leading to creative solutions in set design and special effects.
- James Franciscus, chosen partly for his likeness to Charlton Heston, took on the role of Brent.
Inspirations and References
- Cold War Fears: The ongoing Cold War tensions strongly shaped the film’s focus on nuclear destruction and the perils of war.
- Social Commentary: Like its predecessor, the film explores themes of power, racism, and the consequences of blind militarism.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The creators always intended “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” to conclude with an apocalyptic ending, and there are no well-known alternate endings or major deleted scenes that alter the final outcome.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Novelization: The film was novelized by Michael Avallone, with some differences in character perspectives and internal monologues.
- Source Material: While the original film was based on Pierre Boulle’s novel, the sequel’s story was created specifically for the screen, expanding the universe with new elements like the mutants.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Brent’s First Encounter with the Apes: His realization that he’s on the same planet as Taylor sets the tone for the film.
- The Ape War Council: Where the aggressive plans of the apes are revealed.
- The Underground City Reveal: The shocking discovery of the mutant humans worshiping the bomb.
Iconic Quotes
- “The only good human is a dead human!” – General Ursus
- “I reveal my Inmost Self unto my God.” – Mutant Prayer
- “It’s doomsday. The end of the world. Why don’t we do something to stop it?” – Brent
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The design of the mutant humans’ city is filled with religious symbolism, reflecting their twisted worship of the bomb.
- The Alpha-Omega bomb is a subtle reference to the biblical concept of the beginning and the end, fitting the film’s apocalyptic theme.
Trivia
- The dark ending of the film almost halted plans for any future sequels, yet the series persisted with prequels and alternate timelines.
- Linda Harrison, portraying Nova, was pregnant during filming, prompting some creative changes in her character’s portrayal.
- The “Planet of the Apes” franchise gained recognition for its pioneering use of prosthetic makeup, which set a new standard for the era.
Why Watch?
“Beneath the Planet of the Apes” is a must-watch for fans of the original film and those interested in sci-fi with deep philosophical questions. It pushes the boundaries of the genre with its dark themes, powerful performances, and unforgettable ending.
Director’s Other Movies
- Ted Post: Known for his work in television, Post also directed “Magnum Force” (1973), the second Dirty Harry film.
Recommended Films for Fans
- Planet of the Apes (1968)
- The Omega Man (1971)
- Soylent Green (1973)
- Logan’s Run (1976)
- The Andromeda Strain (1971)
