Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)

Detailed Summary

The Apes’ Arrival on Earth

In this third installment of the Planet of the Apes series, the story begins with a spacecraft crashing into the Pacific Ocean. To the shock of the military personnel who recover it, the craft is piloted by three apes—Cornelius (Roddy McDowall), Zira (Kim Hunter), and Dr. Milo (Sal Mineo). The apes, who had escaped their own world’s destruction, find themselves in 1970s Earth, a time when humans still dominate.

The Apes’ Public Introduction

Initially treated as mere curiosities, the apes soon reveal their ability to speak and are thrust into the public spotlight. Dr. Hasslein (Eric Braeden), a government scientist, becomes increasingly suspicious of them, especially after learning about the future domination of Earth by apes, as revealed in their interrogation.

Tragic Consequences of Fear

As public opinion turns against the apes due to fear of an eventual ape takeover, Dr. Milo is tragically killed by a zoo gorilla. Cornelius and Zira, now isolated and under heavy scrutiny, discover that Zira is pregnant. This revelation heightens the tension, as Dr. Hasslein believes the offspring could be the key to the eventual rise of the apes.

The Pursuit and Final Stand

In a desperate bid for survival, Cornelius and Zira flee with the help of sympathetic humans. They hide out at a shipyard, but Dr. Hasslein tracks them down. The climax of the film is tragic, with Cornelius, Zira, and their newborn baby being cornered. In a heart-wrenching scene, Zira is killed while attempting to protect her child, and Cornelius is shot while avenging her death.

The Baby’s Fate

However, the film ends with a twist: Zira had switched her baby with a common chimpanzee’s baby at a circus. The real child, destined to be the progenitor of the future ape civilization, survives, setting up the inevitable continuation of the apes’ rise.

Movie Ending

The movie ends on a somber yet hopeful note, with the surviving baby chimpanzee being raised by Armando, the circus owner (Ricardo Montalbán). The final scene, where the baby utters the word “mama,” signals the beginning of a new era and hints at the future downfall of humanity.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Escape from the Planet of the Apes does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

This film is a science fiction drama, combining elements of social commentary with speculative fiction.

Cast

• Roddy McDowall as Cornelius
• Kim Hunter as Zira
• Sal Mineo as Dr. Milo
• Bradford Dillman as Dr. Lewis Dixon
• Natalie Trundy as Dr. Stephanie Branton
• Eric Braeden as Dr. Otto Hasslein
• Ricardo Montalbán as Armando

Film Music and Composer

Jerry Goldsmith, the composer of the original Planet of the Apes score, crafted the music for this film as well. His composition intensifies the dramatic tension, creating a tense and ominous atmosphere throughout the movie.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California: Most of the film was shot in and around Los Angeles, giving it an urban, modern-day setting that contrasts with the post-apocalyptic landscapes of the previous films.

These locations highlight the contrast between the apes’ world and 1970s America, emphasizing the social and cultural clash.

Awards and Nominations

While Escape from the Planet of the Apes did not win major awards, it remains a significant entry in the Planet of the Apes franchise, praised for its performances and social commentary.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Roddy McDowall’s Return: After missing the second film, Roddy McDowall returned to reprise his role as Cornelius, adding continuity and depth to the character.
• Sal Mineo’s Last Film Role: This was Sal Mineo’s final film role before his untimely death in 1976.

Inspirations and References

• Social Commentary: The film explores themes of fear of the unknown, government overreach, and the dangers of prejudice, reflecting the societal concerns of the 1970s.
• Continuity: The movie draws heavily from the lore established in the previous Planet of the Apes films, particularly the themes of time travel and the cyclical nature of history.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The film’s ending was intentionally crafted to allow for potential sequels, and it successfully set the stage for them. No widely known alternate endings exist.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The Planet of the Apes series is loosely based on Pierre Boulle’s novel La Planète des Singes. However, this specific installment was an original screenplay, expanding on the ideas presented in the first film rather than adapting a particular book.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The Arrival: The apes’ arrival and their reveal to the human world is both shocking and poignant.
• Zira’s Pregnancy: The revelation of Zira’s pregnancy, setting the stage for the future of the apes.
• Final Confrontation: The tragic showdown at the shipyard.

Iconic Quotes

• “You blew it up! Damn you! Damn you all to hell!” – Cornelius, recalling Taylor’s famous line from the first film.
• “It is our world now, and you are the intruders.” – Zira, reflecting on the inevitable rise of the apes.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The time-travel plot connects directly to the original film, creating a narrative loop that ties the series together.
• Zira’s mention of the future downfall of humanity subtly foreshadows the events of the original Planet of the Apes film.

Trivia

• The production team worked with a significantly smaller budget than in previous films, which led to greater emphasis on dialogue and character development.
• Roddy McDowall’s makeup took over three hours to apply each day, a process he would endure in several films.

Why Watch?

Escape from the Planet of the Apes offers a unique twist on the time-travel genre, blending science fiction with social commentary. It’s a must-watch for fans of the series and those interested in films that tackle themes of fear, prejudice, and the cyclical nature of history.

Director’s Other Movies

Don Taylor also directed:

• The Final Countdown (1980)
• Damien: Omen II (1978)
• Island of the Lost (1967)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
• Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
• The Omega Man (1971)
• Soylent Green (1973)
• Logan’s Run (1976)