Detailed Summary
Crash Landing on a Mysterious Planet
The film opens with astronaut George Taylor (Charlton Heston) and his crew crash-landing on a strange, desolate planet after traveling through space. As they explore, they discover a barren landscape that appears to be uninhabited.
The Discovery of Intelligent Apes
As Taylor and his companions journey further, they encounter a society of intelligent apes who dominate the planet. The apes are divided into classes: the ruling and intellectual orangutans, the militaristic gorillas, and the scientific chimpanzees. Humans, on the other hand, are mute, primitive, and enslaved.
Taylor’s Capture and Imprisonment
Taylor is captured by the apes and treated as an animal. Unable to speak due to a throat injury, he is taken to a laboratory for study. Dr. Zira (Kim Hunter), a chimpanzee psychologist, becomes intrigued by Taylor, noticing his intelligence.
“Take Your Stinking Paws Off Me, You Damn Dirty Ape!”
In a key moment, Taylor regains his voice and shocks the apes by speaking. His famous line, “Take your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape!” cements his status as a significant anomaly among humans.
Taylor’s Trial and Escape
Taylor is put on trial by the ape leaders, who see him as a threat to their society. Despite Zira and her fiancé Cornelius (Roddy McDowall) advocating for Taylor, the orangutan leaders, particularly Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans), suppress the truth about human civilization’s past. Taylor eventually escapes with Zira and Cornelius’s help, fleeing into the Forbidden Zone.
The Shocking Revelation in the Forbidden Zone
In the Forbidden Zone, Taylor discovers the ruins of the Statue of Liberty, realizing that the planet he believed to be another world is, in fact, a post-apocalyptic Earth. The final scene, with Taylor kneeling in despair before the statue, delivers one of cinema’s most iconic twists.
Movie Ending
The film ends with Taylor kneeling on the beach, overwhelmed by the realization that humanity has destroyed itself. The broken Statue of Liberty symbolizes the collapse of human civilization, leaving the apes as the dominant species on Earth.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Planet of the Apes” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a science fiction adventure with strong dystopian and allegorical elements, exploring themes of power, civilization, and human nature.
Cast
- Charlton Heston as George Taylor
- Roddy McDowall as Cornelius
- Kim Hunter as Zira
- Maurice Evans as Dr. Zaius
- James Whitmore as President of the Assembly
- James Daly as Dr. Honorius
- Linda Harrison as Nova
Film Music and Composer
Jerry Goldsmith composed the score, infusing the film with an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere through his avant-garde music. He crafted a distinctive soundscape by employing unconventional instruments and techniques, including mixing bowls and steel sheets.
Filming Locations
- Malibu Creek State Park, California: The Forbidden Zone desert scenes.
- Glen Canyon, Utah: Used for the iconic beach scenes, including the final shot with the Statue of Liberty.
- Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah: The astronauts’ initial exploration scenes were shot here, providing a stark, alien landscape.
These locations were chosen for their rugged, desolate beauty, enhancing the film’s themes of isolation and discovery.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Original Score.
- Honorary Oscar: John Chambers received an honorary Oscar for his groundbreaking makeup work on the film.
- Hugo Award: Won Best Dramatic Presentation.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The ape makeup took up to five hours to apply, with actors having to communicate through their prosthetics.
- Charlton Heston insisted on performing his stunts, including the dangerous final scene on horseback.
- The iconic Statue of Liberty twist ending was kept secret from much of the cast and crew to preserve its impact.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on the 1963 novel “La Planète des Singes” by Pierre Boulle, though it deviates significantly in setting and tone.
- Cold War Fears: Reflecting the anxieties of the time, the film comments on the potential self-destruction of humanity through nuclear war.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no major alternate endings or deleted scenes for the 1968 film. However, the concept and tone were adapted and altered in various sequels and remakes.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Setting Change: The novel is set on a different planet, not Earth, with a more advanced ape society. The film’s twist ending was an addition by screenwriter Rod Serling.
- Tone and Themes: The book is more of a satirical commentary on human nature, while the film leans heavily into dystopian themes.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Taylor’s Capture: The apes’ hunt and capture of the humans, culminating in Taylor’s capture.
- Trial Scene: Taylor’s trial, where he is dismissed as an animal, and the apes’ refusal to acknowledge his intelligence.
- Final Revelation: The shocking discovery of the Statue of Liberty.
Iconic Quotes
- “Take your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape!” – George Taylor
- “You maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!” – George Taylor
- “Some apes, it seems, are more equal than others.” – Cornelius
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The “Lawgiver” statue seen in the ape city is an allusion to Moses, referencing Charlton Heston’s famous role in “The Ten Commandments.”
- The Forbidden Zone is a veiled reference to the aftermath of nuclear war, a subtle hint at the planet’s true nature.
Trivia
- Rod Serling, creator of “The Twilight Zone,” co-wrote the screenplay and was responsible for the film’s iconic twist ending.
- The film spawned a franchise including sequels, TV series, comics, and a 2001 remake by Tim Burton.
- The advanced makeup effects of the time required actors to stick to liquid meals, ensuring the prosthetics remained undisturbed.
Why Watch?
“Planet of the Apes” is a groundbreaking science fiction film that blends adventure with deep philosophical questions about society, power, and the human condition. Its iconic ending and pioneering makeup effects make it a must-see classic.
Director’s Other Movies
- Patton (1970)
- The Omen (1976)
- Papillon (1973)
- The Boys from Brazil (1978)
- Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
Recommended Films for Fans
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
- Logan’s Run (1976)
- Soylent Green (1973)
- The Omega Man (1971)
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
