Planet Of The Apes (1968)

Set in the year 3978, a U.S. spaceship crashes on a desolate planet with three survivors. After traveling across a desert, they come across some primitive humans but the biggest shock comes when they discover that the planet is dominated by primates and man is an inferior beast. Based on the novel by Pierre Boulle (BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI) and directed by Franklin J. Schaffner (PATTON). Quite simply, this is one of greatest science fiction movies ever made! Clever and often witty (Rod Serling was one of the co-scripters), imaginative and exciting. A major portion of the film's success is John Chambers' innovative prosthetic make up which allows the actors playing apes to be expressive and give performances. Indeed, Kim Hunter as a chimpanzee psychologist gives her best screen performance after A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Every once in awhile, an actor becomes so much a part of the film's fabric that you can't imagine anyone else in the part and so it is with Charlton Heston. Perfect casting! When he roars the film's most quoted line, "Take your filthy paws off me, you damn dirty ape!", you want to applaud. Other major contributions include Leon Shamroy's (LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN) pristine wide screen imagery and Jerry Goldsmith's serial underscore. It holds up beautifully. With Roddy McDowall, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly and Linda Harrison.