A planet where apes evolved from men? There's got to be an answer.

Planet of the Apes

(1968)

Still a wonderful piece of work. I'd forgotten what a bastard Chuck Heston's character is, winding up his colleagues right off the bat and brushing aside the space-side death of one of them.

The location work is eerily effective, and it's the touches of environment (gorillas on horseback) that affirm the illusion of reality. The ape make-up stands the test of time very well (it's at times less so in the sequels) and it’s downright disrespectful to suggest it's not much cop (as has been by the Rise of the Apes’ "CGI apes are the best" buffoons). Studio boss Richard Zanuck’s crumpet Linda Harrison is rather pert.

*****

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Now In Full Color, with a Happier Ending

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