A film rich with unforgettable imagery, killer lines and physical thrills.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:44
Fresh:39
Rotten:5
Average Rating:7.4/10
Consensus: Planet of the Apes raises thought-provoking questions about our culture without letting social commentary get in the way of the drama and action.
Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Synopsis: Complex sociological themes run through this science-fiction classic, about three astronauts marooned on a futuristic planet where apes rule and humans are slaves. The stunned trio discovers that... Complex sociological themes run through this science-fiction classic, about three astronauts marooned on a futuristic planet where apes rule and humans are slaves. The stunned trio discovers that these highly intellectual simians can both walk upright and talk. They have even established a class system and a political structure. The astronauts suddenly find themselves part of a devalued species, trapped and imprisoned by the apes. But one, Taylor, manages to break out and, aided by a pair of compassionate chimps, makes his escape to an uninhabited section of land. However, during the trek Taylor makes a startling, unsettling discovery about the planet--and realizes he's come full circle. PLANET OF THE APES is based on the novel by Pierre Boulle with a screenplay co-written by Rod Serling. [More]
Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans
Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly, Linda Harrison, Robert Gunner, Lou Wagner, Woodrow Parfrey
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Producer: Arthur P. Jacobs
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Reviews for Planet of the Apes
Seminal simian sci-fi that blends satire with the drive and pace of an adventure story.
A magnificently indignant Heston ... wrestles with the imponderables of a topsy-turvy world in which apes reign over humankind.
Planet of the Apes is one of those rare films whose historical impact outweighs its quality. It's a good film, but not a classic.
Massive marketing notwithstanding, the original film is still quite an achievement.
Dismal SF deep think (1968) that gave birth to an equally dismal string of sequels and TV series spin-offs.
It is quickly paced, completely entertaining, and its philosophical pretensions don't get in the way.
Dated now, but a lot of fun and the ending was a shocker — the first time you saw it. Science fiction and social commentary blended nicely.
Latest News for Planet of the Apes
December 01, 2008:
Return to the Prequel of the Planet of the Apes ![]()
Remember that "Planet of the Apes" reboot script that CHUD spilled the beans about last month? Well, according to the latest issue of Production Weekly, it has a new name... More...
November 07, 2008:
Fox Movie Channel to Become Channel of the Apes
For the parade-averse non-football fans among us, Thanksgiving weekend is always a trying time -- but this year, Fox Movie Channel has your back: from the 27th through the 30th,... More...
April 07, 2008:
Charlton Heston's Most Memorable Performances
With his classically chiseled looks and basso profundo speaking voice, Charlton Heston was an icon of old-school Hollywood. In remembrance of Heston, Rotten Tomatoes has... More...
April 07, 2008:
Charlton Heston: 1924-2008
Charlton Heston has passed away at the age of 84. More...
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