# Planet of the Apes

> 1968 film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner

**Wikidata**: [Q59534](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59534)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_of_the_Apes_(1968_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/planet-of-the-apes-q59534

## Summary
Planet of the Apes is a 1968 science fiction film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, based on Pierre Boulle's 1963 novel *La Planète des Singes*. The film is renowned for its iconic twist ending and social commentary, becoming a cultural landmark that spawned a media franchise. It stars Charlton Heston and features groundbreaking practical effects.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: February 8, 1968 (USA)
- **Director**: Franklin J. Schaffner
- **Based on**: *La Planète des Singes* by Pierre Boulle (1963)
- **Starring**: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans
- **Genre**: Science fiction, dystopian film
- **Runtime**: 112 minutes
- **Country**: United States
- **Language**: English
- **Budget**: $3.7 million (1968)
- **Box Office**: $33 million (1968)
- **Awards**: Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film (1970)
- **Preservation**: Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry (2001)
- **Franchise**: Launched the *Planet of the Apes* media franchise
- **Screenplay**: Michael Wilson and Rod Serling
- **Music**: Jerry Goldsmith
- **Cinematography**: Leon Shamroy
- **Studio**: 20th Century Fox
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 51 language editions
- **Wikidata ID**: Q311250
- **IMDb ID**: tt0063442
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 86% (Certified Fresh)
- **Metacritic Score**: 79/100 (Generally favorable reviews)
- **Related Entities**: 20th Century Studios, science fiction film, Rod Serling, National Film Registry

## FAQs
**What is the significance of Planet of the Apes in film history?**  
Planet of the Apes is celebrated for its thought-provoking narrative, iconic twist ending, and social commentary on humanity, religion, and technology. Its success established it as a cornerstone of science fiction cinema, influencing numerous films and media.

**Who created the original story and screenplay?**  
The film is based on Pierre Boulle's novel *La Planète des Singes*. The screenplay was written by Michael Wilson and Rod Serling, with Serling contributing key narrative elements.

**What awards and recognitions has the film received?**  
Planet of the Apes won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film in 1970 and was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 2001 for its cultural and historical significance.

**How did the film perform commercially?**  
Produced on a $3.7 million budget, the film grossed $33 million worldwide in 1968, becoming a major commercial success and prompting sequels and adaptations.

**What themes does the film explore?**  
The film critiques human arrogance, religious dogma, and societal structures through its depiction of intelligent apes dominating humans. Its iconic ending underscores themes of environmental destruction and nuclear apocalypse.

## Why It Matters
Planet of the Apes matters as a seminal work of science fiction that challenged audiences with its bleak commentary on humanity. Its exploration of societal hierarchies, environmental collapse, and nuclear war resonated during the Cold War era and remains relevant today. The film's influence extends beyond cinema, inspiring philosophical discussions and serving as a cultural touchstone. Its success also demonstrated the commercial viability of intellectually driven science fiction, paving the way for complex narratives in mainstream film.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Twist Ending**: The revelation of the Statue of Liberty's ruins is one of cinema's most memorable moments.
- **Social Commentary**: Used allegory to critique racism, imperialism, and religious intolerance.
- **Groundbreaking Effects**: Practical makeup and prosthetics by John Chambers set new industry standards.
- **Franchise Origin**: Launched a media franchise spanning films, TV series, and literature.
- **Cultural Impact**: Phrases like "You maniacs!" entered popular culture, symbolizing dystopian warnings.
- **Preservation**: Added to the National Film Registry for its historical and cultural significance.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Maintains high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes (86%) and Metacritic (79/100).
- **Influence on Sci-Fi**: Inspired works like *The Matrix* and *Black Mirror* with its dystopian themes.

## Body

### Production and Release
Planet of the Apes was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and produced by Arthur P. Jacobs for 20th Century Fox. Filmed from May to August 1967, it premiered on February 8, 1968, in New York City. The screenplay, adapted from Pierre Boulle's novel, was crafted by Michael Wilson and Rod Serling, blending Boulle's original concepts with Serling's signature social commentary.

### Cast and Crew
The film stars Charlton Heston as astronaut George Taylor, alongside Roddy McDowall as Cornelius and Kim Hunter as Zira. Maurice Evans portrays Dr. Zaius, the orangutan leader. Jerry Goldsmith's score, featuring avant-garde instrumentation, earned an Academy Award nomination. Leon Shamroy's cinematography emphasized stark contrasts, enhancing the film's desolate tone.

### Themes and Legacy
Planet of the Apes explores humanity's self-destructive tendencies through the lens of a post-apocalyptic world ruled by apes. The film's critique of nuclear war and environmental degradation resonated during the 1960s, while its allegorical portrayal of racism and imperialism remains pertinent. The iconic final scene, revealing the ruins of the Statue of Liberty, is a powerful commentary on humanity's capacity for destruction.

### Technical Achievements
John Chambers' groundbreaking makeup design for the apes raised industry standards, earning him an honorary Academy Award in 1969. The film's use of practical effects and location shooting in California's desert landscapes created a believable, harsh environment.

### Franchise and Preservation
The film's success led to four sequels, two television series, and a 2001 reboot, cementing its status as a cultural franchise. In 2001, the Library of Congress deemed the film "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," selecting it for preservation in the National Film Registry.

### Cultural Impact
Planet of the Apes has been referenced and parodied in media ranging from *The Simpsons* to *Family Guy*, ensuring its enduring presence in popular culture. Its themes and imagery continue to influence science fiction, with the franchise remaining a staple of the genre.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Saturn Awards (1970)**: Best Science Fiction Film
- **Academy Awards (1969)**: Honorary Award for John Chambers' makeup design
- **National Film Registry (2001)**: Selected for preservation
- **Rotten Tomatoes**: 86% Certified Fresh score
- **Metacritic**: 79/100, indicating "generally favorable reviews"

### Related Works and Connections
- **Novel**: *La Planète des Singes* by Pierre Boulle (1963)
- **Sequels**: *Beneath the Planet of the Apes* (1970), *Escape from the Planet of the Apes* (1971), *Conquest of the Planet of the Apes* (1972), *Battle for the Planet of the Apes* (1973)
- **Reboot**: *Planet of the Apes* (2001), directed by Tim Burton
- **Reimagined Series**: *Rise of the Planet of the Apes* (2011), *Dawn of the Planet of the Apes* (2014), *War for the Planet of the Apes* (2017)
- **Television**: *Planet of the Apes* (1974 TV series), *Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes* (2024)

### Historical Context
Released during the Cold War, the film tapped into anxieties about nuclear annihilation and societal collapse. Its themes of rebellion and oppression also resonated with 1960s counterculture movements, solidifying its relevance beyond entertainment.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 112 minutes
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1 (CinemaScope)
- **Sound**: Mono (Westrex Recording System)
- **Film Stock**: Eastmancolor
- **Budget**: $3.7 million (1968 USD)
- **Box Office**: $33 million (1968 USD)

### Academic and Critical Analysis
Scholars note the film's use of role reversal to critique human exceptionalism, while its exploration of faith and science reflects mid-20th-century philosophical debates. The film's pacing and tension-building techniques are frequently cited in film studies as exemplary of 1960s cinematic storytelling.

## References

1. IMDb
2. FilmAffinity
3. [Source](http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/planet-apes-film-0)
4. AlloCiné
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063442/fullcredits)
6. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/planeta-malp-1968)
7. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
8. The Movie Database
9. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
10. Planet of the Apes. Rotten Tomatoes
11. Box Office Mojo
12. [Source](http://www.sfi.se/sv/svensk-filmdatabas/Item/?itemid=12871&type=MOVIE&iv=Shows)
13. Lexicon of international films
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures
16. [Planet of the Apes | Memory Beta, non-canon Star Trek Wiki | Fandom](https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Planet_of_the_Apes)
17. The Numbers
18. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0063442/)
19. Kinopoisk
20. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/planet-of-the-apes-1/)
21. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
22. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
23. film distribution certificate
24. Cineplex
25. Online-Filmdatenbank
26. SoundtrackCollector
27. Bechdel Test Movie List
28. mymovies.it
29. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/5BA3-0A2D-4BCA-166F-97FA-F)
30. Danish Film Database
31. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/87788)
32. TheTVDB
33. Trakt.tv
34. FilmVandaag.nl