Behind the Planet of the Apes (1998)

The story behind the making of the 5 "Planet of the Apes" movies.

Directors:

Kevin Burns, David Comtois

Writers:

Brian Anthony, David Comtois

Stars:

Roddy McDowall, Mort Abrahams, Charlton Heston

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Roddy McDowall	...	Himself - Host
Mort Abrahams	...	Himself
Charlton Heston	...	Himself
Richard D. Zanuck	...	Himself (as Richard Zanuck)
Edward G. Robinson	...	Dr. Zaius (archive footage)
James Brolin	...	Dr. Cornelius (archive footage)
John Chambers	...	Himself
William J. Creber	...	Himself (as William Creber)
Kim Hunter	...	Herself
Maurice Evans	...	Himself (archive footage)
Eric Greene	...	Himself, film historian
Linda Harrison	...	Herself
Franklin J. Schaffner	...	Himself (archive footage)
Ted Post	...	Himself
Frank Capra Jr.	...	Himself

Storyline

This documentary was shown as part of the American Movie Classics (AMC) cable TV channel's celebration of the 30th anniversary of the release of Planet of the Apes (1968). We learn how the original French novel was transformed into the first film; the problems that the producers encountered during production of the entire series (often involving shrinking budgets); how the stories related to current events (e.g., the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement); and how the series became a pervasive part of American popular culture. The film includes interviews with virtually all of the people involved in the production of the film series, including all the main performers. Personal movies taken on the shooting sets and early ape makeup test footage (with Edward G. Robinson and James Brolin!) are also featured.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | ape | interview | planet of the apes | six word title | 

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Taglines:

Journey Back To The Planet Of The Apes!

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 September 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Detrás del Planeta de los Simios

Filming Locations:

Malibu Creek State Park - 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Van Ness Films, Foxstar Productions, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby (as Dolby Surround)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Host Roddy McDowall died on October 3, 1998, less than a month after the broadcast of this special.

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Alternate Versions

Both DVD versions (a single disc accompanies 'The Evolution' Box Set; and a double disc that sells seperately containing many extras) clocks in at 2 hours 6 minutes. The VHS and AMC broadcast are 2 hrs 3 mins. The DVD contains more info about the making of 'Beneath...', 'Battle For...' and more final summations from cast and crew at the conclusion.

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Connections

Features What a Way to Go! (1964)

User Reviews

A very informative Documentary to POTA Fans

This is a Documentary hosted by Roddy McDowall (Cornelius/Caesar/Galen) giving a history and behind the scenes glimpse of the making of the Planet of the Apes franchise, complete from the first 1968 film up to the cartoon series. There are some interesting little tidbits that may not be common knowledge to some POTA fans. I could list them, but that would spoil some of the surprises this documentary has to offer. It does not include anything about the new POTA movie with Mark Wahlberg, but that may have been made after this documentary. We learn about the adversities the original POTA makers encountered in the beginning. As well as the details of the original production such as budgets, original plot details that were later scrapped, and original casting.

I would not recommend watching this until you have seen all 5 POTA movies, as they give out the endings of each one. Enjoy!