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:

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

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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

Originally issued as a bonus with DVD box sets of the Planet of the Apes movies, in 2001 it was reissued on its own with additional footage and interviews.

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Connections

References The Ten Commandments (1956)

User Reviews

For "Planet of the Apes" lovers...ONLY! :)

This has to be the best movie franchise documentary I've seen in many years.

When I rented this DVD from the library yesterday, I thought it was only about the making of 'THE ORIGINAL' 1968 "Planet of the Apes" movie...but, it's much, much more than that.

This brings you through the ORIGINAL 1968 "Planet of the Apes" movie, but, also through the entire "Planet of the Apes" movie trilogy -

1. "Planet of the Apes" (1968);

2. "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" (1970);

3. "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" (1971);

4. "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes: (1972);

and,

5. "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973);

The documentary also focuses on the live-action television series -

"Planet of the Apes" (1974);

and, the animated television series -

"Return to the Planet of the Apes" (1975)...

as well as the merchandising of the toys and accessories children my age once had but later sold for pennies in a 1980-1990 tag sale and is now worth a small fortune on eBay!?!?

If "Star Trek" fans are called 'Trekkies,' it's only fair that "Planet of the Apes" fans are called 'Apeies!?!?' I suppose I'm both! :)

This is a MONUMENTAL DOCUMENTARY that highlights one of the greatest movie franchises of all time! Whether you're familiar with and like "The Planet of the Apes" in any way, shape, or, form; or, you're a newcomer who's interested in seeing what it's all about...this documentary is exactly for you! :)