Greetings,
Well, after the heavy subject I discussed in my last post, it will be nice to talk about something a little more lighthearted. Sort of. I'm not sure I would describe this movie as such, but I still had a great time. Anyway, for the second time this year, I went to a Fathom Event done by TCM, the first being The Ten Commandments. And I continue my cinematic stalking of a young, hot Charlton Heston by seeing his other signature work, Planet of the Apes. What? You thought I was talking about the Marky Mark version in the post title. Oh, you!
So, I cannot imagine that there are many people who haven't seen the 1968 film, Planet of the Apes, but if you haven't, shame on you or your parents, first, and here is a quick synopsis. Four astronauts are heading home after being in space for six months. Well, six months their time, but 700 years have passed on Earth. As they sleep, some crazy shenanigans happen, which I don't think are ever explained, and they crash land on an unfamiliar planet. They lose one crew member through strange means, which leaves us with only Dodge, played by Jeff Burton, Landon, played by Robert Gunner and Taylor, played by the aforementioned Charlton Heston. They begin to explore and discover that this planet has what appear to be humans, though not as advance or civilized, and they all seem to be mute. Unfortunately, they also find out that the ones running this planet are not the humans, but - you'll never guess - apes! Riding on horses and shooting guns and everything.
Several humans are captured, as Taylor is separated from his crew members and introduced to Dr. Zira, played by Kim Hunter, a psychologist who believes that humans might be able to communicate with them somehow, though everyone thinks she's crazy to believe that. Yes, even in the future, women be crazy. What the crap? Anyway, she is the one who first shows some kind of kindness to Taylor, even donning him with the nickname "Bright Eyes". Aw! Just like Shirley Temple. Eventually, Taylor also meets her fiance, Cornelius, played by Roddy McDowall, who is skeptical but has some faith in what Zira believes, the sinister Dr. Zaius, played by Maurice Evans, who clearly is hiding some things and the fear of their discovery is what influences his decision making, and another human woman whom Taylor christens Nova, played by Linda Harrison. She has no words. She's just there to look pretty in her strategically ripped dress/bathing suit and do whatever Taylor tells her. Look, I'm not one to point out sexism everywhere, even in places it doesn't exist, but...yeah, this film may be just that. Just a skosh.
Soon, they all begin to realize that Taylor is very different from the other humans, which means he could be dangerous to them and their way of life. As they try to figure out more about him, he is struggling to figure out the story behind this strange world in which he has been placed. The inhabitants of the planet learn more than they ever thought possible from Taylor, and he learns more than he ever wanted about his new home. And all of that leads to one of the best endings in cinematic history. You probably already know what I'm talking about, but in case you don't, I will not spoil it. Just watch.
I must say, and I may have mentioned this when I spoke of The Ten Commandments, there is a certain magic to seeing these old films again on the big screen. It's like getting to see it through the eyes of those who saw it for the first time the same way. And, no surprise, you can see the things you never noticed when you have a TV viewing. At least, now I know that the idea I once had for opening a theater that only showed older movies may have worked, but let's not think about what might have been.
Speaking of which, if you think I have not done enough to make you want to spend money to see something you can watch on a DVD, there is a little something special with this screening. These ones that TCM release have an introduction by Ben Mankiewicz. Now, I am not exactly a fan of this man, due to...reasons, but this time around, what they have him do is very entertaining. Before the film begins, he sits down for an interview with Dr. Zaius. The real life Dr. Zaius...such as he is. It was actually really amusing, and well worth it to see. So, if you get a chance to see the other showing of this Fathom Event, I say go for it. Although, heed this warning. I think this thing is still technically rated G, but might not want to take the four-year-olds. This ain't Disney. Just sayin'.
Back to the actual movie, I have an affinity for films with great stories that really make you think about something. This film fulfills that for me. No surprise, since the original writer was Rod Serling, of Twilight Zone fame. Now eventually, Michael Wilson, who wrote The Bridge on the River Kwai, took over and made changes to the screenplay, leading to what the film became. But as far as I know, the heart and the message came from Serling. Yes, this film has many quotes that can be turned into memes or jokes, but if you really pay close attention to what is being said, to the story being told, it might just have a great effect on you. I know it certainly did for me. I also know that we throw the word "classic" around a lot, rather haphazardly these days, but no doubt, Planet of the Apes does, indeed, live up to that label.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
