One of the best, if not, the greatest Sci Fi movies ever made! The original script, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Pierre Boulle was a lot different than the final cut of the movie, as the Apes were driving cars, trucks, tanks, jeeps, cars, trains, and flew helicopters and airplanes as well as having a hierarchy similar to the United Nations but this was too expensive for filming and the budget was reduces to $5 million dollars. It was a box office and critical success making $32 million dollars. It won an Honorary Oscar for Best Makeup at the 1969 Academy Awards.
This should've been viewed first, I think. The direct sequels to this film explain how it all came to be. The more recent Ape movies exist on a separate time line and are unrelated to this series.
@@goldenager59 You're very welcome. I swear, you hit the nail on the head with that. I love the choice the film made but outside of saying it makes the ending resonate, I never was able to verbalize why that was.
I just realized the character of Maurice was a homage to the lead orangutan in the original movie. He was played by great character actor Maurice Evans. This movie was the GOAT at shining a light on man’s failings. I would love for some reactors to watch this whole series. You can watch the whole shift.
I'm so glad you've chosen to watch the original 1968 Planet of the Apes! I hope you will follow through with all 5 of the original series of movies. The quality varied from film to film, but after this one, the third and fourth movies are my favorites of the originals. Three and four are also key to the canon. As a kid in the '70s, I also watched the television series, had the action figures, and even had the "tree-fort" playset. Roddy McDowell was a childhood hero of mine, and his voice was really distinct, so you could recognize him even in masks and make-up. Also, check out The Fantastic Journey (1977), a short-lived sci-fi series dealing with early visions of "the multiverse".
Please, don't stop this series here. It would be foolish to not continue as they continue the story and for you both not to see them, it would be disappointing.
I absolutely second that. Some people say that the sequels are not as good as the first part, but I really enjoy them. I hope Nick and Jen will read this comment and consider continuing the series. It would indeed be disappointing not to watch it to the end.
Most reactions didn't, which is embarrassing. Further proof that the original 5 movies are profound thinking movies compared to the easy to understand Ceasar trilogy.
**I hope you'll watch all five! The third one is my favorite.** The orangutan Dr. Zaius was played by *Maurice* Evans (from _Bewitched_ ). Cetacean ops in _Star Trek_ are tanks aboard with whale & dolphin Starfleet officers. Although _2001_ had better makeup, _Apes_ won the Oscar for it that year.
If you guys re-watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes, there are two scenes in the movie that actually mention Taylor's ship, Icarus, launching into its space mission. One is a scene of a TV news report mentioning Icarus taking off. Another is a shot of a newspaper with the headline "Lost In Space," declaring Icarus went missing. A full circle easter egg.
The only real weak entry -- one the series could possibly have done without -- was the last film, Battle For The Planet of the Apes. Each are worth the watch but Escape sets up Conquest and that is the start of ape supremacy.
@@cnault3244 Yeah, that was quite a plot hole. How did they retrieve it. Fix it. Learn to operate it. Launch and Fly it.... The idea for the movie was interesting. But made little sense how it was pulled off.
"You're afraid of me, what are you afraid of, doctor!?" Zaius is really a character that changes the second time you watch this. The first time he is hiding the truth to keep his position and defend the status quo. The second he is hiding the truth to save his people from humanity destroying ape civilization the same way humanity destroyed its own.
if you watch the sequels to this original they HAVE NOTHING to do with the new ones the origin of the APE dominance is completely different NO VIRUS or anything the new ones are a re imagining and have their own story
The moment, the Apes appeared, on horses, and the iconic soundtrack, blasted, in theater, was as iconic as the shower scene in Psycho. Shook audiences! Then the ending scene! Epic film .
The orangutan in the current films was named Maurice in homage to the actor who portrayed Dr. Zaius in the first two original films, the classically trained Shakespearean actor Maurice Evans.
Forget the modern versions of this movie. Only some of the names were used as a nod to the original. This movie is simple...man raged nuclear war, destroyed themselves and civilization. The apes evolved and developed a new civilization and a new order. Learned what man before them had done, and didn't want man to rise up again. That's it.
The whole 5 original movies create an amazing full circle storyline so I really hope you will continue. One warning the second after this is the weakest of them but crucial for story so do not be discouraged to continue because the rest is amazing. The movies were mid blowing when they were released and even now the practical effects mostly hold their own pretty well.
A lot of contemporary reactors to this movie find Taylor's over the top laughter at seeing his comrade plant the little American flag exceedingly strange. Likely, given Taylor's cynical view on the Human Race, he just found his patriotism and sentimentality quite maudlin and naive.
This is the original and best, followed by the next film with James Franciscus. The latter often derided and not liked, seldom mentioned. I thought these two as stand alones were fantastic.
The original movie isn't directly corrected with the new films. It's timeline comes about due to time travel - though the homage in the new films to the originals is phenomenal
Definitely continue the series. #2 is not as good but 3 and 4 make up for it. 5 is also considered weaker but it will always have a special place as one of my first memories of seeing a film in the theater
in the new movies MAURICE was an Orangutan , the actor that played the Orangutan in the original was Maurice Evans, who also played Samantha's father MAURICE on the TV show Bewitched
Please watch the third movie after you watch the 2nd. For some reason most of the reactions never get that far. For me Escape from the planet of the apes is awesome.
Paul was scheduled to appear on Tonight Show that night, but filming on the fifth movie was running overtime. Paul, unable to remove his prosthetic applications and wardrobe. He was rushed to the show. He told Johnny that eats (drinks) his dinners while in costume. Now, newer films use imaging software with motion capture cams so effect experts can add or edit each shot. No makeup like the old days.
"Bright eyes...!" Well this is a nice surprise seeing this entry. I figured you had both already watched this '68 outing a long time ago so decided to to do it for the channel before doing the 'current' trilogy. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that you watched it, but sadly, like the 'bright eyes' comment, a lot of call-backs and flipped references made in the James Franco movie wouldn't have stood out to you (ie. when Franco said 'bright eyes' some people even 'happily' groaned at that one). One I remember getting a cheer in the audience was the first time they showed an ape riding a horse (on the San Fran bridge at the end). A Chalrton Heston flick was even playing on the tv at one point. Oh well... :)
1. Ratings weren't all that back then. This was rated G. 2. NICE present man. 😍 3. See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil = Clueless apes (Except Dr. Zaius) 4. I was just a child when this came out and I was amazed at how well the main apes looked. 5. There was a very short lived (budget) tv series in the early 70s. 6. The next movie isn't as good. IMVHO "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" was the best. Cornelius and Zira go back to the early 70s. Ricardo Montauban is featured. 7.. Dr. Zaius/Maurice Evans played Samantha Steven's warlock father in "Bewitched" 8. The scene with the deep canyon must have been for visual because only half of the party on one side doesn't make sense. 9. Charlton Hesston played in "The Omega Man" (early I am Legend) and "Soylent Green." Both of which are good first time/shares. 10. At the time, this was one of the best twist endings. NOTE: The difference between monkeys and apes is apes don't have tails.
It's a shame you saw the newer movies before this one and the Space Balls movie because then you knew what was coming. When this first came out, people were just in shock when they realized that it was planet earth all along. So much better when you don't know what's coming. Great movie though. I love it!!!
While I agree with you about "not knowing that twist", many editions of this movie show it on the cover of the disc or thumbnail for the stream. I guess they figure most people know it already, since the movie is over 55 years old and is referenced in lots of pop culture.
Gotta feel bad for the poor actress who played “Stewart” at the very beginning. Probably thought she’d be in for a much longer role but ends up getting killed off with less than 15 seconds of airtime. Not even uttering a single line. 😅
Jonathan Swift, in Gulliver's Travels, describes a land ruled by horses, in which the humans are 'beasts'. This may have been the pioneering work. Apart from Plato's ethical dogs.
I personally think watching this movie first is the best way to watch...for Taylor to realize he was actually on Earth was a huge shock to all who watched the movie back then. Watching all the newer movies first, you don't get much of a shock. I mean you said it yourself...we know from the trilogies it started on Earth. Quite a disappointment. I do hope you'll continue with the rest of the movies. Back in the day, 1974, they had a TV series called "Planet of The Apes", and I watched all 14 episodes before they canceled it. Roddy McDowall comes back, but not as Cornelius.
It was a pleasure to watch this with you two. I’ve seen a few others *attempting* to understand the movie, but who have just been totally naive about most of the key points. I’m impressed how you two picked up on absolutely everything in this movie and how you provided excellent and intelligent insight and analysis. 👍🏻
Also, "nekkid butts" in a G rated movie wasn't off putting either at the time. When the movies aired in the early 1970s, they didn't even blur them out like they have 'more recently' (the 80s and beyond). I guess the logic was "Well, everyone has a butt, so...." plus there was absolutely no sexual connotation to the scene.
Maurice was called Maurice in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' after the actor who played Dr Zaius, Maurice Evans. Caesar was called Caesar in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' after Caesar in 'Conquest of the Planet of the Apes', a film which Rise leaned on heavily for its plot points, to the point that I actually saw Rise as a remake of Conquest. And you spoiled one of the greatest twists in cinema by not watching this film before any other Apes movie. Might I suggest, since you've started, you watch the rest of the original five films, that are referenced throughout the modern Apes trilogy - not just this film. The highlights for me are the 3rd, 'Escape from the Planet of the Apes' and 4th, 'Conquest of the Planet of the Apes'. I must admit I've only seen 'Beneath the Planet of the Apes' and 'Battle for the Planet of the Apes (the 2nd and 5th) once - and that's usually because I'm not too impressed the first time. You may want to watch all though, for continuity reasons.
This movie was so advanced with the ape prosthetics. The plot twist at the end was quite shocking for the late 60's. The second movie is poorly done with cheap masks, but 3 through 5 are well-done movies and advanced the story nicely. Even if you don't review them for your channel, watch them for your own enjoyment. Enjoy the journey!
I saw these movies on TV when I was a very young child, and absolutely loved them. Like some others in the comments, I had most of the toys related to this franchise at the time, and still have a few remaining. I recommend (as others have) watching the rest of the movies, Beneath, Escape, Conquest, and Battle. They tell an overarching story, and there's conjecture about possible relationships to the new "Ceasar" trilogy. For me, it's not a stretch to link them together, but there's a few "year" inconsistencies that could be seen to negate that link. But it's also possible to alter your own "head canon" to sort those issues out. There is also a short lived television series from 1974 (IIRC) that took place in another alternate timeline. It's a decent series, although only 13 episodes ever aired. I still have the trading cards from that series. Now, about Dr. Zaius... yes, he knew the actual history of how apes rose from human civilization, and what humans did to themselves. Which is why it was his "job" to keep apes from becoming too technological, in order to prevent apes from making the same stupid decisions that humans did. Anyone who got too close to the truth was deemed a heretic, and executed. He also knew that humans had sent people into space, and that there was a possibility of their return at some point. Which is why Landon was operated on to remove his frontal lobes (where your personality is stored). In fact, humans returning to Earth may have already happened in the past. There were multiple missions sent into space. Zaius viewed them as a very serious threat to simian kind.
The Planet of the Apes in this older series doesn’t have the same origin as in the Andy Serkis one. Films 3 (“Escape”) onwards explain what happened, there are a couple of similarities but it is very different.
Actually, the more recent trilogy is a reboot. They've said it's not the same continuity, and they will eventually do a pseudo-remake of this one. As for the original five movies, this is the only one with a story to tell; the next ones are just 'further adventures of...' franchise installments. That said, they're worth watching. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, my least favourite as a child, is now my second after this, especially with the reinstated original ending. Escape from the Planet of the Apes is a bit preposterous but a lot of fun.
Make sure you watch the entire original series. It's better than the bad cgi remakes. They give better details into the history. I also like the Mark Wahlberg version too.
I STRONGLY suggest you watch 'Escape from the Planet of the Apes' (1971) as it is an important part of the story in this version of the the timeline. It does take a few liberties in logic but is worth the watch & I am sure your will appreciate seeing it. As always, love seeing your reactions & especially when it is a new movie to both of you & can't wait to see 'The Kingdom of the Apes' when it comes out & your reaction.
Saw this in the theater with my Dad when it first came out. Thought it was pretty neat but then they came out with at least one sequel that just didn't do anything for me. Maybe there was a 3rd but I can't remember it offhand.
The orangutan Dr. Zaius was played by Maurice Evans (if you've ever watched the old Bewitched TV show, Maurice Evans played Samantha's father). Probably where they got the name Maurice for the orangutan in the more recent movies.
Rod Serling wrote the screenplay for this movie. Dr. Zaius was originally supposed to be played by Actor Edward G, Robinson but was replaced because he was allegic to the makeup. His replacement was famous Shakespereian Actor Maurice Evans (who also played Samantha's Father in the TV series Bewitched).
All right see, let’s see you Hebrews make those bricks without straw”! This would have been the second biggest blunder in cinematic history putting Edward G. In an ape suit!
Rod Serling was NOT actually responsible for the finished script and his influence on this film was very minimal. When he adapted the novel, his treatment was a very faithful adaptation, but it was too expensive to film. The book was very different, it was an advanced ape society set in a NYC-like metropolis. So, the other writer Michael Wilson (who's considered one of greatest screenwriters of all time) was brought in to scale down the story to a primitive ape society, which of course changed the whole theme of the story with apes living in a dogmatic society rather than a technologically progressive one. The whole story of Taylor being persecuted by this religious ape cult was based on Wilson's own experiences when he was blacklisted in Hollywood for his political views. The characters' names changed, all the dialogue was Michael Wilson's, the themes, the overall plot, the philosophical discussions, the situations etc. are all Michael Wilson. Even Serling credited 95% of the finished script to Wilson and said it wasn't really his movie. But the studio wanted to honor him for his contributions. The only thing really credited to Serling was the idea for the ending, which he used in a previous Twilight Zone episode. Although, the reveal of the Statue of Liberty was different in Serling's script. It was not the "You blew it up, D you all to H" moment as written in the film.
Saw this when I was little at the drive in theater. Maybe 6 years old. It was terrifying. The next ones as well as me and my little brother and sister watching them alone at the walk in theater. Always scared by the time the parents came to pick us up.
I don’t think the newer remakes are bad, but this original one is the best. Mostly for the times it was made and the social commentary. I always figured that Landon was able to speak and Dr. Zayre knew this and had him lobotomized so the other apes wouldn’t know. Cornelius was played by Roddy McDowell. One of the greatest ending reveals. Now you guys need to watch The Omega Man with Charlton Heston. The original version of I Am Legend which was a remake of The Last Man On Earth.
Rod Serling was NOT actually responsible for the finished script and his influence on this film was very minimal. When he adapted the novel, his treatment was a very faithful adaptation, but it was too expensive to film. The book was very different, it was an advanced ape society set in a NYC-like metropolis. So, the other writer Michael Wilson (who's considered one of greatest screenwriters of all time) was brought in to scale down the story to a primitive ape society, which of course changed the whole theme of the story with apes living in a dogmatic society rather than a technologically progressive one. The whole story of Taylor being persecuted by this religious ape cult was based on Wilson's own experiences when he was blacklisted in Hollywood for his political views. The characters' names changed, all the dialogue was Michael Wilson's, the themes, the overall plot, the philosophical discussions, the situations etc. are all Michael Wilson. Even Serling credited 95% of the finished script to Wilson and said it wasn't really his movie. But the studio wanted to honor him for his contributions. The only thing really credited to Serling was the idea for the ending, which he used in a previous Twilight Zone episode. Although, the reveal of the Statue of Liberty was different in Serling's script. It was not the "You blew it up, D you all to H" moment as written in the film.
Great reaction. Thanks. I appreciate your comments and observations. I'm glad you were able to appreciate it even with the knowledge you did from the recent movies. Kind of spoiled one of the biggest twist endings in cinema history. Audiences were stunned into silence during the initial release. I think you would enjoy at least the next two movies in this series: Return to the Planet of the Apes, and Beneath the Planet of the Apes. There were five in that series. Fun fact: the actor who played Dr. Zaius is Maurice Evans. Coincidence that there is a significant Maurice in the modern version? :)
"Just because a thing can be misused, doesn't mean it wasn't a good idea to start with." Ever heard that one? I think much the same about my fellow humans. Just because we can (royally!) screw up now and then doesn't mean God shouldn't have gone to the trouble in the first place. 😏 🙈🙉🙊 P.S. Do give serious consideration to pursuing the four remaining films in the original run. 🦍
From Lake Powell to Monument Valley then on to the 20th Century Malibu Ranch. Started the rating below X and dropped to G in 5 years. All planet of the ape movies were spawned from the 1963 book. There are four other movies in the series, plus both a live action and cartoon TV series.
Three men and one woman for breeding. The math is really off. Better to have sent three women and one man; more babies and faster colony growth while less likely for the men to fight for breeding privileges. But that was the Sixties; influenced by Playboy and Hugh Hefner, plus the expectation that women aren't suited to technology. Next, do "Soylent Green"!
This was so fun. And I loved everything Nick sad at the end. As others have said, the sequels to the original are fun too. Personally, I loathe Beneath, but Escape is a hoot, till it's bitter heartbreaking end. Conquest is the best one. It's the real Caesar story. It was Roddy's favorite too. He was the soul of the original series like Andy is for the new series.
What I find lacking in the modern movies is the absence of a message as if containing one is having an "agenda". That's why too many movies are forgettable and go for mindless entertainment.... and dwindling attendence numbers. Barbie, Oppenheimer and Godzilla seem refreshing compared to the usually vapid entries.
The scene with See no evil, hear no evil, say no evil was improvised. I never knew that until recently. Such a brilliant addition to the film. This film has its sequels. However, the 3-5 films are prequels and goes back to present day. So the new trilogy is a complete reboot and new timeline than the original. But I really would strongly suggest for you to watch the remainder of these films to see connections between the two. I won't tell you about them as to not give spoilers. I think you will enjoy them, even though the last one Battle for the Planet of the Apes is the worst of all the films. Also, note that the actor who plays Dr. Zeius is Maurice Evens, the Maurice in the new trilogy pay homage to him.
I love all 5 movies in this series, especially the practical effect of the makup instead of computers doing the work. The onlyreal problem with the series is that, after the 2nd one (even 1st really, the prop budget went down to make more profit. The apes in the background were wearing Halloween masks in some shots bd it's easy to tell. They went all out with this film and even the extras were wearing full makeup.
It was hypothesized that the space craft the astronauts travelled in went through a natural portal in space which flung them back to earth instead of a one way trip as they were meant to take and thus the crew seriously believed they were on a completely different planet and the horses, guns and humans were just leftovers from humans advancing themselves beyond the stars to other planets in the last 2000 years of space travel.
One of the best, if not, the greatest Sci Fi movies ever made!
The original script, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Pierre Boulle was a lot different than the final cut of the movie, as the Apes were driving cars, trucks, tanks, jeeps, cars, trains, and flew helicopters and airplanes as well as having a hierarchy similar to the United Nations but this was too expensive for filming and the budget was reduces to $5 million dollars.
It was a box office and critical success making $32 million dollars.
It won an Honorary Oscar for Best Makeup at the 1969 Academy Awards.
This should've been viewed first, I think. The direct sequels to this film explain how it all came to be. The more recent Ape movies exist on a separate time line and are unrelated to this series.
The new Apes series has NOTHING to do with the original series. They aren't prequels.
It's hard to overstate just how surprising the ending was back in '68 when this came out. I for one did not see it coming.
Absolutely. Especially since this movie was based on a book and in the book it was a different planet.
Thanks for reacting to an original!
The best decision this film made was to continue the unbroken sound of the surf during the end credits. It's unique and impressionable.
Yes, indeed. It's as if the movie itself is stunned by what it's just revealed. 😦
@@goldenager59 Great description.
@@bighuge1060
Thanks for that. 🙂
@@goldenager59 You're very welcome. I swear, you hit the nail on the head with that. I love the choice the film made but outside of saying it makes the ending resonate, I never was able to verbalize why that was.
@@bighuge1060
Delighted to supply it. ☺️
I just realized the character of Maurice was a homage to the lead orangutan in the original movie. He was played by great character actor Maurice Evans. This movie was the GOAT at shining a light on man’s failings. I would love for some reactors to watch this whole series. You can watch the whole shift.
I'm so glad you've chosen to watch the original 1968 Planet of the Apes! I hope you will follow through with all 5 of the original series of movies. The quality varied from film to film, but after this one, the third and fourth movies are my favorites of the originals. Three and four are also key to the canon. As a kid in the '70s, I also watched the television series, had the action figures, and even had the "tree-fort" playset. Roddy McDowell was a childhood hero of mine, and his voice was really distinct, so you could recognize him even in masks and make-up. Also, check out The Fantastic Journey (1977), a short-lived sci-fi series dealing with early visions of "the multiverse".
The head of the tribunal was played by James Whitmore. You might remember him as “Brooks” from Shawshank Redemption.
Please, don't stop this series here. It would be foolish to not continue as they continue the story and for you both not to see them, it would be disappointing.
I absolutely second that. Some people say that the sequels are not as good as the first part, but I really enjoy them. I hope Nick and Jen will read this comment and consider continuing the series. It would indeed be disappointing not to watch it to the end.
I agree; as the origins of the Apes ascending is enacted.
Yeah Conquest of the Planet of the Apes was BAD FUCKING ASS... Basically
Rise of the Planet of the Apes was based off it.
So glad that you guys GOT the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" moment😅😅
😅
Most reactions didn't, which is embarrassing. Further proof that the original 5 movies are profound thinking movies compared to the easy to understand Ceasar trilogy.
**I hope you'll watch all five! The third one is my favorite.**
The orangutan Dr. Zaius was played by *Maurice* Evans (from _Bewitched_ ).
Cetacean ops in _Star Trek_ are tanks aboard with whale & dolphin Starfleet officers.
Although _2001_ had better makeup, _Apes_ won the Oscar for it that year.
If you guys re-watch Rise of the Planet of the Apes, there are two scenes in the movie that actually mention Taylor's ship, Icarus, launching into its space mission. One is a scene of a TV news report mentioning Icarus taking off. Another is a shot of a newspaper with the headline "Lost In Space," declaring Icarus went missing. A full circle easter egg.
Their are 2 different times tears that taylor took off. its not related
In 1968, a friend had just seen this movie, and told me about it as we were sitting in my tiny treehouse in our peach tree.
"Beneath the Planet of the Apes" Actually Explains Everything! A Must Watch!
The only real weak entry -- one the series could possibly have done without -- was the last film, Battle For The Planet of the Apes. Each are worth the watch but Escape sets up Conquest and that is the start of ape supremacy.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes doesn't explain how they managed to launch their ship into orbit.
@@bighuge1060 SPOILERS
_Battle_ wraps everything up. I would have said _Beneath_ was the weak one, but it does set things up for _Escape._
@@cnault3244 True, but it's still cool.
@@cnault3244 Yeah, that was quite a plot hole.
How did they retrieve it. Fix it. Learn to operate it. Launch and Fly it....
The idea for the movie was interesting. But made little sense how it was pulled off.
i saw this in '68 with my best friend Frank. one of my happiest memories.
😊❤
"You're afraid of me, what are you afraid of, doctor!?"
Zaius is really a character that changes the second time you watch this. The first time he is hiding the truth to keep his position and defend the status quo. The second he is hiding the truth to save his people from humanity destroying ape civilization the same way humanity destroyed its own.
a lot of people hate zaius failing to see this part of him.
if you watch the sequels to this original they HAVE NOTHING to do with the new ones the origin of the APE dominance is completely different NO VIRUS or anything the new ones are a re imagining and have their own story
The moment, the Apes appeared, on horses, and the iconic soundtrack, blasted, in theater, was as iconic as the shower scene in Psycho. Shook audiences! Then the ending scene! Epic film .
Another Charlton Heston film with a twist is Soylent Green
The orangutan in the current films was named Maurice in homage to the actor who portrayed Dr. Zaius in the first two original films, the classically trained Shakespearean actor Maurice Evans.
Who played (I believe) The Puzzler in the Adam West Batman series.
And the Uncle in Bewitched
@@JohnBullard I forgot about that! You can see it in his eyes.
I was wrong. He was Samantha's father. Paul Lynde was her uncle. I think.
@@JohnBullard I do remember Evans being in the show, though.
Great reaction... And the callback to Galaxy Quest with the air check ... 😊
Part of C.Hestons sci fi. Trilogy, planet of the Apes, Omega man, and, Soylent Green.....
You need to watch the “original" sequels to this movie and the return of Charlton Heston. Otherwise it would be a disservice.
PLEASE react to Soylent Green 1973 and Logan's Run 1976!
Of course you'll have to view the 'previous' sequels Beneath, Escape, Conquest, & Battle for the Planet of the Apes.
Apparently Kim Hunter (zira), approached Charlton Heston on set and said Hello, and he said who are you? as he'd never seen her out of makeup.
You should watch all the movies, they paint a bigger picture of what's really happening.
Forget the modern versions of this movie. Only some of the names were used as a nod to the original.
This movie is simple...man raged nuclear war, destroyed themselves and civilization. The apes evolved and developed a new civilization and a new order. Learned what man before them had done, and didn't want man to rise up again. That's it.
The whole 5 original movies create an amazing full circle storyline so I really hope you will continue. One warning the second after this is the weakest of them but crucial for story so do not be discouraged to continue because the rest is amazing.
The movies were mid blowing when they were released and even now the practical effects mostly hold their own pretty well.
A lot of contemporary reactors to this movie find Taylor's over the top laughter at seeing his comrade plant the little American flag exceedingly strange. Likely, given Taylor's cynical view on the Human Race, he just found his patriotism and sentimentality quite maudlin and naive.
Americans may find it strange, or a lot of them.
This is the original and best, followed by the next film with James Franciscus. The latter often derided and not liked, seldom mentioned. I thought these two as stand alones were fantastic.
The original movie isn't directly corrected with the new films. It's timeline comes about due to time travel - though the homage in the new films to the originals is phenomenal
Definitely continue the series. #2 is not as good but 3 and 4 make up for it. 5 is also considered weaker but it will always have a special place as one of my first memories of seeing a film in the theater
in the new movies MAURICE was an Orangutan , the actor that played the Orangutan in the original was Maurice Evans, who also played Samantha's father MAURICE on the TV show Bewitched
Please watch the third movie after you watch the 2nd. For some reason most of the reactions never get that far. For me Escape from the planet of the apes is awesome.
The actor who played the orangutan that headed up the trial, you know him better as Brooks from Shawshank
That voice, of course!! Thanks for sharing 🥹🎊
Actor Paul Williams appeared on "The Tonight Show" in full costume and makeup directly after shooting one evening.
Paul Williams wasn't in this movie. He was in the fourth one in the signal series… "Battle for the Planet of the Apes".
@@lestatdelc Fifth
@@maverickstanding5733 - I stand corrected. (I miss-counted)
Paul was scheduled to appear on Tonight Show that night, but filming on the fifth movie was running overtime. Paul, unable to remove his prosthetic applications and wardrobe. He was rushed to the show. He told Johnny that eats (drinks) his dinners while in costume. Now, newer films use imaging software with motion capture cams so effect experts can add or edit each shot. No makeup like the old days.
The new movies have absolutely nothing to do with the original movies.
Not to mention the Planet of the Apes TV series in the 1970's.
The "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" tableau was a spontaneous idea one of the producers had on the set the day the scene was shot.
😊
So they were monkeying around on set that day!
@@Embur12 😁
It worked so well 😂🎊🥰✨
There are 4 more films/sequels, until 1973
I kind of disagree about watching this movie after the prequels, only because the surprise of finding out what planet they were on was spoiled.
I saw this in the theater EIGHT TIMES back in 1968. That was A LOT for back then.
"Bright eyes...!"
Well this is a nice surprise seeing this entry. I figured you had both already watched this '68 outing a long time ago so decided to to do it for the channel before doing the 'current' trilogy. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that you watched it, but sadly, like the 'bright eyes' comment, a lot of call-backs and flipped references made in the James Franco movie wouldn't have stood out to you (ie. when Franco said 'bright eyes' some people even 'happily' groaned at that one). One I remember getting a cheer in the audience was the first time they showed an ape riding a horse (on the San Fran bridge at the end). A Chalrton Heston flick was even playing on the tv at one point. Oh well... :)
1. Ratings weren't all that back then. This was rated G.
2. NICE present man. 😍
3. See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil = Clueless apes (Except Dr. Zaius)
4. I was just a child when this came out and I was amazed at how well the main apes looked.
5. There was a very short lived (budget) tv series in the early 70s.
6. The next movie isn't as good. IMVHO "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" was the best. Cornelius and Zira go back to the early 70s. Ricardo Montauban is featured.
7.. Dr. Zaius/Maurice Evans played Samantha Steven's warlock father in "Bewitched"
8. The scene with the deep canyon must have been for visual because only half of the party on one side doesn't make sense.
9. Charlton Hesston played in "The Omega Man" (early I am Legend) and "Soylent Green." Both of which are good first time/shares.
10. At the time, this was one of the best twist endings.
NOTE: The difference between monkeys and apes is apes don't have tails.
It's a shame you saw the newer movies before this one and the Space Balls movie because then you knew what was coming. When this first came out, people were just in shock when they realized that it was planet earth all along. So much better when you don't know what's coming. Great movie though. I love it!!!
While I agree with you about "not knowing that twist", many editions of this movie show it on the cover of the disc or thumbnail for the stream. I guess they figure most people know it already, since the movie is over 55 years old and is referenced in lots of pop culture.
Gotta feel bad for the poor actress who played “Stewart” at the very beginning. Probably thought she’d be in for a much longer role but ends up getting killed off with less than 15 seconds of airtime. Not even uttering a single line. 😅
Yes! 😊
Jonathan Swift, in Gulliver's Travels, describes a land ruled by horses, in which the humans are 'beasts'. This may have been the pioneering work.
Apart from Plato's ethical dogs.
I personally think watching this movie first is the best way to watch...for Taylor to realize he was actually on Earth was a huge shock to all who watched the movie back then. Watching all the newer movies first, you don't get much of a shock. I mean you said it yourself...we know from the trilogies it started on Earth. Quite a disappointment. I do hope you'll continue with the rest of the movies. Back in the day, 1974, they had a TV series called "Planet of The Apes", and I watched all 14 episodes before they canceled it. Roddy McDowall comes back, but not as Cornelius.
Thanks for the video!! See you later!! Stay warm.
It was a pleasure to watch this with you two. I’ve seen a few others *attempting* to understand the movie, but who have just been totally naive about most of the key points.
I’m impressed how you two picked up on absolutely everything in this movie and how you provided excellent and intelligent insight and analysis. 👍🏻
Thanks!
Charlton Heston in a loincloth really didn't shock audiences. He was similarly attired earlier for a good chunk of the film classic, Ben Hur.
Also, "nekkid butts" in a G rated movie wasn't off putting either at the time. When the movies aired in the early 1970s, they didn't even blur them out like they have 'more recently' (the 80s and beyond). I guess the logic was "Well, everyone has a butt, so...." plus there was absolutely no sexual connotation to the scene.
Maurice was called Maurice in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' after the actor who played Dr Zaius, Maurice Evans. Caesar was called Caesar in 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' after Caesar in 'Conquest of the Planet of the Apes', a film which Rise leaned on heavily for its plot points, to the point that I actually saw Rise as a remake of Conquest. And you spoiled one of the greatest twists in cinema by not watching this film before any other Apes movie.
Might I suggest, since you've started, you watch the rest of the original five films, that are referenced throughout the modern Apes trilogy - not just this film. The highlights for me are the 3rd, 'Escape from the Planet of the Apes' and 4th, 'Conquest of the Planet of the Apes'. I must admit I've only seen 'Beneath the Planet of the Apes' and 'Battle for the Planet of the Apes (the 2nd and 5th) once - and that's usually because I'm not too impressed the first time. You may want to watch all though, for continuity reasons.
This movie was so advanced with the ape prosthetics. The plot twist at the end was quite shocking for the late 60's. The second movie is poorly done with cheap masks, but 3 through 5 are well-done movies and advanced the story nicely. Even if you don't review them for your channel, watch them for your own enjoyment. Enjoy the journey!
I like the one with Mark whalberg as well!...also the tv series from 1974 is worth checking out...shame it was cancelled after 14 episodes!
I wate he's this entire series when I was a kid.
FWIW - Maurice Evans played Dr. Zaius, (a variation of Zeus).
I saw these movies on TV when I was a very young child, and absolutely loved them. Like some others in the comments, I had most of the toys related to this franchise at the time, and still have a few remaining.
I recommend (as others have) watching the rest of the movies, Beneath, Escape, Conquest, and Battle. They tell an overarching story, and there's conjecture about possible relationships to the new "Ceasar" trilogy. For me, it's not a stretch to link them together, but there's a few "year" inconsistencies that could be seen to negate that link. But it's also possible to alter your own "head canon" to sort those issues out.
There is also a short lived television series from 1974 (IIRC) that took place in another alternate timeline. It's a decent series, although only 13 episodes ever aired. I still have the trading cards from that series.
Now, about Dr. Zaius... yes, he knew the actual history of how apes rose from human civilization, and what humans did to themselves. Which is why it was his "job" to keep apes from becoming too technological, in order to prevent apes from making the same stupid decisions that humans did. Anyone who got too close to the truth was deemed a heretic, and executed. He also knew that humans had sent people into space, and that there was a possibility of their return at some point. Which is why Landon was operated on to remove his frontal lobes (where your personality is stored). In fact, humans returning to Earth may have already happened in the past. There were multiple missions sent into space. Zaius viewed them as a very serious threat to simian kind.
The Planet of the Apes in this older series doesn’t have the same origin as in the Andy Serkis one. Films 3 (“Escape”) onwards explain what happened, there are a couple of similarities but it is very different.
Actually, the more recent trilogy is a reboot. They've said it's not the same continuity, and they will eventually do a pseudo-remake of this one. As for the original five movies, this is the only one with a story to tell; the next ones are just 'further adventures of...' franchise installments. That said, they're worth watching. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, my least favourite as a child, is now my second after this, especially with the reinstated original ending. Escape from the Planet of the Apes is a bit preposterous but a lot of fun.
There are 4 more of these. Would love to see you guys react to them. This original series is way better than the modern one.
You should definitely watch all the original movies. The Tim Burton one is complete crap.
Enjoyed watching your reaction to this classic along with the Matt Reeves trilogy, can't wait for the new film.
Make sure you watch the entire original series. It's better than the bad cgi remakes. They give better details into the history. I also like the Mark Wahlberg version too.
You aren't goingto continue with this series? You really should. The third installment changes the whole game.
I STRONGLY suggest you watch 'Escape from the Planet of the Apes' (1971) as it is an important part of the story in this version of the the timeline. It does take a few liberties in logic but is worth the watch & I am sure your will appreciate seeing it.
As always, love seeing your reactions & especially when it is a new movie to both of you & can't wait to see 'The Kingdom of the Apes' when it comes out & your reaction.
Saw this in the theater with my Dad when it first came out. Thought it was pretty neat but then they came out with at least one sequel that just didn't do anything for me. Maybe there was a 3rd but I can't remember it offhand.
Watch the first 3 anyhow, the rest if you want but i would definitely suggest the next 2
Great reaction! I hope you continue and watch the 4 sequels. I think you will appreciate them more now that you have seen the Caesar trilogy.
A planet where apps evolved from memes? It's a madhouse! A Madhouse!
no... wait...
That's our planet. Never mind.
I am leaving this comment because I can't press "Like" one thousand times. 😁
The orangutan Dr. Zaius was played by Maurice Evans (if you've ever watched the old Bewitched TV show, Maurice Evans played Samantha's father). Probably where they got the name Maurice for the orangutan in the more recent movies.
Saw at the theater! It was rated GP so Mom let me go, classic! Thanks
i still remember seeing the trailer only one time, before running to the local theater back in '68. I WAS AROUND 13 YEARS OLD & loved the original.
Brilliant movie with so many subtexts in the story
Too bad you didn't watch the movies in order.
Rod Serling wrote the screenplay for this movie. Dr. Zaius was originally supposed to be played by Actor Edward G, Robinson but was replaced because he was allegic to the makeup. His replacement was famous Shakespereian Actor Maurice Evans (who also played Samantha's Father in the TV series Bewitched).
All right see, let’s see you Hebrews make those bricks without straw”! This would have been the second biggest blunder in cinematic history putting Edward G. In an ape suit!
Rod Serling was NOT actually responsible for the finished script and his influence on this film was very minimal. When he adapted the novel, his treatment was a very faithful adaptation, but it was too expensive to film. The book was very different, it was an advanced ape society set in a NYC-like metropolis. So, the other writer Michael Wilson (who's considered one of greatest screenwriters of all time) was brought in to scale down the story to a primitive ape society, which of course changed the whole theme of the story with apes living in a dogmatic society rather than a technologically progressive one. The whole story of Taylor being persecuted by this religious ape cult was based on Wilson's own experiences when he was blacklisted in Hollywood for his political views. The characters' names changed, all the dialogue was Michael Wilson's, the themes, the overall plot, the philosophical discussions, the situations etc. are all Michael Wilson. Even Serling credited 95% of the finished script to Wilson and said it wasn't really his movie. But the studio wanted to honor him for his contributions. The only thing really credited to Serling was the idea for the ending, which he used in a previous Twilight Zone episode. Although, the reveal of the Statue of Liberty was different in Serling's script. It was not the "You blew it up, D you all to H" moment as written in the film.
Saw this when I was little at the drive in theater. Maybe 6 years old. It was terrifying. The next ones as well as me and my little brother and sister watching them alone at the walk in theater. Always scared by the time the parents came to pick us up.
😮❤
I don’t think the newer remakes are bad, but this original one is the best. Mostly for the times it was made and the social commentary. I always figured that Landon was able to speak and Dr. Zayre knew this and had him lobotomized so the other apes wouldn’t know. Cornelius was played by Roddy McDowell. One of the greatest ending reveals. Now you guys need to watch The Omega Man with Charlton Heston. The original version of I Am Legend which was a remake of The Last Man On Earth.
Oh my God, I was wrong. It was Earth all along.
I don’t think this is connected to the newer movies.
If I remember right in the trilogy you have already seen there is a news report showing a rocket launch. That launch is this ship
🙈🙉🙊
I was ten when I went saw this movie in the theater. We thought the ape costumes were cool and kinda wanted one 🤣😂🤣
Rod Serling of the twilight zone wrote screen play including the ending typical of the tv show
Rod Serling was NOT actually responsible for the finished script and his influence on this film was very minimal. When he adapted the novel, his treatment was a very faithful adaptation, but it was too expensive to film. The book was very different, it was an advanced ape society set in a NYC-like metropolis. So, the other writer Michael Wilson (who's considered one of greatest screenwriters of all time) was brought in to scale down the story to a primitive ape society, which of course changed the whole theme of the story with apes living in a dogmatic society rather than a technologically progressive one. The whole story of Taylor being persecuted by this religious ape cult was based on Wilson's own experiences when he was blacklisted in Hollywood for his political views. The characters' names changed, all the dialogue was Michael Wilson's, the themes, the overall plot, the philosophical discussions, the situations etc. are all Michael Wilson. Even Serling credited 95% of the finished script to Wilson and said it wasn't really his movie. But the studio wanted to honor him for his contributions. The only thing really credited to Serling was the idea for the ending, which he used in a previous Twilight Zone episode. Although, the reveal of the Statue of Liberty was different in Serling's script. It was not the "You blew it up, D you all to H" moment as written in the film.
There is also one more remake of Planet of the Apes by Tim Burton.
Great reaction. Thanks. I appreciate your comments and observations. I'm glad you were able to appreciate it even with the knowledge you did from the recent movies. Kind of spoiled one of the biggest twist endings in cinema history. Audiences were stunned into silence during the initial release.
I think you would enjoy at least the next two movies in this series: Return to the Planet of the Apes, and Beneath the Planet of the Apes. There were five in that series.
Fun fact: the actor who played Dr. Zaius is Maurice Evans. Coincidence that there is a significant Maurice in the modern version? :)
"Just because a thing can be misused, doesn't mean it wasn't a good idea to start with." Ever heard that one?
I think much the same about my fellow humans. Just because we can (royally!) screw up now and then doesn't mean God shouldn't have gone to the trouble in the first place.
😏 🙈🙉🙊
P.S. Do give serious consideration to pursuing the four remaining films in the original run. 🦍
From Lake Powell to Monument Valley then on to the 20th Century Malibu Ranch. Started the rating below X and dropped to G in 5 years. All planet of the ape movies were spawned from the 1963 book. There are four other movies in the series, plus both a live action and cartoon TV series.
Please watch the rest of the movies, many people just watch the first AFTER watching the modern ones which is quite sad.
Three men and one woman for breeding. The math is really off. Better to have sent three women and one man; more babies and faster colony growth while less likely for the men to fight for breeding privileges.
But that was the Sixties; influenced by Playboy and Hugh Hefner, plus the expectation that women aren't suited to technology.
Next, do "Soylent Green"!
Nice reaction and Happy Birthday.
Now it's time to watch the limited series of FX's Shogun.
ur gonna like its political, feudal Japan
We were Amazed by the make-up when we saw it new in 1968.
I bet! 😊
This was so fun. And I loved everything Nick sad at the end. As others have said, the sequels to the original are fun too. Personally, I loathe Beneath, but Escape is a hoot, till it's bitter heartbreaking end. Conquest is the best one. It's the real Caesar story. It was Roddy's favorite too. He was the soul of the original series like Andy is for the new series.
What I find lacking in the modern movies is the absence of a message as if containing one is having an "agenda". That's why too many movies are forgettable and go for mindless entertainment.... and dwindling attendence numbers. Barbie, Oppenheimer and Godzilla seem refreshing compared to the usually vapid entries.
The scene with See no evil, hear no evil, say no evil was improvised. I never knew that until recently. Such a brilliant addition to the film. This film has its sequels. However, the 3-5 films are prequels and goes back to present day. So the new trilogy is a complete reboot and new timeline than the original. But I really would strongly suggest for you to watch the remainder of these films to see connections between the two. I won't tell you about them as to not give spoilers. I think you will enjoy them, even though the last one Battle for the Planet of the Apes is the worst of all the films. Also, note that the actor who plays Dr. Zeius is Maurice Evens, the Maurice in the new trilogy pay homage to him.
I love all 5 movies in this series, especially the practical effect of the makup instead of computers doing the work. The onlyreal problem with the series is that, after the 2nd one (even 1st really, the prop budget went down to make more profit. The apes in the background were wearing Halloween masks in some shots bd it's easy to tell. They went all out with this film and even the extras were wearing full makeup.
If I’m not mistaken, the mute girl Charleton Heston names “Nova” IS the same actress who reprised her role in the 2000 Planet of the Apes remake.
DR ZAUEUS played "MAURICE" in BEWITCHED
It was hypothesized that the space craft the astronauts travelled in went through a natural portal in space which flung them back to earth instead of a one way trip as they were meant to take and thus the crew seriously believed they were on a completely different planet and the horses, guns and humans were just leftovers from humans advancing themselves beyond the stars to other planets in the last 2000 years of space travel.
Forget about the new series. There are a whole bunch of sequels to this movie that has a whole arc explaining the history