Author Mark Clark returns to start a discussion of the sequels to one of the greatest science fiction movies of all time. It is difficult to convey just how popular the Planet of the Apes series of films was in the early 1970s if you weren’t around to experience the phenomenon. The first film had been a massive hit both commercially and critically while its iconic final scene became part of the zeitgeist inspiring everything from standup comics to television advertisements to most kid’s playtime fantasies of gorillas punching disrespectful humans. The choice to make a sequel to such a well-known and well-regarded film seems like a natural thought in the 21st century but in the late 1960s it was not. And just getting everyone on board for the project was only the first problem the production encountered. We will elaborate. Somewhat.
BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES (1970) is generally considered one of the lesser entries in the POTA film series and both Mark and I feel this is a ridiculous common opinion. As we relate, even some of the cast and crew were less than thrilled with the final form the story took with both director Ted Post and lead actor James Fransicous trying to shift and alter things until nearly the last few minutes before cameras rolled. While flawed, the film is incredibly compelling and sports some of the best cinematic imagery of a post-apocalyptic Earth of any pre-CGI science fiction. And for those wanting to be intellectually engaged, the film seems intent on slinging idea after idea at the audience in an attempt to craft a similar effect of wide-eyed wonder the first film built. The entire affair is once again locked in place by a cast of fantastic actors giving us brilliant performances often through the award-winning ape makeup appliances. We spend a little time marveling at the villainous James Gregory as General Ursus and remain glad that he got the role instead of Orson Wells.
Needless to say, we discuss the film’s downbeat ending in detail so full spoiler warnings are in place! After all – no one was going to want to do another one of these things! Right?
If you have questions or comments thebloodypit@gmail.com is the place to send them. Mark and I will return soon with the next POTA sequel and stir some real controversy then. Thanks for listening.
