Before STAR WARS birthed generations of fanatics, before
STAR TREK caught on in syndication, before HARRY POTTER made kids read books
again, 1968’s seminal PLANET OF THE APES launched the first fanboy phenomenon.
A box-office smash, the original movie spawned a series of ’70s films, TV
shows, a merchandising tie-in bonanza (I still save pennies in my Dr. Zaius
bank), a misguided Tim Burton remake and this summer’s reboot RISE OF THE
PLANET OF THE APES (previewed in this month’s Fango #305). The first movie, the
one that started it all, still swings from the highest vines as one of the
greatest classics of celluloid science fiction. PLANET OF THE APES begins a
special one-week engagement (with a gorgeous new 35mm Scope print) at New York
City’s Film Forum (209 West Houston; [212] 727-8110) from
July 8-14.p>
