Escape from the Planet of the Apes
The world is shocked by the appearance of three talking chimpanzees, who arrived mysteriously in a spacecraft. Intrigued by their intelligence, humans use them for research - until the apes attempt to escape.
Critics Sentiment
Hasslein kills Zira and baby, revealing switched infant survives
Hasslein tracks the apes to Los Angeles harbor shipyard
The film swings from its lowest point during the tense shipyard hunt to its most acclaimed moment with the shocking and heartbreaking finale.
The film starts strong with an ingenious premise and enjoyable celebrity sequences, dips during talky interrogation scenes, then recovers with effective persecution themes before delivering a universally praised devastating ending. Reviewers consistently highlighted the brilliant reversal concept and the emotional impact of Zira and Cornelius's tragic fate, making it arguably the second-best film in the series.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 52
Roddy McDowall
Cornelius
Kim Hunter
Dr. Zira
Bradford Dillman
Dr. Lewis Dixon
Natalie Trundy
Dr. Stephanie 'Stevie' Branton
Eric Braeden
Dr. Otto Hasslein
William Windom
The President
Sal Mineo
Dr. Milo
Albert Salmi
E-1
Jason Evers
E-2
John Randolph
Committee Chairman
Harry Lauter
General Winthrop
M. Emmet Walsh
Aide
Roy Glenn
Lawyer (as Roy E. Glenn Sr.)
Peter Forster
Cardinal
Norman Burton
Army Officer
William Woodson
Naval Officer
Tom Lowell
Orderly
Gene Whittington
Marine Captain
Donald Elson
Curator
Bill Bonds
TV Newscaster
Crew
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