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Beneath the Planet of the Apes
1970 95 min United States of America G 12+
★5.7
Adventure, Science Fiction, Mystery
Director: Ted Post
🎭 Based on
«Planet of the Apes»
byPierre Boulle
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
The sole survivor of an interplanetary rescue mission lands on the planet of the apes, and uncovers a horrible secret beneath the surface.
Budget:
$3M
US Gross:
$19M
Worldwide:
$19M
Starring
James Franciscus
Actor
Kim Hunter
Actor
Maurice Evans
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
Beneath the Planet of the Apes is widely viewed as a clear step down from its predecessor, frequently criticized for its convoluted plotting and inconsistent world-building. While opinions on its overall quality vary, there is broad consensus that the film’s makeup effects and its nihilistic, bold final act remain its most distinctive and redeeming features.
| Production | The film utilizes high-quality prosthetic makeup and masks that effectively maintain the visual continuity established by the original. | |
| Ending | The ending provides a dark, nihilistic, and surprisingly logical conclusion that serves as a powerful critique of nuclear war and human self-destruction. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay suffers from significant logical gaps, an over-reliance on forced fantasy elements, and a tendency to recycle arcs from the first film. | |
| Acting | James Franciscus delivers a performance that divides opinion; some find him an adequate, functional protagonist, while others view his portrayal as a weak, uncharismatic imitation of Charlton Heston. | |
| Theme | The thematic focus on Cold War paranoia and social critique is viewed by some as a compelling philosophical continuation, while others find these allegories under-explored or poorly integrated. |