Planet of the Apes: Evolution, Supremacy, & the Death of Liberty

As usual there are spoilers ahead!

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The novel Planet of the Apes was released in 1963 in France by French author Pierre Boulle. In that same year publicist Arthur Jacobs bought the screen rights while he was looking for something "like King Kong".

Five years later in 1968 the film was released with one of the most famous twist endings of cinematic history.

The film is a fun "off-planet" sci-fi adventure story with heavy commentary on societal expectations and standards.

I have two lovely guests to help us understand this sci-fi classic.

John Wills is a Professor of American Media and Culture at the University of Kent. He has written lots about popular culture including his new book Doom Town USA

Phil Nichols is Senior Consultant to the Ray Bradbury Center at Indiana University, and formerly Film & Television course leader at the University of Wolverhampton.

The Scopes trial was a 1925 case in the USA in which a teacher was accused of violating the law by teaching evolution in schools. The trial was set up on purpose to challenge the Butler Act which prevented the teaching of evolution.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction