Customer Reviews

The Legend of the Planet of the Apes: Or How Hollywood Turned Darwin Upside Down

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The Legend Of The Planet Of The Apes By Brian Pendreigh is right
up there with Eric Greene's Planet Of The Apes As American Myth,
and almost quite ae scholarly. Pendreigh's book uncovers the REAL reason why Edward G. Robinson did not become Dr. Zaius. Moments of unintended humor, such as the author being shut out of Charleton Heston's limo pick up, due to the actor's need for
leg room, with the author following behind the limo on foot.
The small, yet interesting color photo section contained many
behind the scenes photographs I have never seen before. For
example I have never seen a photograph of a miniature of Ape City. The wonderful thing about this book is that the author
did his homework by backing himself up with named sources. Mr.
Pendreigh showed a real appreciation for his subject matter.
This book is great for either the casual Apes fan or The Keeper's Of The Faith. Personally I could not put this book down. Thank you Brian, great work!

Do you enjoy reading about the conception, development, and execution of films (especially ground-breaking films?)? Then without reservation, get this book. I loved it... the author revealed behind-the-scenes info I've never heard, as well as supplied pics I've never seen. Super entertaining!

I will say that the ONLY stick in the craw is the author's apparent "pouting" over how Chuck Heston wouldn't talk with him. The author goes on to poke at Heston's heading the NRA, as well was his behavior at various times during the making of the first two films. The reader can't help but feel that the author's portrayal of Heston is the result of an "author scorned."

The author does get one thing right, repeatedly: he mocks Eric Greene's over-the-top analysis of Planet of the Apes as some time of metaphor for America in the twentieth century. I was relieved with each jab! Thank God somebody still thinks these are just movies!