I would have given McDowall an Oscar for this - I think he was that good ! What he brings to life through this heavy make up is lifts this movie up.

Now, I've watched the original "Ape" movies more then once. But whereas in the past I never thought really high of the later installments by now I've changed my mind. Don't let the production quality mislead you, the story is well done and presents topics that are still valid.

While it might deviate somewhat from what the first movie established I like the paradox they created. Zira and Cornelius going back through time and given birth to the first intelligent Chimpansee on Earth who will become the leader of the revolution that creates the future they came from. A bit like in Terminator, no ?

Like I said they story is still valid. I don't know why I never noticed it before but there is once more a lot of this Master Race BS going on. The whole structure of the organisation, the look of the uniforms down to the white laces and black boots. That's more then subtle.

I'm not quite sure why this gets such low ratings as the same story in the reboot is rated much higher. So I would guess it's another case of older movies in general getting lower ratings. Probably because of the way they look.

And I don't think that's a fair assesment of the movie itself.