APES IV: 50 YEARS OF CONQUEST

Fifty years ago (June 30, 1972), Conquest of the Planet of the Apes premiered. 

Written by Paul Dehn and directed by J. Lee Thompson, this fourth installment in the original, movie franchise depicts a different 1990 Earth (a time in which cats and dogs have perished and simians have become the primary "pets"). In addition, Conquest, along with its predecessor, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, managed to twist the mythology full circle, making audiences ponder if history was being branched into a parallel plane or cemented for the threatening fate depicted in the 1968 original. 

To its further benefit, Conquest features Roddy McDowall as Caesar, son of Cornelius, the resourceful, time-traveling father he portrayed. The simian son is  complex and identifiable, an unforgettable successor for this generational stretch (and one who's influenced the recent, revisionist Apes movies, where Andy Serkis seizes the freedom-fighting reins). 

To complement McDowall's nuanced performance, Natalie Trundy plays Caesar's spouse-to-be, Lisa; with Don Murray as Governor Breck; Harry Rhodes as MacDonald; Severn Darden as Kolp; John Randolph as the Chairman; and Ricardo Montalban as the compassionate Armando: an extraordinary cast that few sequels (of any genre) could ever surpass.

I love Conquest to no end, but then I love the entire Apes franchise with unparalleled zeal. Conquest, however, carved a special turn in the series, taking its emancipation concept into a number of deep, philosophical paths that tackle justice, communal survival and social angst. In other words, what it offers is heavy duty and resonates to this day. 

Why not (re)watch this sterling chapter today or better yet, conduct an all-out "Go Ape" marathon this Fourth of July weekend? It'll be an excellent way to celebrate the thought-provoking legacy of one of the most significant, science-fiction sagas ever conceived.  

PIN-UP TIME: NATALIE TRUNDY AS MUTANT (BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES)

 

WHAT EVER! #2: 20,000 LEAGUES/SUPERMAN TRIBUTES AND MORE!!!

Jim Main Enterprises' What Ever! #2 offers a spectacular overview of one of the best book-to-movie adaptations of all time: Walt Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" by Jules Verne.

In this regard, Buck Oviatt's article does a comprehensive job covering the construction of Disney's 1954 landmark epic, directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Kirk Douglas, Peter Lorre, Paul Lukas and James Mason. Crisp, colorful photos and stylish illustrations accompany Oviatt's text, which further drive home the production's cinematic importance.

In addition to the "20,000 Leagues" salute, Will Murray grants an equally comprehensive view of Fleischer Studios' animated Superman series. Murray's article is engaging, well researched and edifying, abetted by striking photos culled straight from the acclaimed, Technicolor shorts.

What Ever #2 also features posts by yours truly on Natalie Trundy of "Planet of the Apes" fame and the new, BBC/Netflix "Dracula" series, starring Claes Bang in the eponymous role. 

Linking these ingredients is our publisher's welcoming "This and That...", along with "Fandom Central", where the passing of writer/artist/musician Jim Pack is referenced, as well as George Lane III's review of "The Beacon Annual", which emphasizes Steve Keeter's fantastic, fanzine career, as well as his superheroic creation, the mighty and amusing Beacon.  

And flavoring these tasty ingredients is delicious artwork by Tom Doyle, John Lambert, Doc Boucher, Kevin Duncan and the aforementioned Lane, not to mention Marc Haine's astounding cover layout.  

What Ever #2 is an overflowing blast of imaginative extravagance.

For ordering details, contact Mr. Main at mainjim@gmail.com. 

RIP NATALIE TRUNDY...

You made monumental, science-fiction history by starring in four of the original "Planet of the Apes" adventures for your diligent spouse, Arthur P. Jacobs: "Beneath", "Escape from", "Conquest of" and "Battle for", playing a mutant, a compassionate, human scientist and Caesar's mate, Lisa.

You also occupied "The Careless Years", "A Girl Can Tell", "The Monte Carlo Story", "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation", "Walk Like a Dragon", "Huckleberry Finn '74" and such television series as "Bonanza", "Quincy", "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour", "Thriller", "Climax!" and "The Twilight Zone".

Your arresting aura was always recognizable, no matter the disguise, and your performances empathetic and touching throughout. 

May your kind soul now grace dear Heaven, while your legacy continues to grow upon this Earth.