The third Planet of the
Apes film amazingly takes place after the Earth was destroyed by a
nuclear missile in
the second movie. This movie begins with three ape-o-nauts
traveling back in time and arriving in the United
States in the later part of the 20th century. This
seemed to be the only story premise that would save
the valuable Planet of the Apes franchise since the
Earth was actually destroyed in the previous film.
Corneilus and Zira as well as a
third chimpanzee are the three ape astronauts. They
are at first treated like royalty by popular culture
and society. They can talk and walk and it is a cool
novelty for people at first. As they tell the story of
their origin it soon becomes apparent to the United
States government that their existence would pose a
continual threat to humanity. When Zira the female
chimp is discovered to be pregnant the President of
the United States orders an immediate abortion as well
as sterilization for Zira. This order was to combat the
possibility that Apes may rule man in the future.
If these apes would just live and
die off quietly the problem would seem to be solved.
Cornelius and Zira resist however and ultimately are
killed. They do have an offspring and this offspring
is kept in secret by a human named Armando. This ape
child is to become Ceasar the leader of the Great Ape
revolution in the coming future. |