The Making of Planet of the Apes

The Making of Planet of the Apes offers an behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the 1968 science fiction film, featuring exclusive never-before-seen photographs and concept art. A foreword by Fraser Clarke Heston introduces the book. Based on Pierre Boulle's novel La Planéte de singes, the original Planet of the Apes was one of the most celebrated films of the 1960s. Starring Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, it sparked a franchise that included four sequels, two television series, a reboot film series, and a long-running comic book. J. W. Rinzler tells the story of this Hollywood production—a film Boulle himself thought would be impossible to make. The book transports readers to the alternate Earth ruled by apes and brings to life characters including Cornelius, Dr. Zira, Dr. Zaius, and Taylor, the human astronaut. Meticulously researched and designed to capture the film's look and atmosphere, it includes concept paintings, storyboards, rare journal pages and sketches from Charlton Heston's private collection, unit photography, posters, and other ephemera.