70's TV We Loved - Planet of the Apes
March 25th 2011 20:54
The premise is based about three astronauts who took off from Earth in the year 1981 and get caught in a "time warp" before crashing back to the Earth in the year 3085.
They find a devastated planet that has been taken over by a militaristic civilization run by apes and gorillas while trying to find a way to return to their time.
Starring Roddy McDowall (who also played key roles in the movie series), James Naughton, Ron Harper, Mark Lenard and Booth Colman.
The series ran in the US for only a short period (September 13, 1974 to December 20, 1974) although it proved highly successful in Britain and Australia where all 14 episodes were not only aired but repeated due to popular demand.
In 1981, several episodes of the series were also edited into five made-for-television movies including Back to the Planet of the Apes, Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes and Treachery and Greed on the Planet of the Apes.
The series was also one of the first to truly acknowledge the power of retail marketing as well - with Planet of the Apes merchandise adorning shelves at a time when Ken and Barbie ruled the toy store roost.
Just as popular (and now highly sort by collectors) was the series of bubblegum cards which had been used by TV execs as a way of promoting the series to kids around the world.
Short lived and more of a refreshing summer storm than a full blown cultural cyclone - but still a worthy graduate from the school of TV we loved.
| 34 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory