Original Planet of the Apes Returns to Theaters

Go ape over a classic: The 1968 film Planet of the Apes is returning to theaters this summer for two special days of screenings on July 24 and July 27, according to JoBlo.

The first film in the franchise—based on a 1963 novel—starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall and was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. Heralded as one of the "most important make-up movies ever" by special effects icon Rick Baker, Planet of the Apes was also heavy on social and political commentary, with a narrative that focuses on issues involving race and war (it was the 1960s, after all). The film went on to spawn four sequels, two television shows, and two reboots, one of which has grown into a successful franchise of its own.

Fathom Events will present the film at 650 theaters nationwide as a part of the 2016 TCM Big Screen Classics series lineup, which has already included screenings of The Ten Commandments (1956), Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971).

Tickets are available now via the Fathom Events website.

[h/t JoBlo]

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