Planet of the Apes is a 1968 science fiction/thriller film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner loosely based on the novel La planète des singes by Pierre Boulle. The film stars Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter and veteran Shakespearean actor Maurice Evans. The film was ground-breaking for its make-up techniques by artist John Chambers. The script was originally written by Rod Serling but had many rewrites before eventually being made. Changes included character names and a more primitive ape society, instead of the more expensive idea of having futuristic buildings and advanced technology.

The film was well received by critics and audiences, launching a film franchise,[4] including four sequels, as well as a short lived television show, animated series, comic books, various merchandising, and eventually a remake in 2001. McDowall had a long-running relationship with the Apes series, appearing in the original series of five films (one only via stock footage from an earlier film), and also in the television series.

Planet of the Apes was followed by four sequels:

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)

Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)

This Thanksgiving weekend 2008, the apes are taking over Fox Movie Channel. “Channel of the Apes,” the four day tribute to the ground-breaking Planet of the Apes science-fiction franchise, includes the first five theatrical films, five television movies and the premiere of Fox Legacy: Planet of the Apes. Thursday, November 27 through Sunday, November 30.

Each of the 4 Planet of the Apes Pachinko machines have the Play Board and Video Slot certification. Beware of knock off machines that are not certified!!