

Back to the Planet of the Apes
“They're taking over.”
Synopsis
Astronauts Pete Burke and Allan Virdon crash on Earth in the far future and are captured by the apes. The men befriend a chimp named Galen who helps them to escape. In the hopes of finding a way to get back to their own time, the astronauts search for a computer in an earthquake-threatened city, with which they will be able to access their flight records. [The first of five telefilms edited from episodes of the 1974 TV series; this film combines the episodes "Escape from Tomorrow" and "The Trap"]
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Planet of the Apes: Roddy McDowall - 1981 "Old Galen" bumpers for the TV telefilms
Type: Clip • Published 2024-02-27
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Ron Harper
Alan Virdon
James Naughton
Pete Burke
Roddy McDowall
Galen
Royal Dano
Farrow
Woodrow Parfrey
Veska
Norman Alden
Zako
John Milford
Miller
Mark Lenard
Urko
Booth Colman
Zaius
Biff Elliot
Ullman
Bobby Porter
Arno
Jerome Thor
Proto
William Beckley
Grundig
Alvin Hammer
Man
Cindy Eilbacher
Lisa Miller
Mickey LeClair
Jick Miller
Wallace Earl
Mary Miller
Gail Bonney
Old Woman
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Don Weis, Arnold Laven
- Screenplay & Story
- Howard Dimsdale, Joe Ruby, Ken Spears, Pierre Boulle, Edward J. Lakso, Art Wallace
- Original Score
- Richard LaSalle
- Original Title
- Back to the Planet of the Apes
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Production Studios
- 20th Century Fox Television
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Don Weis, Arnold Laven
Howard Dimsdale, Joe Ruby, Ken Spears, Pierre Boulle, Edward J. Lakso, Art Wallace
Richard LaSalle
Gerald Perry Finnerman
Axel Hubert Sr., J. Frank O'Neill
Herbert Hirschman, Stanley Hough
Department Leadership Roster
Gerald Perry Finnerman
Director of Photography
Axel Hubert Sr.
Editor
Don Weis
Director
Arnold Laven
Director
Edward J. Lakso
Writer
Stanley Hough
Producer
J. Frank O'Neill
Editor
Richard LaSalle
Original Music Composer
Art Wallace
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Back to the Planet of the Apes.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Back to the Planet of the Apes.
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Movies
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Movies categorized under Science_Fiction
Out of this World
Distant galaxies and altered realities. Time warps and mind-bending technology. The impossible becomes possible as human ingenuity meets cosmic forces in extraordinary ways.
Science Fiction
Live-Action
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Frequently Asked Questions About Back to the Planet of the Apes
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Back to the Planet of the Apes about?
Astronauts Pete Burke and Allan Virdon crash on Earth in the far future and are captured by the apes. The men befriend a chimp named Galen who helps them to escape. In the hopes of finding a way to get back to their own time, the astronauts search for a computer in an earthquake-threatened city, with which they will be able to access their flight records. [The first of five telefilms edited from episodes of the 1974 TV series; this film combines the episodes "Escape from Tomorrow" and "The Trap"]
Who directed Back to the Planet of the Apes?
Back to the Planet of the Apes was directed by Don Weis, Arnold Laven.
Who stars in Back to the Planet of the Apes?
The principal cast of Back to the Planet of the Apes includes Ron Harper, James Naughton, Roddy McDowall, Royal Dano, Woodrow Parfrey.
When was Back to the Planet of the Apes released and how long is it?
Back to the Planet of the Apes was released in 1980 with a total runtime of 1h 32m.
Who composed the musical score for Back to the Planet of the Apes?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Back to the Planet of the Apes was composed by Richard LaSalle.
Is Back to the Planet of the Apes based on a book or true story?
Back to the Planet of the Apes is adapted from the following source material: Characters: "Pierre Boulle".




















