The first sequel to the enormously successful Planet of the Apes is also the best. Less subtle and profound than its predecessor, it's still an exciting and colourful action adventure. This time out, astronaut James Franciscus and chimpanzee scientist Kim Hunter search for Charlton Heston (star of the first film) in the nuclear-devastated future, evading militaristic apes only to stumble upon an underground community of mutant, telepathic humans. It ends somewhat hammily in the buried ruins of Grand Central Station, but the total destruction of the world didn't stop three more progressively silly sequels. In fact, the finale manages a startling impact considering the film's tendency to wallow in the camper aspects of its taut material.

The sole survivor of an interplanetary rescue mission lands on the planet of the apes, and uncovers a horrible secret beneath the surface.