Planet of the Apes is an American science fiction movie released in 1968 and directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. It was based on the novel "La planète des singes" written by Pierre Boulle and released in 1963. The movie stars Charlton Heston and features Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly and Linda Harrison. It was released by 20th Century Fox.