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A FORBIDDEN ZONE EXCLUSIVE:
Finally! Planet of the Apes Revisited To Be Published!
| UPDATE: Here's the latest news on the book
from author Joe Russo:
"The book will be out July 2001 from St. Martin's Press and will
be called Planet of the Apes Revisited. They are gearing up now
with production and will be pushing it right around the time of the new
movie. This is the final weeks before the project has to be finalized --
so if there's any additions -- now is the time."
(Webmaster Notes: See article below for information on how to
contribute.)
Updated: October 24, 2000 |
ORDER FROM
AMAZON.COM!
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Nearly fifteen years ago, I picked up a copy of Starlog Magazine
which contained an article called "Planet of
the Apes Revisited" (and have re-read it many times). It was an excerpt
from a book-in-progress of the same name about the Planet of the Apes film saga,
TV Series, and more. This was a book I was dying to read. Every couple of years
or so I would go into book stores and comic book shops and ask about it. Most
had never heard of it. One had, but all they knew was that it had never been
published. When we started this web page, that article was the first item
posted. We were thrilled to see that the book was listed with
Amazon.com and tried to order it, but eventually learned
that the book hadn't been published after all. Fortunately, we were able to get
the whole scoop from author JOE RUSSO (another big thanks to LINDA HARRISON for
getting us in touch with him).
And now, finally, we are thrilled to be able to tell you that the book is
about to be published! Not only that, but it's getting top-notch treatment.
We've been sitting on this news for a while, waiting for the details to be
ironed out, and have been about to bust. After all this time, we felt this
deserved a special announcement. So, here with all the details in a Forbidden
Zone exclusive, is author JOE RUSSO...
Forbidden Zone: So, the big question! When is the book coming out?
Joe Russo: The release date will probably be somewhere between August and
November, 2000. That's just my approximation based on the contract guidelines,
but anything is possible -- later OR earlier.
FZ: What can you tell us about it?
JR: First of all, the actual release title is uncertain as yet. It will
probably either be PLANET OF THE APES REVISITED or THE MAKING OF THE PLANET OF
THE APES ( REVISITED is my original title and I'm hoping to keep it). It's being
published by St. Martin's Press. The book is scheduled as a hardcover,
approximately 230-250 pages, and will feature color illustrations. The Forward
will most likely be written by Charlton Heston. It will include many rare
photos, interviews, studio/shooting details, and will describe the numerous
script variations. It will probably be dedicated to Arthur P. Jacobs AND Roddy
McDowall, unquestionably the two most influential figures in the history of the
series (along with Heston, of course, who's "starpower" was
instrumental in getting the film approved).
FZ: Can APES fans contribute in any way?
JR: Yes. I am anxious for fan contributions -- ideas, photos
(especially). Anything is welcome. For those interested in contributing, I am
looking specificly for photos of the 1998 Apes "reunion" with Charlton
Heston and the rest of the cast, photos of rare foreign magazine covers, movie
material, toys, any behind-the-scenes photos, and any "obscure"
interviews with the cast and crew. Feedback, suggestions, and contributions from
APES fans are encouraged. It's been quite a number of years since my involvment
in the clique of POTA fandom, and I'd like to know what the newer generation of
APES fans' perspective is.
FZ: How can fans reach you?
JR: Just send it to my address: Joe Russo c/o PO Box 917, Saddle Brook, New
Jersey, 07663.
FZ: Who have you interviewed for the book?
JR: I interviewed virtually everyone: Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter, Roddy
McDowall, Linda Harrison, Natalie Trundy, Claude Akins, James Franciscus, Severn
Darden, Lou Wagner, Ted Post, Lee Thompson, Don Taylor, Don Murray, Mort
Abrahams, Richard Zanuck, Jack Hirshberg, John Chambers, etc.
FZ: How long have you been working on it?
JR: We actually started doing serious research for this book in 1983-84. The
bulk of it was 84-86, with a lot of loose ends being done now. Back then, more
people were still living, memories were clearer, etc. We also had access to
incredibly rare material which will be incorporated in the text and
illustrations.
FZ: Are Larry Landsman and Edward Gross still involved?
JR: Yes, both Larry Landsman and Ed Gross are involved in the book. It will
be published by the three of us.
FZ: How does it feel, finally nearing publication, after all these years?
JR: It has been a long, difficult road getting this book published. I liken
it very much to the experiences Arthur Jacobs had getting the first APES film
off the ground.
FZ: Of all the movie- and TV-related books that come out every year, and
especially since PLANET OF THE APES has been such an influential film series,
it's unbelievable that no one would want to publish it until now.
JR: We were constantly rejected. "No, sorry." "Nice idea,
but..." "Not commercial," etc. I felt the time would be right
SOMEDAY. So finally that time has come and I think APES fans will be pleased
with the results.
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