Attention Philadelphia: Exhumed Films Wants You to Go Ape!

In 1973, 20th Century Fox encouraged moviegoers to Go Ape! After the first three Planet of the Apes films experienced high ratings on CBS television, Fox decided to do something special with the entire franchise. The Go Ape! event packaged all five highly-successful Planet of the Apes films in one giant marathon. Fans of the POTA movies and newcomers were given the opportunity to sit in a theatre for an entire day watching these blockbusters back-to-back. Most Philly film fans know of this historic cinematic event, but many were two young to attend (or weren't born yet). They had to enjoy the POTA movies on UHF broadcasts full of commercials, crappy pan-and-scan VHS tapes, occasional cable airings, DVDs and now Blu-Ray. But none of those outlets could ever hold a candle to the Go Ape! marathon. If you have wondered what it would have been like to Go Ape, you'll have a chance this summer. 

 

Exhumed Films, Philly's premiere repertory film group, is recreating the infamous Go Ape! marathon this summer! On Sunday, July 31st, fans will have the chance to watch one of the coolest film franchises of all time. "We've been working on this marathon for some time," said Exhumed Films member Joseph A. Gervasi. "We all grew up in love with the Apes films. Sadly, none of us were old enough to have seen any of the cycle during their theatrical runs. But we were nurtured on a steady diet of Apes movies running on TV, as well as the spin-off TV series and the dolls and playsets that were released throughout the 1970s." Now the Exhumed crew and Philly POTA fans will have the chance to see these classics the way they were meant to be seen: in glorious 35mm prints screened in a cool theatre filled with a bunch of movie maniacs!  

 

In addition to all five POTA films (Planet of the Apes, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, and Battle for the Planet of the Apes), fans can treat themselves to a specially designed event poster by Justin Miller/Hauntlove, an exclusive "Exhumed Films Wants You To GO APE!" t-shirt, and the usual assorted Exhumed goodies and good times. The event starts at 11AM at the International House on the University of Pennsylvania campus. If you're a POTA  fan, don't drag your feet when tickets go on sale. According to Exhumed Films' Dan Fraga, "as of August 1, 20th Century Fox is putting all the original Apes movies on moratorium due to the release of the upcoming James Franco prequel. Thus, this will be your last chance to see Planet of the Apes and all of its sequels in any U.S. theater for at least a few years."  

 

With the Gargoyles/The Incubus double feature in March, eX-Fest in May and now the Go Ape! marathon, what else does Exhumed Films have up its collective sleeve? "Going forward, our primary focus will be on doing perhaps a few less regular shows a year but bigger, longer events," Joseph A. Gervasi said. "Rep cinema needs to make grand events out of film screenings in order to pull people away from their home theatre systems and back into theatres with friends. Judging by the enthusiasm these events have been met with, I believe we're on to something."

 

Tickets for the Exhumed Films Wants You To Go Ape! marathon are $20 and will be available online in the near future. For the latest updates, news, ticket sale info and all of the latest Exhumed Films screening information, please visit www.exhumedfilms.com or www.facebook.com/#!/ExhumedFilms.\

 

Will you be attending the Exhumed Films Wants You To Go Ape! marathon? If so, what's your favorite POTA movie? The Philadelphia Horror Examiner wants to hear from you. Please comment below the article.