Escape from the Planet of...

"ESCAPE FROM THE PLANET OF THE APES" Original Screenplay by PAUL DEHN Based on characters created by Pierre Boulle FINAL SCREENPLAY October 28, 1970 APJAC Productions Inc. ------------------------------------------------------------- REVISED12/9/70 "ESCAPE FROM THE PLANET OF THE APES" FROM BLACK SCREEN SHOCK-CUT TO EXTREME CLOSEUP: 1 THE EXPLOSION OF ROCKETS as we watch a it speeds away from CAMERA. CUT TO: A-lEXT. SPACESHIP (STOCK) It soars into space. 2 INT. ORBITING SPACESHIP through whose windows the same light lividly illuminates three space- suited and helmeted ASTRONAUTS -- afraid and curiously hesitant at the controls. We establish a Dual Date Meter showing the year in terms both of "EARTH TIME" and "SELF-TIME."Both panels read: 3955. ASTRONAUT 1 (MALE) We made it. ASTRONAUT 2 (MALE) So far.But one thing i8 for certain. Whoever wins the war, there'll be no place on Earth for us. ASTRONAUT 3 (FEMALE) Where are we going? ASTRONAUT 2 (MALE) (briskly) Probably to our death.But just possibly -- 3 P.O.V. SHOT - EARTH'S RIM WHITENS TO INCANDESCENCE and a soundless explosion sends a column of fire an mushrooming up towards us. 4 SPACESHIP Appalled silence.Through the ship's windows the ASTRONAUTS are watching (and we with them) the nuclear disintegration of Earth.The incandescence almost burns through their space helmets.In awed voices: ASTRONAUT 2 The fools...they've finally destroyed themselves. ASTRONAUT 1 My God, the earth is no more. ASTRONAUT 3 And we've escaped.