Were Ingrid Bergman and Edward G.Robinson offered choice roles in "The Planet of The
Apes?" Did noted film noir producer Val Lewton make a grave error in 1943's "The Seventh Victim?" Was stongman Steve Reeves ever cast as Tarzan?
These are 3 engrossing film factoids from the sci-fi/horror/mystery realm that we now divulge:
- "Planet of the Apes" (1968) factoids: Ingrid Bergman rejected the role of the chimp physician Xira, with Kim Hunter then ably handling the part. Bergman later acknowledged that she came to regret her decision! Veteran actor Edward G.Robinson shot some scenes as the orangutan scientist Dr. Zaius, but, due to heart trouble, was physically unable to handle the role, which went to Maurice Evans. Although there were no seating restrictions during meal periods, actors portraying chimps, gorillas, and orangutans naturally gathered with their own species! No female actors portrayed gorillas or orangutans, only chimpanzees.
Ruehl Fact: Rod Serling created the twist "Statue of Liberty" ending, with astronaut George Taylor (Charlton Heston) suddenly realizing that he is back on earth. In the novel, the astronauts had landed on a different planet ruled by apes, but author Pierre Boulle asserted that he preferred Serling's surprise to his own conclusion.
- In 1942's Val Lewton classic, "Cat People," psychiatrist Dr. Louis Judd (Tom Conway) was clearly killed by the Cat Girl (Simone Simon). But, in Lewton's 1943 film, "The Seventh Victim," Dr. Judd, again essayed by Conway, returns in pefect health! Either they should have worked in some explanation as to his survival or simply given him another name.
Ruehl Fact: Tom Conway and his brother, George Sanders, were born in St. Petersburg,Russia to British parents. The family name was Sanders, so Tom became Conway. They worked together twice on film: in 1942's "The Falcon's Brother," Sanders, tired of the "Falcon" role after just 3 entries, suggested that his real bro replace him in the series, so his character, Gay Lawrence, was killed off in this 4th episode with his screen brother, Tom Lawrence, vowing to continue his anti-crime crusade, which he did for the next 9 Falcon films.
In 1956's "Death Of A Scoundrel," possibly Sanders' finest work, he turned his brother, Tom, over to the Communists in exchange for passage to America and as punishment for stealing his wife.
- Steve Reeves, the bodybuilder extraordinaire, gained a reputation as star of a long series of Italian sand-and-sword epics, ably portraying such notables as Hercules, Romulus, Phillipides,Glaucus, and Sandokan. But, why was he never cast as Tarzan, a role he appeared born to play?
Well, it turns out that at the very outset of his career, in 1949, he essayed the role of a Tarzan clone in a made-for-TV serial, "Kimbar of the Jungle." As with Tarzan, he wore a loincloth, swung through trees, and had a loyal chimpanzee companion! The 1st chapter was entitled, "The Lion Men of Tanganyika," and co-starred Virginia Hewitt, soon to become a regular on TV's "The Space Patrol."
However, unlike a typical serial, where the opening chapter was usually around 20 minutes to allow ample time to introduce the characters and develop the plot, this episode lasted under 12 minutes. Worse, it was the only chapter produced, perhaps because adequate financing was not forthcoming, so we will never know if Kimbar escaped from the lethal clutches of the Lion Men! For the record, this is not even included in his IMDB profile.
Unfortunately, Reeves severely dislocated his shoulder when his chariot crashed into a tree while filming "The Last Days of Pompeii" in 1959. While he continued to work despite excruciating discomfort, the malady ultimately forced him to retire in 1968 at just age 42. He died from lymphoma at age 74 in 2000.
Ruehl Fact: Steve Reeves was not related to George Reeves, star of TV 's "The Adventures of Superman," whose given name was actually George Brewer!
Highlights from "Kimbar of the Jungle":
Scenes from "White Pongo":
An entry from Boris Karloff's "The Ape":
Excerpts from Bels Lugosi's "The Ape Man":
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.