Charlton Heston’s Classic Science Fiction Trifecta!
Movie fans know that one of the industry’s great movie stars was Charlton Heston – including a trio of science fiction films that are as great today as when they were released – including one that was based in the “futuristic” year of 2022!
Yes, “Soylent Green” is a pop culture staple – and wait until I tell you about these guys and their connection to the film!
Yes, there is a Green Day connection! So much to discuss, especially the impact that Actor Charlton Heston had in the genre of science fiction!
Let’s begin with one of the greatest – and most influential – sci-fi films ever made!
“Planet Of The Apes!”
This is an enduring classic: Astronauts crash land on a hostile planet – that is run by apes!
Here is the trailer for this 1968 film:
There are so many incredible moments in this film, including one of the most shocking film endings of all time – conceived by the Creator of “The Twilight Zone”! You can read more about this classic by clicking here:
Three years later, Heston returned to science fiction with an adaptation of one of the most successful novels of all time:
“The Omega Man!”
In 1971, Heston’s next science fiction classic was released, based on the iconic 1954 novel “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson.
Check out the trailer:
The plot is a science fiction classic: Dr. Robert Neville is the only survivor of an apocalyptic war waged with biological weapons. The resulting plague leaves him as “the last man alive” – or so he thinks!
Of course, he ISN’T alone – and soon finds himself in a battle with mutated kinda-zombies in a battle to survive…
According to the terrific website IMDB, Charlton Heston had read the original novel on an airplane, and wanted to make it into a new film….without knowing this:
Heston was unaware that the book had already been made into a film in 1964 called “The Last Man on Earth”, starring another movie legend, Vincent Price.
“You know the old song? If you were the only girl in the world, and I was the only boy, well, okay, but until then, don’t bother me? Well, I guess I’m the only boy…”
One of the interesting social aspects of this 1971 film: Heston has a love affair with an African-American woman in the film – another survivor he meets…a love affair that was eyebrow-raising at that time!
Bravo to all concerned for including this socially-daring casting – inter-racial romance was somewhat taboo in 1971, and I like that their race isn’t discussed in the film – it was natural to assume that the last man and last woman would become romantically involved – it was treated as normal, which certainly wasn’t the case at the time…
It’s The Year 2022 – Time To Dig Into “Soylent Green”!
Heston next starred in one of science fiction’s enduring classics – one that has become a classic punch line!
Here is the original trailer for the film, showing life in New York City in 2022!
As you saw in the trailer, by the year 2022, Earth is overpopulated and polluted; our nation is kept alive by new kind of food, provided by Soylent Industries. But is this food REALLY plankton from the oceans?
When an Executive is murdered, a tough NY Detective investigates, and discovers the disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green!
Wait, Soylent Green Is WHAT?!?!?!?!?!
Yes, there’s a secret ingredient in this little green wafers…an ingredient that has become a pop culture phenomenon!
“Soylent Green Is People!”
Sorry if you REALLY didn’t already know, but it is one of the funniest punch lines that lives on from this science fiction classic – you find this line used on T-Shirts, restaurant billboards and more – but here is something about the film that you might not know:
“Soylent Green” Is The Origin Of “Green Day!”
A sign saying “Tuesday is Soylent Green Day” appears in the film. Some people suggest that this inspired the name of the rock band Green Day. The font on the store-front window matches the ones that are used on Green Day’s “Uno”, “Dos”, and “Tres” albums!
The band has been a bit coy about this fact, but it is true – and if not, it should be!
If you need more classic 70’s sci-fi, why not drop in on “The Stepford Wives?”
Do NOT see the remake – stick with the original, whites terrific!
I dug into the film and more great cult films here:
One more question: have you gone to “Westworld?”
“Where nothing can possibly go w-o-r-n-g!“
Yes, the HBO series has fans and detractors alike, but the original 70’s film starring Richard Benjamin, James Brolin and a very evil Yul Brynner is a blast!
See the original trailer and more by clicking here:
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So there you have it, Charlton Heston’s “perfect storm” of science fiction classics, all available on demand and blu-ray for you to enjoy!
Categories: 70's Cinema, Action Films, Art, Cult Movies, Exploitation films, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Grindhouse, Hollywood, Horror films, Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
I love WestWorld, John, I have watched it a few times and I even made TErence watch it. I think its the only movie I’ve ever recommended to him. I also loved Soylent Green, such a clever idea.
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Glad to hear that Robbie! I love both!
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I thought Soylent Green was an excellent film. I am so glad nobody has ever tried to remake it. (Yet)
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes Pete…great point – so many classics are ruined by inferior remakes!
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It might be fun to create a post of songs about the future. The first one that pops into my head is the one-hit wonder by Zager and Evans, In The Year 2525. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izQB2-Kmiic
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This was jam-packed, John! I had no idea the creator of the Twilight Zone had the idea for the brilliant ending of Planet of the Apes. I’m not surprised. And Soylent Green was based on the year 2022? Wow. Heston was one of my favorite actors. I enjoyed his movies on the big screen. Many thanks!
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What a great read!! Excellent movies and Planet of the Apes was always a favourite of mine! Until seeing the original poster you posted, I had no idea that the same guy wrote Bridge Over the River Kwai!!
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WOW that was a great catch! Thanks for the comment, great hearing from you!
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You are very welcome – thank YOU for reminding us of these gems 🙂
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