Maybe it’s because it’s Friday. Or maybe I’m just feeling a little nostalgic for the mid-1990s today. But when I read the news that the Planet of the Apes prequel is moving forward, I couldn’t help but wonder: How long do we have to wait to see The Simpsons‘ Planet of the Apes musical head to the big screen?
Okay, I’m only half joking. But I would argue that Troy McClure’s finest hour in 1996′s “A Fish Called Selma” trumps all five Planet of the Apes films. Of course, that could be because, as is the case with many films, I saw The Simpsons episode before I saw the Charlton Heston classic. So when I finally did check out the 1968 film — and its sequels — I could hardly pay attention to the plot with “Dr. Zaius” running on a loop through my brain. I can’t help it, guys! It’s a catchy song! (See it — with Spanish dialogue! — after the jump.)
Now we know we know the musical will never have a place on the big screen without its leading man, voiced by the late great Phil Hartman. But come on, fellow Simpsons fans — it’s really tough to even think of Planet of the Apes without starting to hum “Dr. Zaius,” right? (Can we at least see it on Broadway?!) Sing it with me: “‘Can I play the piano anymore?’ ‘Of course you can!’ ‘Well, I couldn’t before!’”
P.S. And I would never fail to also acknowledge the genius of “Chimpan-A To Chimpan-Z.” But I will not include the lyrics for those who haven’t seen Planet of the Apes. It’s filled with spoilers! (Same with the Spanish-language video below!)
I still miss Phil Hartman
Indeed.
Same. I can watch his skits on SNL over and over again.
Ditto, funny man.
You’ll never make a money out of me.
That song was really clever and catchy. Loved the break-dancing monkey.
Oooh, I love legitimate the-a-ter
I randomly get “Dr. Zaius, Dr. Zaiud” in my head when I’m not even thinking about Planet of the Apes… and this episode of the Simpsons came out when I was really young. “What’s wrong with me?”
I think you’re crazy!
i always catch myself saying/singing “he can talk (he can talk! he can talk he can talk!) – I CAN SING!!!!”
I loved that episode of The Simpsons. Phil Hartman was the man. He was gone too soon.
I also liked “Streetcar!” with Ned Flanders.