Planet of the Apes (1968)

Maurice Evans: Dr. Zaius

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Quotes 

• Dr. Zaius : You are right, I have always known about man. From the evidence, I believe his wisdom must walk hand and hand with his idiocy. His emotions must rule his brain. He must be a warlike creature who gives battle to everything around him, even himself.

• George Taylor : A planet where apes evolved from men? There's got to be an answer.

  Dr. Zaius : Don't look for it, Taylor. You may not like what you find.

• Dr. Zaius : The Forbidden Zone was once a paradise. Your breed made a desert of it, ages ago.

• Dr. Zira : What will he find out there, doctor?

  Dr. Zaius : His destiny.

• [brandishing a rifle] 

  George Taylor : Don't try to follow me. I'm pretty handy with this.

  Dr. Zaius : Of that I'm sure. All my life I've awaited your coming and dreaded it.

• George Taylor : There's your Minister of Science; honor-bound to expand the frontiers of knowledge...

  Dr. Zira : Taylor, please!

  George Taylor : ...except that he's also chief Defender of the Faith!

  Dr. Zaius : There is no contradiction between faith and science... true science!

  George Taylor : Are you willing to put that statement to the test?

  Cornelius : Taylor, I would much rather...

  George Taylor : Take it easy... you saved me from this fanatic, maybe I can return the favor!

• Dr. Zaius : I see you've brought the female of your species. I didn't realize that man could be monogamous.

  George Taylor : On this planet, it's easy.

• Dr. Zaius : Dr. Zira, I must caution you. Experimental brain surgery on these creatures is one thing, and I'm all in favor of it. But your behavior studies are another matter. To suggest that we can learn anything about the simian nature from a study of man is sheer nonsense. Why, man is a nuisance. He eats up his food supply in the forest, then migrates to our green belts and ravages our crops. The sooner he is exterminated, the better. It's a question of simian survival.

• Dr. Zaius : Ah, yes - the young ape with a shovel. I hear you're planning another archeological expedition. Cornelius, a friendly word of warning - as you dig for artifacts, be sure you don't bury your reputation.

• Dr. Zaius : You are a menace. A walking pestilence.

• Dr. Zaius : Have you forgotten your scripture, the thirteenth scroll? "And Proteus brought the upright beast into the garden and chained him to a tree and the children did make sport of him."

• Leader of the hunt : I don't understand these animal psychologists. What is Dr. Zira trying to prove?

  Dr. Zaius : That man can be domesticated.

  [the hunt leader begins to laugh in disbelief]