Burke (solid James Naughton) and General Urko (Mark Lenard in fine fierce form) are forced to work together after they are buried alive underground in an ancient San Francisco subway tunnel because of an earthquake. Meanwhile, Virdon (the equally sturdy Ron Harper) and Galen (the always fine Roddy McDowall) try to figure out a way to free Burke before it's too late. Director Arnold Laven, working from a gripping script by Edward J. Lasko, relates the absorbing story at a swift pace, generates a good deal of tension, and stages the thrilling action with aplomb. Naughton and Lenard play off each other well as they put their differences aside and cooperate in order to survive, plus Burke has to do his best to hide the truth from Urko about how humans ruled over apes in the past. Top acting props easily go to Norman Alden for his stellar portrayal of Urko's suspicious, yet honorable chief lieutenant Zako. Moreover, there's a lovely appearance by the fetching Cindy Eilbacher as perky teenager Lisa and John Milford contributes a neat turn as the helpful Miller. Gerald Perry Finnerman's cinematography offers plenty of nicely evocative shots of the desolate city streets. Richard LaSalle's spirited score hits the stirring spot. A bang-up show.
Review of The Trap
