Maurice Evans was born on 3 June 1901.
You’ve probably never heard of him. He was a serious actor. He has 27 credits on the spotty Internet Broadway Database. I’m sure his credits would be even more impressive if there were a West End Database. He was best known for his work with Shakespeare’s plays. Indeed, almost half of his Broadway credits were Shakespeare.
But I highlight him were for two reasons. First, I didn’t have a lot of options. It’s the birthday of the producer-director of Carnival of Souls, Herk Harvey. But he spent his career making industrial films. He didn’t make any other feature films. And since I already highlighted the premiere of that film, I didn’t want to do it again.
Second, I highlight Maurice Evens because he played Dr Zaius in Planet of the Apes and Beneath the Planet of the Apes. He is the main villain in the first film. And he’s the secondary villain in the second film — and extremely conflicted.
The part is well-written. But Evans plays the part extremely well. One thing that is remarkable in the makeup design for the films is how they allow actors’ faces complete freedom to do what they need. Evans plays Zaius as a fundamentally good guy — but one whose fear makes him do very bad things.
But Maurice Evans starred in a few other psychotronic films. Most interesting is probably the science fiction film The Body Stealers. He also played Hutch in Rosemary’s Baby — pretty much the only good character in the whole film. He dies, of course.
Evans did a lot of TV — especially late in his career. In particular, he played Samantha’s father, Maurice, in 12 episodes of Bewitched.
Other 3 June Anniversaries
Filmmakers
- Colleen Dewhurst (1924-1991): Character actor known for When a Stranger Calls and more.
- Herk Harvey (1924-1996): As mentioned above, producer-director of Carnival of Souls.
- Tony Curtis (1925-2010): Star who appeared in The Boston Strangler and so much more.
- Robert Z’Dar (1950-2015): Actor best known for the title role in Maniac Cop.
Films
- Dr Frankenstein on Campus (1970): Vic is expelled from two schools so now he’s out for revenge.
- Psycho II (1983): Norman Bates is out of the mental institution but it seems someone wants to drive him insane again.
- WarGames (1983): A young computer hacker accidentally starts World War III.
- The Untouchables (1987): Eliot Ness vs Al Capone.
- The Evilmaker (2000): Three friends on vacation break down near a creepy house.
- Alucard (2008): Microbudget Dracula that looks interesting.
Maurice Evans via IMDb under Fair Use.
