: Shortly after release, the film was hit by allegations of animal abuse during filming, championed by TV host and activist Bob Barker . While Barker claimed trainers used "blackjacks" to beat the chimps, the filmmakers and the American Humane Association (AHA) denied these charges; the AHA eventually won a defamation settlement against Barker.
: The film received generally favorable reviews, holding a 74% score on Rotten Tomatoes . Critics praised the performances of the chimpanzees, particularly "Willie" as Virgil. Project X(1987)
When Jimmy discovers the "Bavarian Room"—where chimps are exposed to lethal doses of radiation to simulate pilot performance in a nuclear war—he realizes the military's plan is to kill the animals. He enlists Teri's help to rescue Virgil and the other chimps from the facility. : Shortly after release, the film was hit