Film extras sue Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes cost about $100m to make

By the BBC's Peter Bowes

The producers of the Hollywood movie Planet of the Apes are being taken to court in Los Angeles over claims that some film extras were exposed to dangerous substances on set.

It is alleged that minor cast members were exposed to hazardous materials for extended periods of time while filming dust storm scenes.

The lawsuit was filed by Jeffrey Clark on behalf of all the extras who took part in the shooting of a dust storm scene.

The film disappointed some critics

The film, which opened in cinemas last year, was a remake of the classic ape adventure from the 1960s, and starred Mark Wahlberg and Helena Bonham Carter.

But the actors who played apes and humans claim they were exposed to a substance known as fuller's earth, which allegedly contains a lung irritant and has the potential to cause cancer.

It is claimed that the extras were not supplied with protection masks and that they were exposed to the substance for six to eight hours a day.

The lawsuit alleges that the film's studio removed labels from bags of the powder which warned of the possible cancer risk.

Star and director: Helena Bonham-Carter and Tim Burton

The Fox Entertainment Group and the Entertainment Partner Service Group face allegations which include fraud and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The bit-part actors are seeking compensation and a share of the film's profits.

A spokeswoman for the Fox Group said the company had no comment on the lawsuit.