MOVIES - July 15, 1987

“Project X” director Jonathan Kaplan and the movie’s trainer Hubert Wells were among a large group of industry professionals holding a press conference Tuesday to dispute charges by game show host Bob Barker that chimpanzees were abused on the set of “Project X.” According to the group--composed of animal trainers, members of animal rights organizations and even a veterinarian--Barker is attempting to seek legislation that would bar the use of exotic animals from films. “I’m tired of all the lies,” Kaplan said angrily, “I was on the set and there was no abuse as far as I know.” Barker, who said he’s not personally involved in pushing through legislation, responded, “I don’t want to bar animals from films; I want more stringent guidelines on how they’re used in films.”