Legendary director Melvin Van Peebles has a new movie coming to the screen, "Confessions Of A Ex-Doofus Itchy-Footed Mutha'." He caught up with NY1's George Whipple on the Upper East Side.

George Whipple: Now, it was a graphic novel first?

Peebles: Well, it was a graphic novel half-way and then I said, "Whoa, this graphic novel's great. I think I'll make it into a movie also." It's about a kid who leaves home and who goes out to see the world. There's a love story involved, but actually two love stories because there's this gorilla who sort of falls in love with the guy and gets turned down. And gorillas don't take that too easily..."

Whipple: A gorilla-man love story?

Peebles: Yeah.

Whipple: How about the other love story?

Peebles: Oh, the other love thing is really sweet and nice, you know, "you don't miss your water until the world runs dry." Well, sometimes you can catch back up. But I wont give it all away."

Whipple: So it opens this weekend in Cinema Village?

Peebles: Yeah. Friday's my birthday. I'm very excited because now I can vote, you know!

Whipple: Finally, after all these years of waiting.

Peebles: After all these years I'll be able to vote!

Whipple: I know you say it's all true, but I can't believe a gorilla having a crush on a man!

Peebles: Would I lie? What happens, I mean, still -- aaaAAHHHH!

At this point, a gorilla attacked Peebles. Only in New York.

Let's wish Peebles a very happy 77th birthday by turning out to the Cinema Village this weekend to see his new film.