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The Reluctant Astronaut poster
6.0 / 10(48 votes)IMDbNR19671h 41mUnited States of America

The Reluctant Astronaut

“He's an Astro-Knott Turned Astronaut in the Maddest Mix Up in Space History!!”

Synopsis

Roy Fleming is a small-town kiddie-ride operator who is deathly afraid of heights. After learning that his father has signed him up for the space program, Roy reluctantly heads for Houston, only to find out upon arriving that his job is as a janitor, not an astronaut. Anxious to live up to the expectations of his domineering father, Roy manages to keep up a facade of being an astronaut to his family and friends. When NASA decides to launch a layperson into space to prove the worthiness of a new automated spacecraft, Roy gets the chance to confront his fears.

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

September 5, 1967

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Edward Montagne
Screenplay & Story
James Fritzell, Everett Greenbaum
Original Score
Vic Mizzy
Original Title
The Reluctant Astronaut
Country of Origin
United States of America
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 41m
Production Studios
Universal Pictures

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Edward Montagne

Screenplay & Story

James Fritzell, Everett Greenbaum

Original Score & Music

Vic Mizzy

Director of Photography

Rex Wimpy

Film Editing

Sam E. Waxman

Producers

Edward Montagne

Department Leadership Roster

James Fritzell

Screenplay

Everett Greenbaum

Screenplay

Edward Montagne

Director

Sam E. Waxman

Editor

Edward Montagne

Producer

Rex Wimpy

Director of Photography

Vic Mizzy

Original Music Composer

Rosemary Odell

Costume Design

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: NR

NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.

International Certification Matrix

United States (MPAA)NR

Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Reluctant Astronaut.

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Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Reluctant Astronaut.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Reluctant Astronaut

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is The Reluctant Astronaut about?

Roy Fleming is a small-town kiddie-ride operator who is deathly afraid of heights. After learning that his father has signed him up for the space program, Roy reluctantly heads for Houston, only to find out upon arriving that his job is as a janitor, not an astronaut. Anxious to live up to the expectations of his domineering father, Roy manages to keep up a facade of being an astronaut to his family and friends. When NASA decides to launch a layperson into space to prove the worthiness of a new automated spacecraft, Roy gets the chance to confront his fears.

Who directed The Reluctant Astronaut?

The Reluctant Astronaut was directed by Edward Montagne.

Who stars in The Reluctant Astronaut?

The principal cast of The Reluctant Astronaut includes Don Knotts, Leslie Nielsen, Joan Freeman, Jesse White, Jeanette Nolan.

When was The Reluctant Astronaut released and how long is it?

The Reluctant Astronaut was released in 1967 with a total runtime of 1h 41m.

Who composed the musical score for The Reluctant Astronaut?

The original motion picture soundtrack for The Reluctant Astronaut was composed by Vic Mizzy.

What is the age rating and content advisory for The Reluctant Astronaut?

The Reluctant Astronaut holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).