

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.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Don Knotts
Roy Fleming
Leslie Nielsen
Major Fred Gifford
Joan Freeman
Ellie Jackson
Jesse White
Donelli
Jeanette Nolan
Mrs. Fleming
Frank McGrath
Plank
Arthur O'Connell
Arbuckle "Buck" Fleming
Joan Shawlee
Blonde in Bar
Guy Raymond
Bert
Nydia Westman
Aunt Zana
Paul Hartman
Rush
Robert F. Simon
Cervantes
Robert Pickering
Moran
Bill Quinn
Captain Ferguson
Melissa Gilbert
Niece
Burt Mustin
Ned
Marjorie Bennett
Sweetwater Citizen at Mailbox
Herb Vigran
NASA Doctor
Release History & Theatrical Window
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
Edward Montagne
James Fritzell, Everett Greenbaum
Vic Mizzy
Rex Wimpy
Sam E. Waxman
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.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Reluctant Astronaut.
Featured In Curated Collections
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.).




















