The Reluctant Astronaut
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.
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📋 Film Details
| Year | 1967 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Genre | Comedy, Family, Science Fiction |
| Director | Edward Montagne |
| Runtime | 101 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 5.9/10 (43 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
The film constructs its comedy from the gap between the grandeur of the space race and the humble reality of its protagonist, using his phobia as a source for both humor and genuine pathos. It relies heavily on the endearing performance of Don Knotts, whose physical comedy and nervous charm carry the narrative.
What lingers after the credits is a gentle, good-natured fable about confronting one's fears, proving that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to act despite it. — MovieFinder Editorial
Director: Edward Montagne
Best Watched
With the family on a cozy weekend afternoon. Pure, lighthearted comfort viewing.
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