The Reluctant Astronaut

Name: The Reluctant Astronaut
Genre: Comedy, Family, Science Fiction
Released: 1967-09-05
Duration: 1 h 41 min
Rating: 6
Cast: Don Knotts, Leslie Nielsen, Joan Freeman, Jesse White, Jeanette Nolan

1967·Movie·NR·101 min·★ 6.0(45)

Comedy Family Science Fiction More English titles

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

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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Click a service to open The Reluctant Astronaut there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.

About The Reluctant Astronaut

The Reluctant Astronaut is a 1967 English-language comedy, family and science fiction film directed by Edward Montagne. The cast is led by Don Knotts, Leslie Nielsen, Joan Freeman. It has a runtime of 1h 41m. In United States, it is currently streaming on Philo.

The Reluctant Astronaut was produced by Universal Pictures and made in United States of America. It was released on September 5, 1967, and carries a NR certification.

Director: Edward Montagne
Writers: James Fritzell, Everett Greenbaum
Release date: September 5, 1967
Original language: English
Age rating: NR
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Production: Universal Pictures

#nasa#space#astronaut#amusement park

The Reluctant Astronaut cast & crew

The Reluctant Astronaut was directed by Edward Montagne and written by James Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum.

The cast features Don Knotts as Roy Fleming, Leslie Nielsen as Major Fred Gifford, Joan Freeman as Ellie Jackson, Jesse White as Donelli, Jeanette Nolan as Mrs. Fleming, and Frank McGrath as Plank.

Behind the camera, the score was composed by Vic Mizzy, cinematography is by Rex Wimpy, and it was produced by Edward Montagne.

Is The Reluctant Astronaut worth watching?

At 1h 41m, it's a standard feature-length watch.

If you enjoy comedy, family, and science fiction, The Reluctant Astronaut is worth a place on your watchlist.

How and where to watch The Reluctant Astronaut

In United States, you can stream The Reluctant Astronaut on Philo, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Click any service above to open it directly.

Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.