Zotz! (1962)
A bumbling professor, a magical ancient coin, and Cold War spies collide in William Castle's delightfully offbeat comedy-fantasy.
Zotz! - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1962
- Directed by: William Castle
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 3, 1962 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Columbia Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Zotz! - Plot
Jonathan Jones, a professor of ancient languages, comes into possession of an ancient coin. He translates its inscription, which gives him three powers: to inflict pain, slow down time or kill. Soon, he's pursued by enemy spies who have learned about the magic coin.
Zotz! - Trailer
See the magic coin's powers in action — watch the official trailer:
Zay It, Zee It and Zoon!
Where to Watch Zotz!
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Zotz! - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- William Castle
Main Cast
- Tom Poston
- Julia Meade
- Jim Backus
- Fred Clark
- Cecil Kellaway
- Zeme North
- Margaret Dumont
- James Millhollin
- Carl Don
- Mike Mazurki
Writers
- Ray Russell
Producers
- William Castle
Zotz! - FAQs
What is Zotz! about?
Zotz! follows Jonathan Jones, an absent-minded professor of ancient languages who stumbles upon a mysterious coin with a magical inscription. The coin grants him three wild powers: inflicting pain, slowing down time, and killing. Things get complicated fast when Cold War spies come after him to steal it.
Is Zotz! based on a book?
Yes! Zotz! is adapted from Walter Karig's 1947 satirical novel of the same name. Screenwriter Ray Russell translated the story for the screen, keeping its playful blend of academic comedy and Cold War absurdity that made the source material such a fun, offbeat read.
Where can you stream Zotz! online?
You can watch Zotz! on Mometu with ads. It's a great way to catch this quirky 1962 gem without any subscription cost. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming availability in your region.
What are the three powers of the magic coin?
The ancient coin in Zotz! grants its holder three distinct powers: the ability to inflict intense pain on others, the power to slow down time, and the ultimate ability to kill. The catch is that using them requires specific gestures and the spoken word "Zotz!" — making for some wonderfully comic situations.
Who directed Zotz! and what is his style?
William Castle directed Zotz! — the legendary showman known for his outrageous promotional gimmicks on films like House on Haunted Hill and The Tingler. With Zotz!, he leaned into lighthearted comedy rather than horror, showcasing his flair for crowd-pleasing entertainment with a distinctly playful touch.
Who stars in Zotz! alongside Tom Poston?
Tom Poston leads the cast as the bumbling Professor Jonathan Jones, joined by Julia Meade, Jim Backus, Fred Clark, and Cecil Kellaway. A standout is Margaret Dumont — the legendary foil from the Marx Brothers films — in one of her final screen appearances, adding a delightful layer of classic comedy history.
Is Zotz! suitable for all ages?
Zotz! is rated NR (Not Rated), as it predates the modern film rating system. In terms of content, it's a gentle, family-friendly comedy-fantasy with no significant violence or mature themes. Think lighthearted Cold War silliness — perfectly enjoyable for older kids and adults alike.
What movies are similar to Zotz!?
If you enjoy Zotz!, you might love Mary Poppins (1964) for its whimsical magic, or The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) for its fantastical comedy. Fans of the absent-minded professor archetype will also get a kick out of The Science of Sleep (2006) and other imaginative, offbeat fantasy comedies.
More About Zotz!
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