Zotz!

Every now and then you come across a film that you wish was better than it actually turned out to be: this is such a film. After years endlessly rehashing scenes from other successes William Castle came up with a film that was so startlingly original he was obviously completely at a loss how to exploit the idea adequately. But it leaves you glad you saw it. There's even a little mild satire in that the coin's potential is completely ignored by the Pentagon, the only person paying attention being a Russian spy working as a window cleaner. Eccentrically cast as a brilliant authority in the field of Ancient Eastern Languages, TV comedian Tom Poston was at the time a complete unknown abroad (he's now best remembered as the landlord in "Mork and Mindy'), but proves quite an attractive personality who rises to the challenge of carrying a film. One also wishes female lead Julia Meade had made more films too.

I enjoyed this very much as a kid! No special effects to speak of back then -- just plain great acting!! Tom Poston MADE this role, as being so believable when he comes across hidden "powers." If this were ever to be remade someday, the special effects would probably outweigh the performances.

William Castle directed this fantasy comedy that stars Tom Poston(later costar on the "Newhart" TV series) as college professor Jonathan Jones, a teacher of ancient languages that comes into possession of a magic(!) coin that has three powers: to inflict pain, to slow down, or to kill, depending how you use the coin and pronounce "Zotz!". Problems arise when Soviet spies get wind of it, and plot to steal the coin, no matter the cost...awful film is both unfunny and stupid. Tom Poston makes a most unlikely heroic lead, and actors like Jim Backus and Cecil Kellaway are wasted. A profound disappointment from Castle, and an instantly forgettable film.

Tom Poston got the short shrift with his two William Castle films, both lame comedies where even his subtle comic talents can't save him from the unfunny scripts. This science fiction spoof is about a rare ancient coin that shows things down, speeds them up, freezes them or kills them. He's the nerdy college professor trying to give this to the Pentagon, which results in Russian spies going after him. (Those spies are conveniently outside General Fred Clark's office posing as window washers). There's one funny scene concerning some loose mice (with Margaret Dumont, of all old biddies, present as Persephone Updike!) and such other vets as Cecil Kellaway and Jim Backus there as well. Backus's one big comic moment (his speech being slowed down to make him appear drunk) is embarrassingly unfunny. With such talent, you'd think there'd be more humor (even if the plot is beyond ridiculous) but the result is a zero. Nertz to Zotz.

William Castle's production of Zotz! is an engaging juvenile comedy featuring likeable Tom Poston as a fellow who comes across a coin that has magical powers, which in due time becomes a matter of interest to Soviet agents. The movie was heavily hyped for kids when first released, and pleased audiences at the time. Now it plays like a Disney version of an Ealing comedy, such as The Man In the White Suit, which it vaguely resembles, with Poston in the Alec Guinness role. This was an odd project for Castle, better known as a producer of horror movies, though it's pleasant enough if one is in an undemanding mood.

Ya gotta admit it's a great title and Tom Poston is rather watchable for the nine-year-olds who are the target audience. It's just a silly chase over a coin with silly magical powers, and if one can overlook the Cold War propaganda was a fun fantasy for playacting with my little friends afterwards. Watching it again as an adult I found it rather charmless but not a total bore.