Zotz! (1962) Film Locations
Zotz! (1962) Film Locations
College planning time? Looking for a homey small-town liberal arts college? Don’t mind the possibility of an ancient coin wreaking havoc on the local environ. Well, consider Saracen Valley College.
I’m not sure of the true college song, but it might be: “Everyone is flipping for ZOTZ! The magic word for fun!!!”
I love the above tag line from the movie posters because we are speaking about a magical coin that can literally kill people. This film was a change of pace from William Castle’s usual horror films. It is much more fantasy and light-hearted. However, like his other films, he had a marketing gimmick. Zotz coins were manufactured and sent to theaters to hand out. I’m still working on getting my mitts on one. I think there are reproductions on Etsy.
Based on a 1947 novel of the same name by Walter Karig. Professor Jonathan Jones (Tom Poston) and Professor Horatio Kellgore (Jim Backus) play rival professors who are both in line for a promotion to take over retiring Dean Updike’s position. Cynthia, Professor Jones’ niece, received an ancient coin from one of the professor’s former students. Jonathan discovers the coin has magical powers such as the whimsical ability to cause pain and death. Zaniness ensues with communist agents, the US military, crazy dinner party shenanigans, kidnapping, and romance. Everything works out with Professor Jones earning the promotion and the coin disappearing into a sewer.
As a child, I saw this movie and somehow associated the candy Zotz with this film. I bought the candy online and shared them with the family on a Sunday afternoon while watching the movie. The kiddos were not fans, but I pointed out that one scene was filmed close to their favorite bakery in Claremont. They laughed and had me play the scene repeatedly. I may have won them over.
If you plan on visiting Saracen Valley College, you must wind your way through the San Gabriel Valley taking time at both Occidental College in Eagle Rock and then drive across the 210 to Claremont’s downtown. Mosey about and you’ll feel right at home. Consider ordering a Zotz coin on Etsy and walking about shouting Zotz. I mean, make a day of it.
Film Location Comparison Shots:
Professor Jones starts his day with a bike ride from his home (which is in Eagle Rock near Occidental) to Saracen Valley College. He rides past Claremont City Hall.
Claremont City Hall, 207 Harvard Ave N, Claremont, CA 91711
Then professor Jones bike riding skills cause some commotion. These scenes take place on W 2nd Street and Yale Avenue in Claremont.
The Lantz Building,147 Yale Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
The Village Grille,148 Yale Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
Riding past the old Jay Doti’s, about 224 Yale Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
Professor Jones arrives at Saracen Valley College. These scenes take place around the quad area of Occidental college.
The Johnson Student Center & Robert Freeman College Union and Thorne Hall located at the north end of the quad.
The night scenes are back in downtown Claremont. The Verbal building at Yale and 2nd built in 1912 to house the Claremont National Bank stands out.
