An extra-terrestrial cat named Zunar J5/90 Doric 4-7 (or “Jake” for short) is forced to crash-land on Earth in this better-than-average Disney film
In order to rendezvous with his mother ship, he must repair his craft and relaunch it in 36 hours. But his spacecraft is discovered by the US Army, who are intrigued by its unique energy source and move it to a deserted military airfield for examination.
Jake enlists the help of unemployed physicist Dr Frank Wilson (Ken Berry), and the unlikely pair make their way to the military base where Jake’s craft is being held by the Army, under the command of General Stilton (Harry Morgan).
Jake is the proud owner of a magic crystal collar that allows him to communicate telepathically, levitate objects and freeze humans in mid-stride.
Unfortunately, he is observed using these special powers by an inept industrial spy called Mr Stallwood (Roddy McDowall), whose boss – Masterspy Olympus (William Prince) – determines to obtain the collar by foul means or foul.
Jake explains that a substantial amount of “Org 12” (or gold as it is known on Earth) is required to repair his ship. He and Frank consider ways to raise enough money ($120,000) to obtain the gold and find the solution when Jake sees a horse race on television. He can use his special powers to control races and decide the winner.
With a race against time to repair the spaceship – while having to evade both spies and the powers that be – you wouldn’t think that either Jake or his human cohort would have time for any romantic dalliance.
But with the arrival of Liz (Sandy Duncan) and her captivating white Persian, Lucybelle, both Frank and Jake are lost.
Jake the cat was played by two different Abyssinian cats: Rumple and his sister, Amber.
Dr Frank Wilson
Ken Berry Liz Bartlett
Sandy Duncan General Stilton
Harry Morgan Mr Stallwood
Roddy McDowall Norman Link
McLean Stevenson Earnest Ernie
Jesse White Dr Wenger
Alan Young Dr Heffel
Hans Conried Sgt. Duffy/Jake (voice)
Ronnie Schell Captain Anderson
James Hampton Colonel Woodruff
Howard Platt Olympus
William Prince Weasel
Ralph Manza Honest Harry
Tom Pedi Mr Smith
John Alderson Omar
Tiger Joe Marsh Sarasota Slim
Fred L. Whalen Sucker
Joseph G. Medalis
Jake enlists the help of unemployed physicist Dr Frank Wilson (Ken Berry), and the unlikely pair make their way to the military base where Jake’s craft is being held by the Army, under the command of General Stilton (Harry Morgan).
With a race against time to repair the spaceship – while having to evade both spies and the powers that be – you wouldn’t think that either Jake or his human cohort would have time for any romantic dalliance.
