The Reluctant Astronaut

Don Knotts stars as Roy Fleming, a 35-year-old fairground operator who is deathly afraid of heights and mistakenly joins NASA as a janitor instead of an astronaut. After his father's domineering expectations threaten to expose the truth, Roy is chosen by Major Fred Gifford (Leslie Nielsen) for a layperson mission aboard an automated spacecraft, forcing him to confront his fears and ultimately saving the day with his quick thinking during eating experiments. With his ruse exposed, Roy earns the admiration of his colleagues, including Ellie Jackson (Joan Freeman), whom he later marries.