Zaat (1971): Cast & Plot
Zaat is a 1971 sci-fi thriller directed by Don Barton, starring Marshall Grauer as Dr. Kurt Leopold, Wade Popwell and Rich Valliere. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Release year
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Director
- Don Barton
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Barton Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Zaat About?
The premise of Zaat without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Is the monster a man, a fish, or something diabolical? A deranged scientist launches his grand scheme to turn himself into a mutated walking catfish in order to exact revenge on those who have rejected him. When his experiment fails, he considers kidnapping a young woman to transform her as well, hoping to breed.
Zaat Themes & Keywords
· 33 tags- catfish
- transformation
- psychotronic film
- mad scientist
- creature feature
- sheriff
- hypodermic
- fishing
- windex
- fish
- dr z
- man beast
+21 more Show fewer
- surprise ending
- underwater scene
- low budget sci fi movie
- child in jeopardy
- library music score
- scientist
- cult film
- snake bite
- radioactivity
- octopus
- laboratory
- knife
- florida
- drowning
- aquarium
- acid
- sole black character dies cliche
- nazi experiment
- doctor
- mad doctor
- independent film
Zaat Cast & Characters
Marshall Grauer leads the cast as Dr. Kurt Leopold, with Wade Popwell as The Monster and Rich Valliere as Deputy Sheriff. Directed by Don Barton; 18 actors are credited in all.
- Director Don Barton
- Marshall Grauer as Dr. Kurt Leopold
- Wade Popwell as The Monster
- Rich Valliere as Deputy Sheriff
- Paul Galloway as Sheriff Lou Krantz
Also Starring in Zaat
· 14 more- Nancy Lien Girl Camper
- Sanna Ringhaver INPIT Agent Martha Walsh
- Dave Dickerson INPIT Agent Walker Stevens
- Carol Thompson
- Gerald Cruse Marine Biologist Rex
- Elizabeth Barton Girl on Porch
- Doug Thomas Reporter
- Jack Weatherford
- Russell Holcomb
- Gloria Brady
- Del Galloway
- Hal Nearhoof
- Jim Merrill
- Bob Knowles
Zaat Plot Summary
What happens in Zaat from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In his laboratory, mad scientist Dr. Kurt Leopold, Marshall Grauer contemplates his former colleagues’ derision of his formula ZaAt, a compound that can transform humans into sea creature hybrids. He injects himself with the serum and immerses himself in a tank, emerging as a catfish-like monster, Wade Popwell. In his new form, Leopold releases walking catfish across the town’s lakes and rivers, and releases Zaat into the water supply, rendering many of the townspeople ill. Meanwhile, Sheriff Lou Krantz, Paul Galloway and marine biologist Rex Baker investigate strange occurrences with the local catfish and waterways.
Full summary
The whole story of Zaat, scene by scene
Zaat Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer ZAAT Trailer [1971]
How Well Do You Know Zaat?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
What is the name of the serum Dr. Kurt Leopold creates that can transform humans into sea creature hybrids?
Cars in Zaat
17 cars on screen, including the 1965 International Harvester Scout and the Action Age Scrambler.
-
1965 International Harvester Scout Main role -
Action Age Scrambler Minor role -
1961 Ford Country Squire Minor role -
1970 Ford Maverick Minor role
Zaat Also Known As
5 alternative titles, including “Blood Waters of Dr. Z” and “Legend of the Zaat Monster”.
- Also known as
-
- Blood Waters of Dr. Z
- Legend of the Zaat Monster
- Attack of the Swamp Creatures
- Hydra
- 扎特怪兽的传说
Seen Zaat?
Movies Like Zaat
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Creatures from the Abyss, Zeder and Zontar: The Thing from Venus.
Zaat FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Zaat, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Zaat?
Zaat runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).
When was Zaat released?
Zaat was released in 1971.
Who directed Zaat?
Zaat was directed by Don Barton.
Who is in the cast of Zaat?
Zaat stars Marshall Grauer as Dr. Kurt Leopold, Wade Popwell as The Monster and Rich Valliere as Deputy Sheriff, among 18 credited actors.
Does Zaat have a post-credit scene?
No. Zaat has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
