Eventually, Springer would be accused of tax evasion by the IRS, and the FDA summoned him for false advertising. He was arrested and, in 1974, convicted, leading to his short jail sentence. He died in Las Vegas, his final dwelling, in 1985.
On the bright side, this con man didn’t leave the world with nothing. Springer’s naming of Zzyzx served as inspiration for the lowest-grossing movie of all time, the 2006 film Zyzzyx Road, starring Katherine Heigl. Earning a whole $30 from six viewers during its run in a Dallas, Texas movie theater:
And despite his lying, deceiving, and obscure character, the parcel of land Springer once used to completely take advantage of people is now a nature preserve. Home to the Desert Studies Center, California State University manages the upkeep of a rare species of fish inhabiting its waters and is home to real researchers and environmental studies students, and desert ecologists. Not too shabby of an unintentional contribution from a 1940s swindler.
For more of Oona’s sarcasm and attempted wit, visit her website oonaoffthecuff.com.
Top Image: Curtis Springer
Related: The ‘Lion King’ Secret Disney Doesn’t Want You To Know
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