The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. Declares Distribution

NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 11/02/09 -- The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ZTR) announced that its current monthly distribution will be $0.034 per share, payable on November 25, 2009, to shareholders of record on November 12, 2009 (ex-date November 09, 2009).

The distribution represents a cash yield of 10% on an annualized basis. Distributions may represent earnings from net investment income, capital gains, excess gains taxable as ordinary income or, if necessary, return of capital. The tax status of the Fund's distributions is determined at the end of the taxable year.

The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. is a closed-end fund with an investment objective to seek the highest total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current income, consistent with the preservation of capital. The Zweig closed-end funds are advised by Zweig Advisers LLC. For more information on the Fund, please contact shareholder services at 800.272.2700 or visit us on the web at www.virtus.com.