Only a Buck (1987)
This Spokane-made first feature by Jerry Cook retains the charm and wit that made it a standout among regionally made films in the 1980s. The film depicts J. Jordan, a sort of ’80s Maynard G. Krebs/Rube Goldberg gadget-loving guy who quits his job as a bored and hassled local television news photographer to make a movie about a guy who quits his job to make a movie. Cook describes his film as “the TV dinner of movies ... it didn’t cost a lot, but it’s still pretty good.” Technically assured and full of heart, laugh-out-loud ambience and humor, and off-the-wall hipness, Cook’s debut will warm the hearts of anyone who has made, or dreams of making, a movie. “A clever comedy, well worth seeing.”—Ted Mahar, The Oregonian. “The film’s delightful atmosphere wins you over.”—D.K. Holm, Willamette Week
Cast
- Charlie Schmidt - Jay Jordan
- Lanita Grice - Karla Marx
- Utah Phillips - Tramp
Trailer
Only a Buck TrailerFrequently Asked Questions
- What is Only a Buck about?
- This Spokane-made first feature by Jerry Cook retains the charm and wit that made it a standout among regionally made films in the 1980s. The film depicts J. Jordan, a sort of ’80s Maynard G. Krebs/Rube Goldberg gadget-loving guy who quits his job as a bored and hassled local television news photographer to make a movie about a guy who quits his job to make a movie. Cook describes his film as “the TV dinner of movies ... it didn’t cost a lot, but it’s still pretty good.” Technically assured and full of heart, laugh-out-loud ambience and humor, and off-the-wall hipness, Cook’s debut will warm the hearts of anyone who has made, or dreams of making, a movie. “A clever comedy, well worth seeing.”—Ted Mahar, The Oregonian. “The film’s delightful atmosphere wins you over.”—D.K. Holm, Willamette Week
- Who directed Only a Buck?
- Only a Buck was directed by Gerry Cook.
- Who stars in Only a Buck?
- Only a Buck stars Charlie Schmidt, Lanita Grice, Utah Phillips.
- How long is Only a Buck?
- Only a Buck has a runtime of 1h 35m (95 minutes).
- What genre is Only a Buck?
- Only a Buck is a Comedy film.
- What is the budget of Only a Buck?
- Only a Buck had a budget of $70,000.
- Where was Only a Buck produced?
- Only a Buck was produced in United States of America.