Only a Buck (1987)
90 min
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
- Release date
- January 1, 1987
- Country of origin
- United States
- Budget
- $70,000
Trailer
Cast
- Charlie Schmidt as J. Jordan
- Sally Riddle as Kendra
- Donald Moulton as Fred
- Peter Hunrichs as Phil
- Leroy Friengle as Chuck
- Lanita Grice as Karla Marx
- Mike Necci as Genelli
- Tom Gurkosky as Banker
- Al Wetzel as Plant Mgr.
- Melody Deatherage as Neighbor
Crew
- Gerry Cook · Director
- Gerry Cook · Writer
- Donald Moulton · Writer
- James L. Christensen · Producer
- Gerry Cook · Producer
- Peter Hunrichs · Composer
- Gerry Cook · Cinematographer
- Mike Necci · Cinematographer
- Garret Veley · Cinematographer
- Gerry Cook · Editor
- Peter Hunrichs · Editor
- Donald Moulton · Editor