Only a Buck
1987, English. Directed by Gerry Cook.
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
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Too new to call
Not enough people have rated it yet for a verdict.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch Only a Buck
Only a Buck isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 January 1987.
No streaming listings yet. Search JustWatch.
Details
- Released
- 1 January 1987
- Country
- United States of America
- Budget
- $70K
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
If you liked Only a Buck
Gabriel Iglesias: I'm Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hungry
2016 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Chris Rock: Never Scared
2004 · 7.5/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City
2018 · 7.9/10
Absolute CinemaRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Geisha Boy
1958 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Hello
Hello
2013 · 6.1/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Die, Mommie, Die!
2003 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer
2023 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Fun with Dick and Jane
1977 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Thunderstruck
2012 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Driver's Ed
2026 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Only a Buck: quick answers
Is Only a Buck worth watching?
Only a Buck doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Only a Buck?
Only a Buck runs 95 minutes (1h 35m).
Does Only a Buck have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Only a Buck. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Only a Buck parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Only a Buck yet.
Which OTT platform is Only a Buck on?
Only a Buck isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 January 1987. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Only a Buck?
If you liked Only a Buck, try Gabriel Iglesias: I'm Sorry for What I Said When I Was Hungry, Chris Rock: Never Scared, John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City.
Who directed Only a Buck?
Only a Buck (1987) was directed by Gerry Cook and stars Charlie Schmidt, Lanita Grice, Utah Phillips.