Movie spotlight
Only a Buck
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
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores the life and work of acclaimed Western author Louis L'Amour. Through archival footage and interviews, it delves into his prolific writing career, his extensive research into the American West, and the enduring legacy of his stories that shaped popular perceptions of the frontier. The film also touches upon his personal life and the influences that fueled his imaginative tales.
Critical Reception
Only a Buck received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its insightful look into the life of Louis L'Amour and its effective use of archival material. The documentary was seen as a fitting tribute to a master storyteller whose works defined the Western genre for generations. Audiences familiar with L'Amour's novels appreciated the film's depth and historical context.
What Reviewers Say
A compelling portrait of a legendary Western author.
Effectively captures the essence of Louis L'Amour's life and literary contributions.
Appreciated for its historical accuracy and engaging narrative.
Google audience: No specific Google user review data is readily available for this documentary.
Fun Fact
The documentary features interviews with prominent actors who were known for their roles in Westerns, including Sam Elliott and Burt Reynolds, who had both been influenced by Louis L'Amour's novels.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources