Only Saps Work
“You Just Know It's Funny!”
Synopsis
Rubber-legged comedian Leon Errol made his talkie starring bow in Paramount's Only Saps Work. Based on a play by Owen Davis Sr., the film casts Errol as James Wilson, a kleptomaniac who starts with picking pockets and ends up robbing a bank. Wilson's friend Lawrence Payne (Richard Arlen) inadvertently aids our hero during one of his heists, ending up in deep doo-doo with the law. Before Wilson is able to extricate Payne from his dilemma for the sake of heroine Barbara Tanner (Mary Brian), he pauses long enough to pose as a private eye -- and even gives bellboy Oscar (Stu Erwin) tips on how to spot a crook! If only all of Leon Errol's feature films had been as consistently hilarious as Only Saps Work.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Leon Errol
James Wilson
Richard Arlen
Larry Payne
Mary Brian
Barbara Tanner
Stuart Erwin
Oscar
Anderson Lawler
Horace Baldwin
Charley Grapewin
Simeon Tanner
Clarence Burton
Sergeant Burns (uncredited)
Nora Cecil
Mrs. Partridge (uncredited)
George Chandler
Elevator Operator (uncredited)
G. Pat Collins
Rafferty (uncredited)
Clifford Dempsey
Detective Smith (uncredited)
Charles Giblyn
Dr. Jasper (uncredited)
Charlie Hall
Waiter (uncredited)
George Irving
Dr. White (uncredited)
Fred Kelsey
Murphy (uncredited)
Jack Richardson
Chef (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 5, 1930
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Cyril Gardner, Edwin H. Knopf
- Screenplay & Story
- Percy Heath, Sam Mintz, Joseph L. Mankiewicz
- Original Title
- Only Saps Work
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 17m
- Production Studios
- Paramount Pictures, Paramount Publix Corp.
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Cyril Gardner, Edwin H. Knopf
Percy Heath, Sam Mintz, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Owen Davis
Rex Wimpy
Edward Dmytryk
Department Leadership Roster
Percy Heath
Screenplay
Sam Mintz
Screenplay
Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Screenplay
Cyril Gardner
Director
Edwin H. Knopf
Director
Rex Wimpy
Director of Photography
Edward Dmytryk
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Only Saps Work.
Similar Titles to Only Saps Work
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
9.0
5.3
4.4
5.0
7.1
6.0
6.2
4.5
6.4
6.4
5.7
6.0
4.6
5.9
10.0
10.0
8.0
More Like Only Saps Work
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Only Saps Work
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Only Saps Work about?
Rubber-legged comedian Leon Errol made his talkie starring bow in Paramount's Only Saps Work. Based on a play by Owen Davis Sr., the film casts Errol as James Wilson, a kleptomaniac who starts with picking pockets and ends up robbing a bank. Wilson's friend Lawrence Payne (Richard Arlen) inadvertently aids our hero during one of his heists, ending up in deep doo-doo with the law. Before Wilson is able to extricate Payne from his dilemma for the sake of heroine Barbara Tanner (Mary Brian), he pauses long enough to pose as a private eye -- and even gives bellboy Oscar (Stu Erwin) tips on how to spot a crook! If only all of Leon Errol's feature films had been as consistently hilarious as Only Saps Work.
Who directed Only Saps Work?
Only Saps Work was directed by Cyril Gardner, Edwin H. Knopf.
Who stars in Only Saps Work?
The principal cast of Only Saps Work includes Leon Errol, Richard Arlen, Mary Brian, Stuart Erwin, Anderson Lawler.
When was Only Saps Work released and how long is it?
Only Saps Work was released in 1930 with a total runtime of 1h 17m.