Only Saps Work (1930): cast, story & where to watch
1930 · Film · ★ 4
Released in 1930, Only Saps Work is a comedy film directed by Edwin H. Knopf, running about 77 minutes. “We Promise -- You'll Shake With Laughter!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s 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’s in it. Only Saps Work stars Leon Errol as James Wilson, Richard Arlen as Lawrence Payne, Mary Brian as Barbara Tanner and Stuart Erwin as Oscar, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 4.0/10, Only Saps Work has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Only Saps Work page.
If you liked it. Fans of Only Saps Work tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Only Saps Work (1930)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Only Saps Work change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Only Saps Work worth watching?
- Only Saps Work holds an audience score of 4.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Only Saps Work?
- Only Saps Work stars Leon Errol, Richard Arlen, Mary Brian, Stuart Erwin and Charley Grapewin.
- When was Only Saps Work released?
- Only Saps Work was released in 1930, with a runtime of about 77 minutes.