Shucks! Pay Back the Money!

Schuks! Pay Back the Money! is a 2015 South African hidden-camera comedy film directed by Gray Hofmeyr and starring comedians Leon Schuster and Desmond Dube. The film follows a mockumentary-style storyline in which Schuster must repay a fine by creating a prank-filled film featuring ordinary South Africans and celebrities.^[1]

After losing the Currie Cup trophy under suspicious circumstances, Schuks (Leon Schuster) is ordered by the South African Sports Minister to "pay back the money", a fine of R1 million. To avoid jail time, Schuks agrees to create a hidden-camera film as part of his punishment. The film consists of a series of humorous pranks played on unsuspecting members of the public, local celebrities, and authority figures.^[1]

• Leon Schuster as Schuks (various characters)^[2]
• Desmond Dube as the Sports Minister^[2]
• Gerrit Schoonhoven as Savage^[2]
• Ivan D. Lucas as Bossie^[2]
• Lionel Newton as the pawnbroker^[2]

The film was directed by Gray Hofmeyr and co-written and produced by Leon Schuster. It was produced under the company banner of Touchstone Pictures and distributed by Buena Vista International.^[1] The score was composed by South African musician Don Clarke.

Schuks! Pay Back the Money! premiered in South African cinemas on 28 August 2015.^[1] It was later released on DVD and digital platforms.^[3]

The film received a mixed response. While it lacked critical reviews in mainstream outlets, it found popularity among South African audiences familiar with Schuster’s trademark prank style. As with many of his previous works, it sparked conversation about the fine line between humour and cultural sensitivity.^[4]

• Leon Schuster
• Gray Hofmeyr
• Schuks! Your Country Needs You
• Mr. Bones (film)

• Schuks! Pay Back the Money! at IMDb
• Schuks! Pay Back the Money! at TVSA