diff --git a/samples/media-player/main.py b/samples/media-player/main.py
index 838cb54961..4fc487544e 100755
--- a/samples/media-player/main.py
+++ b/samples/media-player/main.py
@@ -38,7 +38,8 @@ class MediaPlayer(ShowBase):
         # but we want to make sure we get a MovieTexture, since it
         # implements synchronizeTo.
         self.tex = MovieTexture("name")
-        assert self.tex.read(media_file), "Failed to load video!"
+        success = self.tex.read(media_file)
+        assert success, "Failed to load video!"
 
         # Set up a fullscreen card to set the video texture on.
         cm = CardMaker("My Fullscreen Card")