diff --git a/Misc/python-mode.el b/Misc/python-mode.el
index 9906a52..8a059f5 100644
--- a/Misc/python-mode.el
+++ b/Misc/python-mode.el
@@ -1284,10 +1284,11 @@
     ;; Write the contents of the buffer, watching out for indented regions.
     (save-excursion
       (goto-char start)
-      (when (/= (py-point 'bol) (py-point 'boi))
+      (let ((needs-if (/= (py-point 'bol) (py-point 'boi))))
 	(set-buffer buf)
-	(insert "if 1:\n"))
-      (insert-buffer-substring cur start end))
+	(when needs-if
+	  (insert "if 1:\n"))
+	(insert-buffer-substring cur start end)))
     (cond
      ;; always run the code in its own asynchronous subprocess
      (async