diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/capa_module.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/capa_module.py
index f326d5ac38..151c726f66 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/capa_module.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/capa_module.py
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ class CapaModule(XModule):
 
         self.show_answer = self.metadata.get('showanswer', 'closed')
 
-        self.force_save_button = self.metadata.get('force_save_button', False)
+        self.force_save_button = self.metadata.get('force_save_button', 'false')
 
         if self.show_answer == "":
             self.show_answer = "closed"
@@ -322,9 +322,10 @@ class CapaModule(XModule):
         if not self.lcp.done:
             reset_button = False
 
-        # We don't need a "save" button if infinite number of attempts and
-        # non-randomized
-        if not self.force_save_button and (self.max_attempts is None and self.rerandomize != "always"):
+        # We may not need a "save" button if infinite number of attempts and
+        # non-randomized. The problem author can force it. It's a bit weird for
+        # randomization to control this; should perhaps be cleaned up.
+        if (self.force_save_button == "false") and (self.max_attempts is None and self.rerandomize != "always"):
             save_button = False
 
         context = {'problem': content,