diff --git a/zephyr/handlers.py b/zephyr/handlers.py
index c1dc5bee1b..4193a6be07 100644
--- a/zephyr/handlers.py
+++ b/zephyr/handlers.py
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ class AdminHumbugHandler(logging.Handler):
                 request_repr += "- %s: \"%s\"\n" % (field, request.META.get(field, "(None)"))
             request_repr += "~~~~"
         except Exception:
-            request_repr = "Request repr() unavailable."
+            request_repr = "Log record message:\n%s" % (record.getMessage(),)
 
         subject, stack_trace, user_info = format_record(record)
 
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ class HumbugAdminEmailHandler(AdminEmailHandler):
             request_repr = filter.get_request_repr(request)
         except Exception:
             request = None
-            request_repr = "Request repr() unavailable."
+            request_repr = "Log record message:\n%s" % (record.getMessage(),)
 
         subject, stack_trace, user_info = format_record(record)
         message = "Error generated by %s\n\n%s\n\n%s" % (user_info, stack_trace,