A temporary laborer who helps bring down a mob-sponsored employment racket
This Crime Does Not Pay entry focuses on fake spiritualists. A mother is worried about her son, who is missing in action. Over time, she gives a con man all of the family savings to find reassurance that her son is all right. When she can no longer pay, events take a tragic turn.
Phantoms, Inc.
1945
5
1940. Sixteen year old Phillip is one of a number of amateur radio operators across the US, doing it purely as a fun hobby. He is informed by Bill Beck of the Radio and Intelligence Division (RID) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that amateur international radio communication is now banned due to spying a result of the war in Europe. Beck, on behalf of the RID, asks Phillip, however, to continue to monitor the airwaves for suspicious activity.
Patrolling the Ether
1944
0
In this entry in the MGM "Crime Does Not Pay" series young Frank Davis, dropping out of school and joining a small-time hoodlum gang, finds out that leading a life of crime is not all he thought it would be.
Easy Life
1944
4
In this MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short, a criminal idolizes the life of a famous gangster - unaware that his hero met a tragic end.
The Last Installment
1945
5
Part of MGM's "Crime Does Not Pay" series, this short film focuses on crimes revolving around pension scams.
Soak the Old
1940
6
Episode 24 of the Crime Does Not Pay series. Margie Smith (Laraine Day) works as a waitress at a drive in restaurant. She likes to date and look nice but on her salary, she can't keep up with everyone else. However, a friend shows her that stealing is easy, cool and lets you dress like success. At first, it works out just fine, but remember--this is a Crime Does Not Pay film and you KNOW she'll soon get caught and prosecuted.
Think First
1939
7
An expose of attempts by wealthy people to avoid payment of customs duties. Part of the MGM "Crime Does Not Pay" series.
Pound Foolish
1940
7
This entry in MGM's "Crime Does Not Pay" series deals with shady companies selling fake merchandise.
Buyer Beware
1940
6
Respect the Law
1941
6
In this MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short, a man and his racketeer buddies devise a scheme to bilk those already seemingly desperate for money of what little they have.
Sucker List
1941
6
An FBI agent goes undercover to investigate the sabotage of American cargo ships.
Keep 'Em Sailing
1942
0
This entry in the Crime Does Not Pay series focuses on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's effort to ensure that drugs are fully tested before they are sold to consumers. Two unscrupulous investors market the drug 'Diabulin' as a substitute for insulin after preliminary tests show good results. After a short time, however, users start dying from the drug. The FDA and the state attorney general's office then go after the drug marketers.
Purity Squad
1945
0
This MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short tells the fictitious story of a bill counterfeiting ring and explores the government's attempt to curb counterfeiting.
Know Your Money
1940
9
An embezzler who expects to serve his time in prison and then pick up his buried loot is in for a surprise.
Buried Loot
1935
6
Alibi Racket
1935
6
In this Crime Does Not Pay series short, a young woman wants to save her baby, but is afraid of telling her parents and has no money to pay the hospital costs involved. She falls prey to a baby-for-sale racket with quack doctors performing their services.
Women in Hiding
1940
7
This MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short features a big city crime boss's attempt to use his crime "machine" to fraudulently win reelection for the current corrupt mayor. By using several illegal tactics, and aided by voter apathy, the crime boss nearly continues his control of the city.
You, the People
1940
5
In this MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short, a young man graduates from the police academy at the top of his class. He then teams up with some local thieves and uses his knowledge of police procedures to pursue a career of undetected crime.
A Gun in His Hand
1945
5
In this MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short, a young woman, wanting a life of luxury, takes the "easy" way, and winds up in jail.
A Thrill for Thelma
1935
5
A man runs over a young couple on a deserted road, then leaves the scene and tries to cover up the incident.
Hit-and-Run Driver
1935
6