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
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
Unscrupulous car dealers foist faulty and dangerous cars on an unsuspecting public.
Coffins on Wheels
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
7
Part of MGM's "Crime Does Not Pay" series, this short film focuses on crimes revolving around pension scams.
Soak the Old
1940
6
An episode in the "Crime Does Not Pay" series. Dave Miller, an aircraft plant worker, is actually selling secret bomber plans to foreign agents. United States Intelligence Department agents plan to trap him and the spies he works for.
While America Sleeps
1939
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
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
6
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
5
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
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
Two young people get married and run away, even though their parents advise them to build up their savings first. After they get settled they can barely make ends meet. When opportunity suddenly presents itself, they start on a downward spiral of crime.
The Wrong Way Out
1938
5
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
7
The MGM crime reporter introduces Norman Kennedy, District Attorney of a large city, he who talks about the general want for money, and the extraordinary lengths some will go to to get it. The loan sharking business has that want for money on both sides. He tells the story of one such loan shark, Stephen Hanley, who tried to pass his company off as a legitimate loan business, but who charged exorbitant rates, and used extortion and fraud to get out of his customers even more than what they may have owed on paper.
Money to Loan
1939
6
This entry in MGM's "Crime Does Not Pay" series deals with illegal gambling and bookmaking.
Jack Pot
1940
6
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