Buyer Beware

MADE AS PART of a series of Short Subjects that were intended to be a sort of throw-in premium for theatre operators who would book MGM's features, this little two reeler proves to be instead a model for film-making. It has outstandingly constructed storyline, no wasted actions and a solid dose of believability at its core.

ALTHOUGH ONE COULD certainly argue that the movie has little "artistic" merit, this is quite possibly its strong point. Its audience wanted to be treated to a dose of close to home examination of the real world's everyday problems and how society is harmed by illegality that is embraced even in a 'casual' manner.

PRESENTED IN SUCH docudrama style that would become so very popular years later, it is clear that the story is derived from the real occurrence or of many; those being blended into a single story. The opening narration so states and reminds us that the names of the real people have been substituted with fictitious monikers. (Sort of like the future Radio/TV series, DRAGNET, would use: "The names have been changed to protect the innocent.")

THE PLOT AND storyline involve a burglary ring specializing in the victimizing of pharmaceutical companies and their "fencing" the contraband goods to otherwise legitimate business at a cut-rate price; which could only be possibly so low if the merchandise was "hot", or at least very warm.

THE ACTION IRISES in on a struggling new independent drugstore partnership and how one of the two pharmacists convinces his younger associate to go along with the crooked dealers. There is a mild dose of success in getting the store off the ground; but serious trouble follows as a prescription drug is tainted with poison. Multiple deaths follow; which makes the otherwise "Legitimate" Businessmen accomplices to the multiple homicides.

VIEWING THIS FILM recently on Turner Classic Movies cable channel was our first contact with the MGM Series of CRINE DOES NOT PAY shorts. We found it to be most satisfying and intriguing. It may well have been the model for so many of the half hour Cop Series that permeated the airwaves of the early television webs (networks).

WE HAVE ALREADY made reference to its resemblance to Jack Webb's DRAGNET series; but e must make mention of another. We see a very striking similarity to RACKET SQUAD, which starred Reed Hadley as Captain John Braddock, main character and narrator.

IN ADDITION TO the previously mentioned attributes, we cannot sign off without mentioning the fine cast and how well they were employed in making this short. The roster included: Frank Orth, Ralph Byrd (everyone's favourite DICK TRACY), Hugh Beaumont and Milburm Stone (best remembered as 'Doc' Adams on the GUNSMOKE TV Series).