Give Till It Hurts

Of all the episodes of the "Crime Does Not Pay" series from MGM, "Give Till It Hurts" is among the most memorable simply because the folks in this one are unusually evil. And, sadly, such scams STILL are a problem today--though they usually aren't THIS audacious.

The film begins at a charity clinic. The doctor in charge is desperate for money, as cases of infantile paralysis (polio) are on the increase and appropriate equipment like iron lungs are expensive. At this same time, some benefactors(?) arrive. The Gaffneys promise to raise thousands for the clinic. Well, they do raise TONS of money (using rented babies and handicapped shills)--the problem is that they have no plans to give any of the money away! These folks have no shame--though it gets worse! Fortunately, the police learn about this and set out to stop them. Interestingly, the policewoman who works on the case is played by Mary Blake (also known by the stage name 'Blossom Rock')--the lady who played Grandmama on "The Addams Family" television show.

This is a very exciting and well-made episode. I am very surprised that its current rating is relatively low, as its production values are great, the story very involving and the film passes on excellent warnings to the public concerning their donations.