Think First!

Like so many films in the wonderful Crime Does Not Pay series from MGM, the 'government official' who introduces the film is a phony. Ann Shoemaker looks pretty convincing as Judge Ruth Stevenson, but she ain't no judge! I am not complaining--the studio used this gimmick to add some fake authenticity to the film in order to make the audiences buy into the film's message. In this case, it's all about the evils of shoplifting.

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. It's all a bit predictable in this sense but still very well made. It features one thing that made these shorts exciting--violence! Compared to the features of the day, they were brutal but effective. It also shows a lot of forensic work--someone you also rarely saw in features. All together, it makes for excellent viewing even 74 years later.

By the way, the best line in the film "He's all through" after one of the baddies is gunned down by cops!