Shoplifting as a life hack? This 1939 PSA says 'nice try, criminal.'
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.
Costume
Margie's stolen wardrobe is genuinely fabulous for 1939.
Production
MGM gloss on a shoestring budget—surprisingly slick.
Director
Roy Rowland
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Crime Does Not Pay series ran 1935-1947 and was MGM's sneaky way to profit from crime pictures while appeasing censors.
Laraine Day became a major star; this was her second-to-last B-picture before Dr. Kildare made her famous.
US
