User Reviews

This installment of the "Crime Does Not Pay" series focuses on scum-bag lawyers (sorry if I sound repetitive here). In particular, a defense lawyer who goes the extra mile. Robert Carver (Walter Kingsford) not only defends the guilty, but he's willing to lie and pay folks to perjure themselves to provide alibis for criminals. In one case, an eye witness sees a crook (Joe Sawyer) committing a crime--yet the lawyer arranges for countless 'witnesses' to rebut his account and he is acquitted. It seems that with this lawyer, justice is impossible. However, the district attorney's office is getting wise and decides to have him investigated. They start by having an agent pose as a criminal who soon meets the acquitted crook. After making it seem certain that the agent is a real criminal type and having him make friends with the crook, he's introduced to the scum-bag lawyer. What's next? Will they uncover the goods on these evil-doers or will the lawyer be defending some Hollywood celebrity and make a REAL killing?

Like all the episodes of the series, this one practically screams QUALITY. MGM did a really nice job on the shows--with top-notch production values, excellent acting and very gritty and tough stories. This one isn't as bloody as most, but it was satisfying and well worth seeing.

The "Crime Does Not Pay" series is great fun, a look back at a simpler time in our country, particularly as far as criminal law is concerned. Time marches on and so does the legislative process, and law school must be considerably harder now than in the early-mid 20th century.

In this entry, Walter Kingsford plays a crooked lawyer who is able to get criminals off scot-free for a handsome fee. His main client is Joe Sawyer, who seems to be a habitual criminal with lots of money and who keeps getting caught. Law enforcement then decides to 'set a trap' for him, which seems to be more trouble than just tailing or 'putting the heat' on Sawyer.

It is all very entertaining and fun to contemplate the streamlined trial procedures and the speed at which legal action took place. This one I rated a seven despite the fact most of the story would stretch out for years nowadays.