I really enjoy the Crime Does Not Pay series of short films from MGM. However, after recently purchasing the DVD set, I notice that the quality and style of the films seems to have declined around WWII. In the earlier films, there was lots of action, violence and realism. However, starting in around 1940, topics changed from mobsters and killings to patriotism and civic duty. Not surprisingly, this sort of stuff comes off as preachy and is far less interesting to watch. While the usual MGM polish is still present, the films are a lot less watchable.
"Respect the Law" sure has a preachy title--and its purpose is to instill good citizenship with a message about as subtle as a stripper at a Baptist picnic! When the film begins, a businessman doesn't want to be bothered with the cost of paying for exterminators at the docks. Instead, he just bribes the official in charge of inspections. However, when Bubonic Plage breaks out because of all the rats, he and the inspector sure regretted their less than patriotic behaviors. In other words, if you cheat, you HATE America! Preachy, preachy, preachy. There's really nothing more I need to say about this one. It's watchable but also comes off as heavy-handed and a bit ridiculous.
"Respect the Law" sure has a preachy title--and its purpose is to instill good citizenship with a message about as subtle as a stripper at a Baptist picnic! When the film begins, a businessman doesn't want to be bothered with the cost of paying for exterminators at the docks. Instead, he just bribes the official in charge of inspections. However, when Bubonic Plage breaks out because of all the rats, he and the inspector sure regretted their less than patriotic behaviors. In other words, if you cheat, you HATE America! Preachy, preachy, preachy. There's really nothing more I need to say about this one. It's watchable but also comes off as heavy-handed and a bit ridiculous.