Old Time Radio Shows Crime Does Not Pay
Old radio shows like Crime Does Not Pay are good examples of how the radio was used to replicate the successes of the silver screen. This radio show was based on the film series Crime Does Not Pay produced by Metro Goldwyn Mayer. While the films first appeared in 1935 the radio show did not re-version these for 14 more years.
A comic book adaptation of the show was released, and was quite successful with readers also. In the late 1940s-50s crime dramas continued to grow in popularity, in the similar way that today's dramas are popular.
Crime Does Not Pay was very much like the old time radio show Gangbusters. Both prominently mentioned the apprehension of the suspect/criminal. An interesting point of note is that every episode of the show ended with a message of why it is immoral to break the law.
Around 1950, WMGM broadcast the show in New York. The Mutual Network upheld the show for another year. Mondays was crime drama day for many people.
Originally airing on Monday evenings, the show switched to Wednesday nights about halfway through its run. And many of the episodes aired in repeats. Pre-recorded shows were extremely popular and was a part of the last year of the show's airing.
Indeed, the show was transcribed and included stored sound effects, but many die-hard fans of the show did not enjoy that aspect. The show did well to achieve the success that it did.
Many of the MGM B-movie stars actually became top-flight stars of the radio show. From time to time a major star would drop by and play a guest role for the series. The likes of Bella Lugosi and Ed Begley were some of the actors that featured.
The aim of Crime Does Not Pay is that it always had a message to pass on. It highlighted crimes such as murder and racketeering, but it was quick to point out the penalty of participating in these underworld activities.
Often the crimes reflected real stories ripped from the headlines. A good example was the Lindbergh baby murder case, referenced in the episode "Body of the Crime". As the series frequently referenced reality it made the show all the more enthralling.
However, unlike some of the real criminals every episode concluded with the wrongdoer behind bars. After all, crime does not pay!
About the Author
Mary Johnson is a huge old time radio fan, black and white movies, and memorabilia from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. She has been a member of RUSC Old Time Radio (http://www.rusc.com ) for over ten years, and recommends it highly to anyone who values good old fashioned entertainment.
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here