Soak the Poor
Soak the Poor

Movie spotlight

Soak the Poor

1937
Movie
16 min
English

This entry in MGM's "Crime Does Not Pay" series deals with racketeers shaking down small grocers and horning in on the relief tickets, forcing prices up with the consumers paying the freight.

Insights

IMDb5.4/10
Director: Arthur RipleyGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A struggling young lawyer inherits a fortune and finds himself entangled in a scheme to defraud the rich. He becomes involved with a seductive socialite who is part of a plot to exploit his newfound wealth. As he navigates the complexities of high society and criminal dealings, he must decide where his loyalties lie and confront the ethical dilemmas of his situation.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Soak the Poor' received mixed reviews. Critics were divided on its satirical elements and plot, with some praising its ambition and others finding it uneven. Audiences at the time had a similarly varied response, with some enjoying its dark humor and others put off by its cynical outlook.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its ambitious social satire and attempt to tackle class issues.

  • Criticized for an uneven tone and a plot that occasionally loses focus.

  • The performances, particularly Ricardo Cortez, were noted as a highlight.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this film is not readily available through standard Google review aggregation, making it difficult to summarize specific user likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

The film's title and premise were considered quite provocative for its time, with some critics noting its willingness to engage with sensitive social and economic themes.

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