

The Public Pays
“Startling expose of modern racketeering!”
Synopsis
In this MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short, a protection racket preying on milk distribution is broken through the persistence of law enforcement and the courage of a local businessman.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Richard Alexander
Drunken Hood Who Knocks Over Milk Wagon (uncredited)
Barbara Bedford
Markovitz's Secretary (uncredited)
Harry C. Bradley
Grocer (uncredited)
Russ Clark
Officer Jerry (uncredited)
Betty Ross Clarke
Paige's Secretary (uncredited)
John Dilson
Milk Company Executive Moore (uncredited)
Bess Flowers
Woman from the Relief Bureau (uncredited)
Karl Hackett
Milk Company Executive Markovitz (uncredited)
Robert Homans
Officer Donovan (uncredited)
George Humbert
Italian Milk Dealer Simonelli (uncredited)
Cy Kendall
Police Chief John Carney (uncredited)
Bert LeBaron
Racketeer (uncredited)
Boots Lebaron
Sonny (uncredited)
Ivan Miller
Charles Paige (uncredited)
William Pawley
Kelly (uncredited)
Frank Puglia
Moran's Hood (uncredited)
John Rice
Police Officer (uncredited)
Cap Somers
Police Officer (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 10, 1936
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Errol Taggart
- Screenplay & Story
- John C. Higgins
- Original Title
- The Public Pays
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 19m
- Production Studios
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Errol Taggart
John C. Higgins
Jack Chertok
Department Leadership Roster
Errol Taggart
Director
John C. Higgins
Screenplay
Jack Chertok
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Public Pays.
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Academy Awards - Best Live Action Short Film Winners 1932-2025
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Public Pays
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Public Pays about?
In this MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short, a protection racket preying on milk distribution is broken through the persistence of law enforcement and the courage of a local businessman.
Who directed The Public Pays?
The Public Pays was directed by Errol Taggart.
Who stars in The Public Pays?
The principal cast of The Public Pays includes Richard Alexander, Barbara Bedford, Harry C. Bradley, Russ Clark, Betty Ross Clarke.
When was The Public Pays released and how long is it?
The Public Pays was released in 1936 with a total runtime of 19m.




















