Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Baxter (Robert Livingston) is not only a doctor but is a researcher looking into the effects of Radium in patent medicine. Larry also hosts a radio program that exposes quack doctors and worthless or even dangerous cures for all kinds of illnesses. His current phony cure is a rejuvenating tablet produced by a charlatan named Ronald Kennedy (Pierre Watkin). The main ingredient of the pills is Radium. Larry is determined to stop Kennedy from selling his poisonous pills. Kennedy manages to buy out Larry’s radio spot and has him fired.
Larry is approached by Jean Sterling (Grace Bradley) and her father, Professor Rexford Sterling (Granville Bartes). Sterling operates a magazine called “Your Good Health”. They want to sponsor Larry, on a larger radio station, and allow him to continue his program. Larry, believing that Professor Sterling is a fellow crusader, agrees. In reality, Sterling is a shakedown artist. He has Larry denounce a particular company’s product on air. He then solicits money from the company to advertise in his magazine, in return promising to rein in the doctor.
Each time Larry goes on the air he warns the masses about the latest radium laced product. While he continues his war, he and Jean fall in love. All goes well until Larry finds out about the con her father is playing.
“Larceny on the Air” was released in 1937 and was directed by Irving Pichel. It is an American poverty row crime thriller.
For such a short film, it has a rather complicated plot. In this case, it’s actually a good thing. The subject matter is dated but it is still interesting, and the film moves along at a decent pace. It ended up being an interesting little “B” film.
Although the dangers of radium are widely known today, back in the late thirties there were all kinds of products that contained dangerous ingredients. Radium was just one of them. Discovered in 1898 by Marie and Pierre Curie, the poisonous element was used in dozens of health and well-being products including make-up, beverages, food and medicines. Radium was supposedly used to reverse the signs of aging and increase overall health, however, the opposite ended up being the result. Not only were these products dangerous but, those that handled the product for distribution, were also affected by the toxic element. Many people died of radiation poisoning.
Professor Sterling’s assistant Jimmy is played by Smiley Burnette.