The Perfect Set-Up Poster

The Perfect Set-Up 1936

★ 6.02 votes21 min📅 1936-02-01

Step into the shadowy world of 1930s crime drama with *The Perfect Set-Up (1936)*, a gripping short film from the legendary MGM "Crime Does Not Pay" series. Directed by Edward L.

Director: Edward L. Cahn

Cast

Helene Chadwick
Helene Chadwick
Mary (uncredited)
Robert Dudley
Robert Dudley
Theatre Employee Shooting Victim (uncredited)
William Gould
William Gould
San Francisco Police Detective (uncredited)
Mahlon Hamilton
Mahlon Hamilton
Witness (uncredited)
William Henry
William Henry
Alan E. Saunders (uncredited)
J. Anthony Hughes
J. Anthony Hughes
Chet (uncredited)
Frank Shannon
Frank Shannon
Detective Hewitt (uncredited)
Ben Taggart
Ben Taggart
Police Detective (uncredited)
William Tannen
William Tannen
MGM Crime Reporter Jim (uncredited)
Harry Tyler
Harry Tyler
Dave Mayne (uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The Perfect Set-Up* (1936) about?

The film follows a skilled radio engineer whose knack for disabling alarms drags him into a web of robberies. As his technical talents fuel a criminal career, he faces the haunting consequences of his choices in this compact MGM crime drama.

Who directed *The Perfect Set-Up*?

Edward L. Cahn directed *The Perfect Set-Up*. Known for his prolific work in early crime and drama shorts, Cahn crafts a tight, suspenseful narrative within this 21-minute film.

Who stars in *The Perfect Set-Up*?

The film features Helene Chadwick, Robert Dudley, and William Gould as its lead actors, with supporting roles from William Henry, Mahlon Hamilton, and J. Anthony Hughes.

Is *The Perfect Set-Up* (1936) worth watching?

While it's a short film, *The Perfect Set-Up* packs a punch with its crime drama themes and moral undertones. Its 21-minute runtime makes it a quick watch for fans of vintage noir or MGM's classic crime series.

How long is *The Perfect Set-Up*?

*The Perfect Set-Up* runs for 21 minutes.

About The Perfect Set-Up (1936) — A Crime Drama Short With a Moral Twist

Step into the shadowy world of 1930s crime drama with *The Perfect Set-Up (1936)*, a gripping short film from the legendary MGM "Crime Does Not Pay" series. Directed by Edward L. Cahn, this 21-minute thriller follows the moral descent of an unsuspecting radio and television engineer whose technical skills become the perfect tool for a life of crime. As alarms mysteriously fail during high-stakes robberies, the engineer's once-honorable career unravels into a dangerous alliance with the underworld. The film masterfully blends suspense with the era's signature moral lessons, painting a stark portrait of temptation and consequence in a gritty, fast-paced narrative.

Helene Chadwick and William Gould headline the ensemble cast, delivering performances steeped in tension and urgency. With its crime drama roots, *The Perfect Set-Up* offers a compact but potent exploration of ethics, technology, and the slippery slope of criminal collaboration. Whether you're a fan of vintage noir or curious about classic crime cinema, this short film delivers a punch in just over 20 minutes.