Many of the shorts in the "Crime Does Not Pay" series seem slapdash and old-fashioned, even taking into consideration their age. This one, however, plays well and has a good plot. It's believable and well acted and includes several familiar faces, which is part of the fun of watching the series.
Truth be told, though, you have to be an ardent movie fan to remember the likes of Addison Richards or Ben Welden. It also helps if you can remember a time when everyone wore suits and ties and fedoras, and telephones with the receiver in two pieces. Having said that, this short has a good story and with an element of tension to go with the acting jobs, which are above the norm.
The story has to do with mob figures moving in on the construction trade, resulting in shoddy workmanship and defective material so as to make a profit - hence the title. As stated, it's better than average and so is the entertainment value.