What Price Safety! (1938)

In the bustling metropolis stands a construction site, a looming monument of ambition and risk. The once promising structure is now a wreck, its collapse causing an adjacent tunnel to flood. This disaster could spell the fall of J.Z. Wray Construction Company, the city's biggest builder, already walking on thin ice due to previous construction mishaps. The chief building inspector points an accusing finger at Wray, suspecting him of poor craftsmanship, and vows to probe deeper. Yet, the inspector is in a sinister alliance with the notorious racketeer, Zuto, who harbors a hidden ambition to seize control of Wray's empire. Zuto, now a silent partner in Wray's business, schemes to use substandard materials and exploit the inspector's city connections. Wray's recently ousted workers, including his former chief foreman Cooper, along with a few upright building inspectors, stumble upon the compromised construction sites. The subpar work, a secret orchestration of Zuto, sparks their resolve to thwart this treacherous operation. Zuto, however, is relentless, willing to risk potential building collapses than see his plans fail. But, in an unexpected twist, a simple orchid may hold the power to halt Zuto's nefarious plans. Engross yourself in the high-stake world of construction in "What Price Safety!" as it explores the fierce battle between integrity and corruption, where the price of safety is weighed against personal ambitions.

What Price Safety! is a crime movie featuring Lionel Royce and directed by Harold S. Bucquet.

What Price Safety! is currently streaming on TCM.