Synopsis
Directed by a young Robert Altman for Calvin Productions, this National Safety Council driver's education film "The Perfect Crime" presents accidents caused by excess speed -- as the perfect crime. As the narrator explains, "high speeds can lead to dangerous accidents and death. Unlike other crimes, there will be no investigation as to the cause of the crime". The film shows how driving in rain, at night or with an improperly maintained vehicle can all be deadly. Other troublesome factors include the condition of the road and the driver as substances like alcohol impair driving ability. The film ends with a plea to help support maintaining good roadways. The film was funded by the Caterpillar Tractor Co. as a public service. The opening scene is that of a strong arm robbery at a convenience store (:52). A burglar enters the shop run by and elderly man and woman as a young girl is behind the counter (1:26). After giving up the fourteen dollars in the cash register (1:47), the clerk is struck by the intruder (1:52) and his wife is shot. In a panic over the young girl’s screams, the burglar then shoots the young girl (1:59). Headlines are shouted in the streets of the murder of two over fourteen dollars (2:32). In most cases, the crime leads to reports which lead to public indignation and action (2:46). Citizen’s in the street arrest the burglar as he is identified from local reports (2:48). The film turns to show the scene of an automobile accident as a wounded driver pulls…
Uploader's description on archive.org
Details
- Running time
- 20 minutes
- Collection
- Ephemeral Films
Subjects on the Internet Archive
- Stock Footage
- Robert Altman
- Calvin Productions
- National Safety Council
- The Perfect Crime
- Caterpillar Tractor Co
- Caterpillar Safety Program
- Periscope Film