Presented by the “This is the Answer!” series and produced by A Family Films in conjunction with the Radio and Television Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention in Ft. Worth Texas, this 1950s-era film titled “Pay the Piper” seeks to teach the viewer biblical lessons through everyday scenarios. Directed by William F. Claxton, this teleplay by Lowell S. Hawley is an adaptation of a story by Dr. Paul M. Stevens and chronicles the unfortunate premature death of family man Charles Thompson’s daughter due to underage drinking. As a result, Charles Thompson goes on a crusade throughout his local community to put an end to the sale of alcohol despite later discovering that it was his own personal stash of liquor that had been the cause of the accident. This scenario is used to convey a biblical lesson from Galatians 6:7. The film features a vast cast and crew featuring names such as Pierre Couderc, Roy Luby, Willis Bouchey, Virginia Christine, Ray Teal, Jan Arvan, Robert Carson, Lewis Charles, Walter Strenge, Robert Fritch, George Emick, Lou Perlof, Clancy Herne, Edward Shiells, Harry Rief, Truett Myers and Gene McKinney. Walter Strenge served as cinematographer
Opening credits (0:11). Graduation cap hanging on the wall (0:43). Charles Thompson arrives home and plays dress up with the cap while reminiscing with his wife about their daughter (1:02-3:12). Police officer at the Thompson’s door to inform them of their daughter’s death (3:13). Father of Betty’s boyfriend and Charleys meeting with the police chief at his office at the police department to discuss the circumstances of the accident (4:55). Charles interrogates a young woman at a restaurant who he believes is too young to be drinking about his daughter (10:30). Scenes of Charles going to various bars and asking bartenders and patrons if they ever interacted with his daughter (11:04-11:50). Charles welcomes the police chief into his home to meet with himself, Bud’s father, a journalist for the Daily News, and the family pastor (11:56- 16:50). Charles visits the police chief at his office with a disgruntled liquor salesman (16:54). Charles on a crusade at a bar to chastise the bartender for selling alcohol to minors (18:21). Man approaches Charles and threatens him for the way his personal crusade has affected business and social affairs (18:35). Mrs. Thompson confronts Charles at home about his crusade (19:43). Mrs. Thompson answers a knock at the door and welcomes in the pastor who confronts Charles (21:39). Charles opens up his home-bar and finds a note from his deceased daughter (26:14). Biblical quote from Galatians 6:7 (27:24). A large question mark next to a copy of the Holy Bible (27:33). “This is the Answer!” booklet (27:53). Envelope with address of the organization in Ft. Worth, Texas (28:04). Preview of an upcoming episode (28:16). Closing credits (29:25).
The “This is the Answer!” series was presented by many North American branches and organizations of the Baptist Church such as: the American Baptist Convention, Baptist Churches of North America, the Baptist Federation of Canada, the National Baptist Convention of America, National Baptist Convention U.S.A., INC, the North American Baptist General Conference, the Southern Baptist Convention.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
