Another thrilling CRIME DOES NOT PAY Subject
This MGM Crime Does Not Pay series short looks at the U.S. Department of Immigration's efforts to halt the smuggling of illegal aliens into the country. Desperate immigrants, tired of waiting for legal entry, pay exorbitant fees and risk a grisly death to enter by illegal means.
Forbidden Passage (1941) is a crime and drama film directed by Fred Zinnemann, released on February 8, 1941 with a runtime of 21m. It stars Addison Richards, Wolfgang Zilzer, Hugh Beaumont and George Lessey. Viewers rate it 6.4 out of 10 across 11 ratings.
Addison Richards
as Frank J. Maxwell
Wolfgang Zilzer
as Otto Kestler
Hugh Beaumont
as Clements
George Lessey
as American Consul in Lisbon
George Cleveland
as Anna's Father (uncredited)
William Edmunds
as Illegal Alien Aboard Tugboat (uncredited)
Directed by Fred Zinnemann, written by Carl Dudley and Carl Dudley.
Average viewer score of 6.4/10 from 11 ratings.
This is maybe one of the more harrowing of these “Crime Does Not Pay” short features as it rather graphically displays both the desperation and frustration of those trying to get into the USA and the ruthlessness of the people smugglers who charge them $2,000 each to, hopefully, achieve their goal. It’s when a body weighed down with chains is discovered in Florida that the immigration service decides to investigate…
Reviewed on July 11, 2025
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The main cast of Forbidden Passage (1941) includes Addison Richards, Wolfgang Zilzer, Hugh Beaumont, George Lessey and George Cleveland. The film was directed by Fred Zinnemann. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
Forbidden Passage was released on February 8, 1941 and runs for 21m.
Forbidden Passage (1941) holds an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from 11 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy crime and drama films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.
