Elderly German immigrant tailor Fred Essler (as "Karl" Muller in the credits, "Carl" Muller on the storefront) falls into debt, but doesn't want to burden son Bob Stevenson (as Alan), who wants him to "give up the shop and retire." Mr. Stevenson hopes to marry pretty pot roast cooking expert Aline Towne (as Trudy Sanders), but may not be able to support a wife and dependent father.
Essler owes collector Raymond Hatton (as Harvey) two months back rent. Hoping to prove he can still manage independently, Mr. Essler pays a visit to burly loan shark Henry Kulky (as Gus). Business remains bad, and Essler can't pay up, which leads to the inevitable. So, "Joe the bartender" (Frank Gerstle) calls racket-squashing Captain John Braddock (Reed Hadley) to investigate
**** Desperate Money (1/24/52) James Tinling ~ Fred Essler, Reed Hadley, Frank Gerstle, Bob Stevenson