Loan Shark (film)

A vicious loan-sharking ring has infiltrated a tire factory and is terrorizing workers who borrow money from them. After several men are beaten, a union leader and the plant owner ask recently released convict Joe Gargan, who has been referred for a job in the plant by his brother-in-law (who is employed there) to help dismantle the gang. Joe refuses because he wants a clean, straight life and a relationship with the owner's secretary. He changes his mind when his brother-in-law is killed by the sharks. He eventually garners the trust of the underboss of the gang and lands a job with them. He works to eventually stop them, but must keep his mission a secret, which results in him being rejected by both his sister and his girlfriend.

The film was based on an original script by Martin Rackin.^[4] He originally wrote it for producer Louis Edelman at Warner Brothers in 1949.^[5] The project ended up with Lippert Pictures, an independent film company that had enjoyed success with second features as well as occasionally more ambitious productions.

It was the first production from a new arrangement between Robert Lippert and Famous Artists Corporation whereby clients of Famous Artists would make a film, and Lippert would distribute it. Lippert said he was willing to give away up to 75% of the profits to make the films more attractive to talent, in view of the dwindling B market. The writer, producer and director all had a piece of the film.^[6][7] Gail Russell was meant to play the female lead but was unable to do so because of personal problems. Raft was paid $25,000 plus 25% of the profits.^[1] Filming started 15 January 1952.^[8]