SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Steineded How sad is this?

Verity Robins Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

MartinHafer In many ways, "Fast Company" seems like a thinly veiled Thin Man sort of movie...and why not? After all, this MGM pairing was adored by the public and made a lot of money...so why not try this sort of formula with other MGM actors? And, of all the Thin Man-style films, this is among the most enjoyable.Joel (Melvyn Douglas) and Garda (Florence Rice) are a very enjoyable married couple to watch. Unlike most Post-Code couples, these two adore each other and the sexual chemistry and energy is definitely there....something that was also a strength in the Thin Man films. They operate a rare book business and much of their money is made tracking down stolen and faked books. One case they'd been working on involved poor Ned...a guy sent to prison because he supposedly stole some rare books from his employer who was also his father-in- law (Goerge Zucco)! Joel is out to find the books and trace their trail, as he's pretty sure the owner actually sold them and claimed they were stolen because he hated Ned and thought he'd be a perfect patsy for his crime...as, after all, the books were also heavily insured. I could say more...but you should just see the picture.The best thing about this film is the great dialog. The writing was just spot on with this one and it sure helped that Melvyn Douglas was cast in this one because he had a delightful way with comedy...and although Rice is not especially famous, she was quite nice as well. Combined these elements with a decent story and you've got a real winner here--well worth seeing and just plain fun.

JohnHowardReid The first and best of the three "Fast" films featuring Joel and Garda Sloane turned out by M-G-M in 1938 and 1939, "Fast Company" features not only an intriguing mystery plot, but a most entertaining glimpse of the rare book business. Mind you, it helps immensely that Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice make such a superb team as Joel and Garda. It makes me wonder why M-G-M didn't capitalize on this success and feature Douglas and Rice in follow-up movies. Douglas certainly went up and up the entertainment ladder, while Rice was handed smaller and smaller roles and quickly found herself – but still as the star – on Poverty Row! Her final film, "The Ghost and the Guest", was released by PRC in 1943. Getting back to "Fast Company", it also helped that the support players are all in such fine form, particularly Claire Dodd, Louis Calhern, Douglass Dumbrille and George Zucco. Nat Pendleton also distinguishes himself in a most unusual role as a comic hit-man. The character is amusing but at any moment we're aware that given the chance, he'll shoot our hero dead! A fine piece of acting, cleverly balancing stupidity and suspense! Watch out for silent star Barbara Bedford as the D.A.'s (Thurston Hall's) secretary. Available on an excellent Warner Archive DVD.

gridoon2018 "Fast Company" mostly lives up to its title: it moves fast enough and keeps you nice company. The mystery plot works pretty well, but the chief pleasure of the film is the playful and affectionate chemistry between Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice: my favorite little moment comes when Rice, upon learning that her husband has spent his day with Claire Dodd "on business", says "What's she like?" and adds "Did I ask that casually?". She's not really jealous, you see: she trusts him like he trusts her. Another noteworthy element of "Fast Company" is the amount of Marx Brothers (!) connections: Rice and Nad Pendleton were both in "At The Circus", which was also directed by Edward Buzzell, while Douglas Dumbrille was in "The Big Store". **1/2 out of 4.

chank46 This is simply a terrific movie. Done in the "Thin Man" vein, it is not a cheap imitation, it has a life of its own. Florence Rice and Melvyn Douglas have some real chemistry going on as Garda and Joel Sloane. The entire cast look like they are really enjoying this one. Fast paced and slick, with just enough comedic touches, this movie succeeds in being very entertaining. Florence Rice has never looked more beautiful, as she dishes it out and takes it from Melvyn Douglas who is both witty and charming all the while putting together the clues to solve the murder. Louis Calhern gives a really solid performance as the villain, and veterans George Zucco, Douglas Dumbrille and Thurston Hall add to the drama and the mystery. Claire Dodd and Mary Howard give some more feminine charm to the proceedings, and Nat Pendleton makes an appearance for some comic relief. Throw in a young Shepperd Strudwick as the accused and you have a real find here in this movie. Florence Rice continues to impress as a truly gifted actress, this movie shows again the marvelous talent of this performer and the cruel twist of fate that has left her in obscurity. Hopefully this film will be available on DVD. Should have been the first of a series..........