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.

csteidler Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice are "Joel Sloane & Co. – Rare Books," as it says on their office door. The husband and wife team spends as much time flirting as detecting in this clever and very funny mystery.The plot involves a rival book seller (George Zucco) who has reported some valuable books stolen. Something is fishy….did he steal his own books and then frame his daughter's hot-tempered fiancé, who is in jail for the crime? Zucco is in cahoots with a counterfeiter who produces rare editions, and employs a clever secretary (the excellent Claire Dodd) who wears a mink coat that ought to be out of her price range….Anyway, it's not exactly a surprise when the shady Zucco is found murdered. There are multiple suspects, and Douglas sums up the general feeling when he tells the investigating police detective, "Well, if you're looking for a statement from me, I am not bogged down with grief."It's a very fast-paced picture. In one sequence, Douglas is kidnapped, tied up in a hideout, and escapes while Rice gets herself captured and the cops show up to the rescue—all in a matter of a couple of minutes. Witty dialog and the very attractive cast pleasantly overshadow the plot, which is rather complex but—in a movie like this—not all that important anyway.

Neil Doyle FAST COMPANY is a minor mystery/comedy about Joe Sloane, a book dealer who plays part time detective to solve a crime involving a crooked book deal. MELVYN DOUGLAS has a great time with the comedy aspects, delivering some tart lines with authority and FLORENCE RICE makes a nice impression as his ever loving wife.Naturally, there have to be heavies and the cast includes GEORGE ZUCCO, DOUGLAS DUMBRILLE, CLAIRE DODD and NAT PENDLETON to take care of all the other angles. The biggest culprit turns out to be LOUIS CALHERN as a very aggressive gangster type who strays from his usual suave kind of role to deliver a good performance as the mastermind behind a lot of crooked schemes in the rare book business. CLAIRE DODD is equally effective as his two-timing partner in crime.Strictly low-budget mystery/comedy has the benefit of some smart lines that put it in the above average category.

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..........