Fast Company (1938 film)

Fast Company
U.S. theatrical poster
Directed by	Edward Buzzell
Produced by	Frederick Stephani
Written by	Harry Kurnitz (story and screenplay, as Marco Page) Harold Tarshis
Starring	Melvyn Douglas Florence Rice
Music by	William Axt
Cinematography	Clyde De Vinna
Edited by	Fredrick Y. Smith
Distributed by	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date	July 8, 1938 (1938-07-08)
Running time	74-75 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Fast Company is a 1938 mystery film starring Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice as married rare-book dealers who try to solve a murder case. It is based on the novel of the same name by "Marco Page" (Harry Kurnitz). It was followed by two 1939 films featuring the fictional couple, Fast and Loose and Fast and Furious, though they were played by different actors in each. Apparently, cinema distributors were complaining about the time lag between The Thin Man movies, so MGM started this trilogy featuring married amateur sleuths. To avoid confusion with a 1953 MGM film of the same title, Fast Company was rechristened Rare Book Murder for television.

Joel and Garda Sloane run a rare book business in New York City. To supplement their meager income, Joel recovers stolen books. Insurance man Steve Langner drops off a check for his latest success. The couple also tries to help Ned Morgan, recently released from prison, find a job; they do not believe he was guilty of the theft of books from dealer Otto Brockler. Ned is in love with Brockler's daughter Leah.

Eli Bannerman barges into Otto's office, despite the best efforts of secretary Julia Thorne. Otto is not pleased to see his business associate. He warns Eli that Joel is snooping around, but reluctantly agrees to take another shipment of fake first editions created by Sid Wheeler for $5000. Eli tells Sid that Otto only paid $2000. Incensed, Sid insists on going to see Otto to complain.

That night, Otto is struck with a bust sitting on his desk and killed. Ned is the main suspect, especially since he was seen entering the office around the time of the murder.

When Sid suggests that Eli might have killed Otto, Eli slugs him. Sid produces a gun, ends their partnership and takes Eli's wallet, full of cash.

Joel begins seeing Julia, pretending to be attracted to her in order to try to obtain information. Julia eventually tells him about a secret compartment in the office which holds the books Ned supposedly stole, but Ned is arrested before Joel can notify the police.

Meanwhile, Eli convinces Sid that Joel is after him, sure that he is the murderer. Sid shoots at Joel on the sidewalk, but Joel is only hit in the buttocks. Later, Eli kills Sid and takes back his money.