Actuakers One of my all time favorites.

Steineded How sad is this?

Listonixio Fresh and Exciting

Contentar Best movie of this year hands down!

mark.waltz Watchable, light entertainment, this still has a feeling of haven't we seen this all before? And much better, too. The MGM gloss rules in this blatant attempt to be a new "Thin Man", but lacks originality. The idea of a married couple involved in murder through their antique book business sets up a potentially interesting story, but all that occurs other than a murder is the intrusion of a lot of very eccentric characters and a bit of convoluted story to follow. The film is at its best when it concentrates on the married couple, here played by Melvin Douglas and second string MGM lead Florence Rice. Likable but unremarkable, she is certainly no threat to Myrna Loy. In support are Shepperd Strudwick as an apparently innocent man accused of murdering fence George Zucco, Claire Dodd as a flirtatious socialite, and Nat Pendleton as a smarmy character whom Douglas and Rice encounter on the road to solving the crime. MGM didn't seem to have confidence in the series or its stars, replacing the leads in all three films. Certainly an adequate time filler, it just doesn't tell, especially when compared to Nick and Nora, them preparing their third teaming. Douglas is as dashing as William Powell, but wisely moved on after this.

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.

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..........