Fast and Loose is the second in a three film series from MGM that was patterned after the successful Thin Man series. It concerns another married couple, Joel and Garda Sloan. This time the couple are rare book dealers. Joel Sloan sometimes does detective work for insurance companies when rare books are stolen. Thus is the premise for their adventures.
This film was preceded by “Fast Company”1938 and was followed in 1939 by the third in the series “Fast and Furious”. “Fast Company” starred Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice. “Fast and Furious” starred Franchot Tone and Ann Southern. Why MGM kept changing the primary cast is anyone’s guess. Of the three, “Fast and Loose” has always been my favorite. Most of the reason for my preference is its stars, Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell. Russell has always been my favorite leading lady for Montgomery and this is their second time playing a married couple. They play so well off each other. They aren’t Powell and Loy, but a good second choice.
The three film set is available from Warner Archives. The plots of all three are entertaining and the humor is engaging. A must see for any Robert Montgomery fan and the other two films are well worth the time.
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