Fast Workers

After working on a New York City high-rise building, manly construction worker John Gilbert (as Gunner Smith) goes out to a speakeasy with less attractive pal Robert Armstrong (as Bucker Reilly). While making time with an attached woman, Mr. Gilbert decks her companion and is brought before the judge. Gilbert calls marriage-minded lover Mae Clarke (as Mary) to help bail him out, not knowing she's about to fleece Mr. Armstrong. Gilbert is the one she loves, but Ms. Clarke is tempted to settle down and accept Armstrong's marriage proposal...

"Fast Workers" found Gilbert nearing the end of his movie career. This was his last film as a top-billed MGM star...

Director Tod Browning and the MGM crew make it look above average. As usual, Gilbert's appearance is better than the legendary stories about his demise. That the studio cared about making Gilbert sound masculine may be evidenced in having squeaky-voiced Sterling Holloway (as Pinky Magoo) given the largest supporting role. However, Gilbert's lack of interest or commitment shows in the mechanics; his collar has three positions in one scene, there is no shot of him after his character has a dramatic fall, and the ending is noticeably abrupt.

***** Fast Workers (1933-03-10) Tod Browning ~ John Gilbert, Robert Armstrong, Mae Clarke, Sterling Holloway