GrimPrecise I'll tell you why so serious

Nayan Gough A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Hattie I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

Kinley This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

zardoz-13 "Fast and Loose" was one of the many husband and wife murder mysteries spawned by the success of "The Thin Man" franchise. Living up to its title at 80 minutes, this lighthearted contemporary M-G-M crime story featured a married couple forged in the mold of Nick and Nora Charles. Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell were ideally cast as an amusing couple of amateur detectives, Joel, and Garda Sloane, investigating the theft of the only existing excerpt of a genuine William Shakespeare manuscript valued at half-a-million dollars. At least three people die under mysterious circumstances because of this priceless manuscript. Since this is an M-G-M effort, the production values are glossy, the cast immaculate, with glamor in every department, particularly the villainous gambling entrepreneur. Indeed, everything is its proper place, and the amusing banter between Joel and Garda Sloane is more fun than the formulaic plot. Rare book dealer--and resident smart-aleck--Joel Sloane (Robert Montgomery of "The Lady in the Lake") is approached by a client, Christopher Oates (Etienne Girardot of "The Kennel Murder Case"), who wants him to buy a scrap of Shakespearean manuscript from a wealthy gentlemen desperately needing money. The economy of Edwin L. Marin's invisible direction is surpassed only by charisma of the two leads. Montgomery and Russell belong together. They have rhythm. Like traditional heroes and heroines, they don't blunder into this investigation from the get-go, they are desperate for work themselves. The office landlord has threatened to evict them if they don't pay up in ten days. Joel and Garda are in their office surrounded by book shelves bristling with valuable texts when she utters forbidden sentiments. "Too bad they abolished slavery, you'd bring a nice price," quips Garda flippantly. I'm surprised that comment didn't spark some controversy.You can tell "Fast and Loose" is an M-G-M film because even the police look like they have better salaries. Mind you, this murder mystery unfolds in a large house, and everybody here had been there when the murders were committed. Furthermore, this crime follows infighting among the wealthy Torrent family. Nicholas Torrent (Ralph Morgan of "Strange Interlude") suspects that his son, Gerald Torrent (Tom Collins of "The Secret of Dr. Kildare"), may be stealing his prized books from his collection and selling them to pay off his gambling debts to 'Lucky' Nolan. The father plans to cut his son out of his will because of his son's larcenous spree. Joel phones one of his close friends, Phil Sergeant (John Hubbard of "The Mummy's Tomb"), who works for Torrent, Phil gives Joel nothing. Everything kicks into gear after Joel's insurance agent friend Dave Hilliard (Alan Dinehart of "Hotel for Women") asks him to visit Torrent and snoop around for him. The agent shows Joel a rare hardback copy of a book that Hilliard's company obtained. Hilliard and company are suspicious about what is happening out at the Torrent estate. Joel Sloane isn't a defenseless amateur. He pulls some mighty slick moves, especially when he disarms Nolan in the gambling house. Garda ridicules Joel about his rush to heroism and wishes that he would refrain from it. You'll chuckle when you see what condition Joel is in at the close of "Fast and Loose." Even if the climactic payoff isn't as surprising as it is, "Land of the Pharaohs" scenarist Harry Kurnitz parcels out the appropriate scenes in agreeable order. Light comedy is the order of the day. Indeed, Kurnitz would later pen the stage play "A Shot in the Dark" that would become the basis for an Inspector Clouseau comedy. Anyway, Garda needles her impetuous husband about what happened when he got in the way of a crime investigation. We learn that Joel was shot in the buttocks. Garda wiggles a finger through the bullet hole as she holds up his pants and reminds him how painful the aftermath was with an inflatable donut tube. When Joel and Garda aren't picking at each other, Joel interferes with Nolan's dame, Bobby Neville (Joan Marsh of "Anna Karenina"), to question her about her presence at the house. Harry Kurnitz provides swell dialogue, interesting characters, but the revelation about the villain's identity isn't startling. This individual was fairly smart, but like all villains tripped himself up in the long run. "Fast and Loose" doesn't wear out it welcome.

moonspinner55 One of several films Robert Montgomery did with Rosalind Russell; they're a chummy couple, they interact well on-screen, but this is one of their weaker efforts. A book expert plays part-time sleuth when a handwritten manuscript by Shakespeare is stolen; his wife inadvertently helps. Some smart jabs at the economy (circa 1939) and the playful repartee between Montgomery and Russell make this watchable, but nothing more. The scenario is too cluttered with suspects, and no one in the large supporting cast makes much of an impression (except possibly Sidney Blackmer playing a sinister gambling czar, his steely eyes just as chilly here as in 1968's "Rosemary's Baby"). Hectic, somehow tolerable, yet imminently forgettable. ** from ****

movingpicturegal Comedy/murder-mystery with a plot that's a bit rambling, but the action is considerably boosted up by the smart, snappy patter and chemistry between the two leads, Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell. They play a husband/wife duo who own a rare book business, sleep in twin beds, and soon get themselves mixed up with a house full of murder, intrigue, and the constant back and forth of characters appearing in satin robes or satin gowns as our couple plays detective to try and find out who is behind the mystery of a forged Shakespeare manuscript.This film is fun, though the plot is sort of hard to follow, and there are too many boring side characters that don't really add anything to the mix. But - Rosalind Russell is smart and funny, as usual, and gets to appear in lots of gorgeous dresses and gowns, as usual. Robert Montgomery, well, is just so darn charming and attractive, how can he miss (okay, I admit I have a crush - I'm afraid my feelings about this film may have been altered based on the fact I'm still swooning over him). Mediocre story, but nicely played by the two leads who really seemed like a married couple to me (I thought it was cute when she tied a little ribbon into a bow around a strand of his thinning hair).

blanche-2 It's a good thing Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell were the stars of "Fast and Loose," otherwise, there would be nothing to recommend it. They are wonderful as a sort of penniless Nick and Nora hot on the trail of a stolen Shakespearian manuscript. I found it a little hard to follow as far as who killed whom and why.Both actors were excellent at both comedy and drama, and in fact, right before seeing this, I saw them in "Night Must Fall." What a difference! And really, it is a tribute to the talent of both that they could do such different types of films so easily.I wish they'd had a better script to work with. This film is too long and too confusing. But if you want to see two masters at work, by all means, check it out.