Watch Fast Workers

Fast Workers is a classic pre-Code drama film from 1933, directed by Tod Browning and starring John Gilbert, Robert Armstrong, and Mae Clarke. The story follows two construction workers, Bill (Gilbert) and Dan (Armstrong), who work together on building sites by day and then frequent bars and nightclubs in the evening. They are both fast workers on the job, and they apply the same work ethic to their partying.

The movie opens with a powerful shot of Bill and Dan climbing up a skyscraper, carrying heavy equipment on their backs. It's a thrilling opening sequence that sets the pace for the rest of the movie. The two men are shown to be tough, fearless, and highly skilled at their work. They are also competitive with each other, often bragging about who is the fastest worker. However, their bravado masks a deeper sense of insecurity, especially for Bill, who is afraid of being replaced by younger, more skilled workers.

One night, Bill and Dan go to a nightclub, where they meet a beautiful woman named Jane (Mae Clarke). She is a dancer in the club, and Bill is immediately smitten. Dan, however, also takes an interest in Jane, and a love triangle develops. This is the central conflict of the movie, and it becomes more complicated when Jane reveals that she is already married to a wealthy man.

As the story progresses, we see the characters' flaws and vulnerabilities. Bill struggles with jealousy and has a short temper, especially when it comes to Jane. Dan, on the other hand, is more calculating and manipulative, willing to lie and cheat to get what he wants. Jane, for her part, is torn between her love for Bill and her desire for financial security.

Fast Workers is a movie that isn't afraid to tackle complex themes like class, gender, and power. At its heart, it's a story about the American Dream and the lengths people will go to achieve it. Bill and Dan are both working-class men who see their job as a way to climb the social ladder. Jane, meanwhile, is an object of desire that represents wealth and status.

Despite the heavy subject matter, there are moments of lightness and humor in the movie. There's a great scene in which Bill and Dan get into a fistfight, only to be interrupted by a group of chimpanzees who have escaped from the nearby zoo. The scene is a testament to Browning's skill as a director, who was known for his work with circus performers and freaks.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is the chemistry between the actors. Gilbert, Armstrong, and Clarke all give excellent performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. The scenes between Bill and Jane are particularly powerful, as we see their passion and heartbreak. Gilbert, in particular, shines in his role as Bill, bringing a sense of vulnerability and sensitivity to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.

Overall, Fast Workers is a gripping, emotionally charged movie that explores the darker side of the American Dream. It's a fascinating glimpse into the world of 1930s construction workers and nightclub dancers, and it's a testament to the skills of the director and cast. If you're a fan of classic Hollywood cinema, this is a movie that shouldn't be missed.

Fast Workers is a 1933 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.