What was bad news for John Gilbert was very good news for Robert Armstrong and Mae Clark in "Fast Workers" which was a re-working of MGM's earlier "Goldie" which had starred Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy. A major star in silents, talkies found Gilbert adrift, having to prove he had what it takes to get back on top with every picture. Now it is quite clear that John Gilbert could have made a career as a sterling character actor but back then no-one was interested and "Fast Workers" saw his return to a conventional leading man part but with his two co-stars getting all the attention. Initially Robert Armstrong was typecast as a lovable larrikin but he steadily built up credentials as tough talking managers, promoters etc, culminating in the memorable movie maker from "King Kong".
"Gunner" Smith (Gilbert) and "Bucker" Reilly (Armstrong) are two staunch mates who work as riveters on a city skyscraper. They look out for each other and as far as dames go they have a pact that they will shield each other from any "gold digger" types. Enter Mary (Clarke, again sporting an unbecoming "mannish" hairdo) - a good time girl who knows all the answers!! She sets her claws into poor dumb "Bucker" who thinks she is as sweet as they come. Unbeknownst to him she is one of "Gunner's" old flames who still carries a torch for him. Mae Clarke is terrific as the "swell girl" beloved by both who is not above fleecing "Bucker" out of all his available cash. It is a tribute to Clarke that she can engage the audience in what is a very unsympathetic part.
Things take a dramatic turn when "Gunner" shows "Bucker" some cosy photos of him and Mary - he doesn't realise that Mary and "Bucker" have just tied the knot. "Bucker" thinks his world has come to an end and next day up on the girders.... but friendship prevails and while Mary is kicked to the curb, the buddies vow to look after each other in the same old way.
Even though Mae Clarke, along with Robert Armstrong, stole a lot of the movie's limelight, she was beginning to realise that the fame critics had predicted for her was not to be. Virginia Cherrill, who was Charlie Chaplin's blind girl in "City Lights" was the girl in the car who dropped Gilbert off at his building site.
"Gunner" Smith (Gilbert) and "Bucker" Reilly (Armstrong) are two staunch mates who work as riveters on a city skyscraper. They look out for each other and as far as dames go they have a pact that they will shield each other from any "gold digger" types. Enter Mary (Clarke, again sporting an unbecoming "mannish" hairdo) - a good time girl who knows all the answers!! She sets her claws into poor dumb "Bucker" who thinks she is as sweet as they come. Unbeknownst to him she is one of "Gunner's" old flames who still carries a torch for him. Mae Clarke is terrific as the "swell girl" beloved by both who is not above fleecing "Bucker" out of all his available cash. It is a tribute to Clarke that she can engage the audience in what is a very unsympathetic part.
Things take a dramatic turn when "Gunner" shows "Bucker" some cosy photos of him and Mary - he doesn't realise that Mary and "Bucker" have just tied the knot. "Bucker" thinks his world has come to an end and next day up on the girders.... but friendship prevails and while Mary is kicked to the curb, the buddies vow to look after each other in the same old way.
Even though Mae Clarke, along with Robert Armstrong, stole a lot of the movie's limelight, she was beginning to realise that the fame critics had predicted for her was not to be. Virginia Cherrill, who was Charlie Chaplin's blind girl in "City Lights" was the girl in the car who dropped Gilbert off at his building site.