Summary
Overview of "Speed-the-Plow"
The play Speed-the-Plow begins with a fast-paced exchange between two
film industry insiders, Bobby Gould and Charlie Fox. Their conversation
revolves around a high-stakes movie deal, setting the tone for a narrative
filled with ambition, betrayal, and moral questioning. Through three succinct
scenes, the play dissects the ethical dilemmas and personal motivations driving
Hollywood's decision-makers.
Scene 1: The Morning Deal
The first scene of Speed-the-Plow unfolds in the bustling morning hours at Bobby Gould’s newly acquired office. Gould, having just been promoted to head of production at a film studio, is leafing through a book when his colleague, Charlie Fox, bursts in with urgent news. Despite Fox's enthusiasm, Gould remains nonchalant, mocking the book's content. The book, seemingly irrelevant at first, soon becomes a symbol of deeper themes as Fox reveals his visit from renowned actor Doug Brown. Brown is interested in a script Fox had previously sent him, and he's given Fox a strict deadline—10 a.m. the following day—to secure a deal. Suspense builds as Gould contacts his superior, Ross, to arrange a meeting.
While waiting for Ross's callback, Gould and Fox discuss the potential success of the prison movie script, which promises "action, blood, and a social theme." Gould ensures Fox he will receive a co-producer credit, acknowledging Fox’s loyalty for bringing the deal to him rather than shopping it around. They strategize for their upcoming meeting, crafting a pithy summary of the script to pitch to Ross. Unexpectedly, Ross becomes unavailable, leaving Fox anxious about the expiring option. Gould, however, is confident that they will finalize the deal in time, suggesting that their fortunes are about to change for the better.
The Bet and the Temp
Amidst this business frenzy, the temporary secretary, Karen, enters with coffee, disrupting the serious mood. As Karen listens, Fox teases the idea of turning the book Gould was reading into a movie but quickly dismisses it in favor of the star-studded prison project. The conversation shifts to the nature of their work, with Gould admitting that much of what they produce is "garbage." When Karen questions why, they can only offer the resigned response, "That’s the way it is."
Karen’s presence sparks a wager between Gould and Fox. Fox suspects Gould might make a romantic move on Karen, leading to a $500 bet that Gould could persuade her to visit his home. As Fox exits, Karen returns, flustered by her unsuccessful lunch reservation attempt. Gould uses this opportunity to offer her a chance to read "The Bridge; or, Radiation and the Half-Life of Society," inviting her to discuss it at his house that evening. This invitation marks the beginning of a deeper exploration of purity, principles, and personal integrity.
Scene 2: Evening Revelations
Latter that night, Gould’s apartment becomes the setting for an intense conversation. Karen passionately describes her transformative experience with the novel, explaining its premise that divine radiation influences humanity's constant change. Touched by her enthusiasm, Gould acknowledges the connection formed through their shared reading and offers to support her career, hinting that the novel holds untapped cinematic potential. Karen fervently argues that the book should be made into a film, describing it as a "pearl," while dismissing Fox’s prison script as misaligned with audience desires.
The discussion reveals Karen’s belief that everyone wants something from Gould, and she candidly acknowledges his desire for her. Strangely, she presumes she embodies the purity he seeks, having found enlightenment through the novel. This moment of vulnerability and manipulation sets the stage for the ensuing conflict between personal desires and professional obligations.
Scene 3: Morning Confrontation
The next morning...
(This entire section contains 861 words.)
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back at the office, tension mounts as Fox, eager for confirmation of their collaboration, learns that Gould has abandoned the Doug Brown project. Sarcastically suggesting Gould should pursue the novel instead, Fox's frustration boils over, culminating in outright accusations of career sabotage. The conversation escalates into a heated debate over whether Karen influenced Gould's decision.
Gould remains evasive about whether he spent the night with Karen, focusing instead on asserting his newfound resolve to approach his work differently. Fox, convinced of Karen's ulterior motives, accuses her of exploiting her charms to sway Gould. Despite Gould's attempts to rationalize his choice, Fox relentlessly questions the wisdom of prioritizing the novel over a commercially viable film.
Fox demands a direct conversation with Karen, seeking clarity on her intentions and the nature of her relationship with Gould. Her ambiguous responses frustrate Fox until he pointedly asks if she would have slept with Gould without the promise of her book being greenlit. Her admission that she would not have settles the conflict for Gould, leading him to reconsider his priorities.
Resolution
In the end, the practicalities of the film industry prevail. Reminded of their professional commitments, Gould opts to proceed with the safer, lucrative option of the prison film. His relationship with Karen is cast aside, as both men prepare for their meeting with Ross, reaffirming their partnership. As they leave for the meeting, Gould promises Fox that the production will bear their shared credit, "Fox and Gould," solidifying their collaboration against the backdrop of Hollywood's relentless pursuit of success.
