Speed-the-Plow

Speed-the-Plow Summary | Act 1 Summary

The play opens in the office of a film producer, Bobby Gould. There are boxes and painting materials all over, evidence that Gould is in the process of moving into the office. Gould is sitting at his desk reading when Charlie Fox walks in. The first thing Gould says to Fox is that when the gods would make us mad they answer our prayers. This first line foreshadows a conversation Gould will later have with the temporary secretary Karen. Gould then comments on the kinds of movies he is responsible for producing: "If it's not quite 'Art' and it's not quite 'Entertainment,' it's here on my desk." He reads aloud to Fox from the book he has been reading. It is pretentious and confusing.

When Fox says he has to talk, Gould replies that if you're too busy to have fun in the movie business, you're just a slave to commerce. You're nothing. Fox asks what Gould's new deal is, what kind of movie he can "greenlight" (approve for production). Gould replies that if the budget is over ten million dollars he needs the approval of Ross, the head of the studio. If it's less than ten million, he can greenlight it.

Fox begins to tell Gould that someone had come to him that morning. Before he can finish, Gould becomes upset because he thinks Fox has come to his office to "promote" him (get him to make a movie). Gould says that everyone in town is trying to "promote" him. One thing he does not need is someone else promoting him. Saying that he is drowning in "coverage," Gould picks up a script: "The Story of a Horse and the Horse Who Loved Him." He says that his reply to those who want to "promote" him, including Fox, is that they should go through the channels. Then he asks Fox if, instead, he came to congratulate him on his new promotion.

Fox offers Gould his congratulations, and Gould asks if he deserves the promotion. Gould says he does, because he's a prince among men and Yertle the Turtle. Gould says that's enough, and asks what Fox brought him.

Fox says that earlier that morning Doug Brown, a major movie star, had come to his house. Fox asks Gould how would like to have Brown "cross the street" to do a picture for their studio. Brown is free next month, and he loves a script Fox had given him. He will "cross the street" to do the film with them.

Gould immediately picks up his phone and tells the secretary to get Ross. The secretary apparently doesn't know how to reach Ross. Gould explains there's a button on the console, and finally she seems to understand.

Gould hangs up, and asks Fox if he's all right. Fox says that he needs coffee. They discuss how the Doug Brown situation came about. Fox says that he had found a script in the company's files, a prison story. He loved the script, and he had given it to Brown's "guy." The guy had given Brown the script. Months passed, and Fox hadn't heard anything. Then, this morning, Brown had come to Fox's house and said he wanted to do the film with Fox's studio.

While they discuss this, the secretary calls Gould and tells him Ross will get back to them. When the phone rings, Gould tells the secretary "no calls," except from Ross. He also tells her they need coffee.

Fox and Gould talk about how this is like something out of a fairy tale, and the phone rings again. It is Ross. Gould asks if he needs some good news. He says he has a surprise, but he wants to tell him in person. He asks Ross if he has five minutes. Then he looks at his watch, and says they'll be there. He starts to say that Charlie Fox had come in with something, but gets cut off. He hangs up and tells Fox they're to see Ross in ten minutes. Fox says he needs some coffee.

Gould asks Fox to tell him the story. Fox hesitates, but then agrees that it's best for Gould to tell Ross the story. It's "A Douggie Brown picture," a Buddy picture. It will star Brown and "the flavor of the month." As Fox begins to outline the story, Gould calls the secretary again and asks for coffee. The movie has action, blood, a social theme, and a girl.

As they discuss how to present the story to Ross, Gould assures Fox that his name will go on the film as a co-producer. Fox thanks him. Gould responds that he should be thanking Fox, and he does. He also says Fox should get a "bump," or a bonus, because he could have taken the project "across the street." Gould observes that loyalty kept him with the studio. Fox replies that it was only common sense, and also that Gould has been good to him.

Fox goes on to say that "we were all happy" for Gould when he got his promotion. Fox says he feels lucky. Gould replies that he's the lucky one. But Fox says it was good to have someone to come to with the project. He adds that he works for the studio, and his loyalty has always been to Gould. Gould says that he "owes" Fox. Fox says that he was just doing his job. Gould responds that he knows that sometimes this was difficult for him. Fox says he hesitates to ask for the credit because he doesn't want to exploit Gould's new position. Gould says he shouldn't hesitate about anything, because he brought him gold. He's grateful for this project and for all Fox has done over the years. Then he says: "Let's go make some money."

Fox says he needs a cup of coffee. Gould tells him he can get it in Ross' office. Gould outlines the plan to Fox: get in, get out, and give the pitch to Ross in one sentence. Gould tells Fox to let him talk, "no disrespect." Fox replies that he understands.

Then the phone rings. It's Ross. He's been called out of town to a meeting. Gould and Fox have been pushed to the next morning at ten o'clock. But Fox says that Brown only gave him until ten the next day to confirm the deal. Gould says that it's no problem, that Ross will be back the next morning and if he isn't, they'll get him on the phone wherever he is. But he'll be back, there's only one chance in a "quillion" that he won't be. Gould stresses that he wants to give the news to Ross in person, because that will make Fox the Bringer of Good News, and forgo a bond with Ross. Fox points out that Gould will also move up to the big league.

When Fox hesitates, Gould asks if he really thinks Ross would turn this opportunity down. Fox replies: "Lord, I believe, aid thou my unbelief," quoting the apostle Thomas, who would not believe that Christ was resurrected until he put his hands in the wounds.

The two men begin to discuss all the money they are going to make. Fox asks "how much?" Gould replies "lots and lots." Then Gould says that money is not the important thing. Ironically, he says that money is not gold. What can you do with it? Buy things? But where would you keep them? What would you do with them? Take them out and dust them off from time to time? With characteristic irony and vulgarity, Mamet has Gould say: "I piss on money." Don't mess with people, though, because people are what it's All About. Moviemaking is a People Business.

Fox agrees, but then says that they're going to kick the ass of a lot of people. Fox says he has spent twenty years "in the barrel" and he's going to settle some scores. Gould says, "I know," and Fox replies that he doesn't know, that he's forgotten. But he says it with "due respect." When Gould says that there are better things to do, Fox asks Gould to show him what they are.

Fox asks for assurance that Ross won't screw him out of the deal, and Gould says absolutely not, that Fox has his word. Fox assures Gould that he trusts him, he knows him.

Fox needs a cup of coffee. Gould calls his secretary for the coffee, and he has to tell her where the coffee machine is. Fox asks if he got a new "broad" with the new job. Gould replies no, it's just that his regular secretary is out sick. Fox comments that the new broad is cute. Gould replies: "She's cute? ...she's nothing."

Fox picks up the book Gould was reading at the start of the play, and asks what it is. Gould says it's a novel by an "Eastern Sissy Writer." It's called: "The Bridge: or, Radiation and the Half-Life of Society. A Study of Decay." With it is a note from Ross asking Gould to give the book a courtesy read. Fox says, "I wouldn't just give that a courtesy read, I'd make this sucker." Gould agrees. Fox suggests he make it in place of the Doug Brown Buddy movie. Gould says that he could because his new job is one thing: the capacity to make decisions. Fox observes, "It's lonely at the top." Gould adds, "But it ain't crowded."

Karen, the secretary, comes in with the tray of coffee. She asks Gould how he takes his coffee, and Fox says that he takes his coffee the same way he makes his movies, with nothing in it. This is because he is an Old Whore. Gould agrees, and says he's proud of it, He adds that Fox is an old whore, too. Fox agrees, but adds that he's soon to be a rich old whore. Gould agrees, and Fox adds that he deserves it, because he has been loyal to Gould since the mailroom. He's gone step-by-step in Gould's shadow. He never forgot Gould, and Gould never forgot him. Fox then adds that he never forgot Gould because of all of Gould's shit that he had to eat. Gould seems surprised, but before he can respond Fox adds that the wheel came around and here they are.

Gould warns Fox that from now on others are going to plot against him, like they plotted against Gould. They're going to go back to their Tribal Caves and plot against Fox the hack. Fox adds, "That powerful hack." Gould finishes the thought with, "Let's go steal his job." They both talk about how others will praise Fox to his face, and tear him down behind his back.

Gould tells Karen to put down his appointment with Ross for ten o'clock tomorrow, and cancel whatever might be in his book in its place. He also tells her to notify his regular secretary, Cathy, about the meeting.

Fox asks Karen if she will move up the ladder with Gould. She says she is just a temporary. Fox asks if she would stay on if... Before he can finish, she says again that she's a temporary. He notes that everything is temporary, until it's not. Fox then asks Karen if she thinks Gould's office is a good place to work. She replies that she's sure it is. Fox replies that it's wonderful to have such certainty. Fox then talks to Gould about taking initiative but getting on credit for it, being just a cog. Gould says to Karen that Fox is talking about himself. Fox says that he is talking about his historical self, for he is a cog no more.

Gould tells Karen that she has come at an auspicious time, because in this sinkhole of slime and depravity something is about to work out. All the garbage that he and Gould put up with is going to pay off.

Karen asks why it's all garbage. Gould says that not all of it is, but most of it is. She asks why. Gould tells her he thinks that is a good question. He asks Fox why. Fox replies: "Because." Fox says that life in the movie business is like the beginning of a new love affair: it's full of surprises and you're constantly getting screwed. Karen asks why it should be that way. In return, Fox asks why nickels should be bigger than dimes. That's just the way it is. Gould adds that it's a business with its own unchanging rules. Fox agrees, and says the one thing is that nobody pays off on work. They claim to be mavericks but all they really want is the endorsement of their superiors. If you want to do something in Hollywood, it better be one of the five major food groups. The upside though, is that the one time you do get support, then you can do something.

Fox asks Gould what it's like to be head of production. Is it more fun than miniature golf? Gould replies that if Fox put as much energy into his job as he put into kissing his (Gould's) ass . . . Fox says his job is kissing Gould's ass. Gould tells Fox not to forget it.

Karen tells Gould that she feels silly saying it but that she doesn't know what she's supposed to do. Gold tells her not to do anything, call it a Bank Holiday. He suggests to Fox that they leave. He tells Karen to cancel anything in his book for today, and if anyone calls to tell them to call back tomorrow. He'll be in at ten a.m. for his meeting with Ross. When she is done canceling his appointments, she can go home.

Fox asks Gould where they're going for lunch. Gould says they'll go the Coventry. He tells Karen to make an appointment there: a table for two, at one o'clock. Karen exits, and Gould tells Fox that all he has to do is eat his doo-doo for eleven years, and eventually the wheel comes round.

Gould tells Fox that he hopes that if the shoe were on the other foot he'd act the same way. Fox responds that he knows Gould would, because experiences like this film are what make it all worthwhile.

Gould says that he's going to find a lot of things now that will make it all worthwhile. He thinks they could build themselves in to split ten percent. Fox adds "...of the net." Gould says that he's learned two things in twenty years in the entertainment industry. The first is that there is no net, and the second thing he's forgotten.

Fox asks Gould what he's going to do until lunch. Gould says he's going to work. Fox replies that Gould never did a day of work in his life. He says that for eleven years Gould has either been scheming or zigging and zagging. The real reason Gould is staying, according to Fox, is to "put the moves" on the new secretary. He adds that it will not work.

Gould asks Fox why he thinks she won't go for him. Fox says that she "falls between two stools." She is not a "floozy," but she's also not so ambitious that she would sleep with Gould to get ahead.

Gould asks what if she just "liked him." When Fox hesitates, Gould asks if Fox is saying that no one loves him for himself. Fox replies that no one does in this office. Fox adds that he isn't saying that Gould doesn't deserve it: in fact, he does. He doesn't want to take the shine off their deal. Gould says it's no problem. The he adds that he bets she would go to bed with him. Fox says he bets she would too. Gould replies that he thinks she likes him, and she would go out with him. Fox asks how much. After some give and take, they make a "gentleman's bet" for five hundred dollars that Gould can get Karen on a date, get her to his house, and that he can get her to sleep with him. As Fox leaves, Gould reminds him of their plans to meet for lunch at one o'clock.

Gould works at his desk alone for a moment, and then Karen enters. She has been unable to get him a table at the Coventry at one o'clock. As they talk, she realizes that she should have used his name. She says she was naive. Gould tells her there's nothing wrong with being naive. Karen says that much of a job like hers is learning to think in a business fashion. Gould tells her that's what makes the life exciting.

Then Gould asks her if she wants a thrill in her life: a chance to play at the Big Table. She says yes. He tells her about Fox forming a relationship with Doug Brown and that they're going to make a movie together. Karen asks if it's a good film. Gould responds, "I'm sorry." She asks the same question again. Gould replies that it's a commodity. He doesn't know if it's a good film. He says he's not an artist, that he's a businessman. He tells her that in his job, someone is always trying to "promote" him, to get him to do something that is in his or her best interest. But his business is to make decisions for the studio. He has to say "no" much of the time. But it's a good job, because it's a job of responsibility. Gould goes on to say that one time in a billion someone was loyal to him. He says he's talking about Charlie Fox. Fox stuck with him, did him a favor. With the new project, they can rise together. That's what the job is. It deals with people.

Gould picks up the book he was reading. Gould asks Karen who Mr. Ross is. She replies that he's the Head of the Studio. Gould agrees, and tells her that the author's agent gave this book about the end of the world to Ross. Ross told the agent he'd read the book, and then he gave it to Gould to read. That way, when Ross tells the author that he loved the book but it won't make a movie, he can say something intelligent about it. This is called a "courtesy read." No one has any intention of making the book into a film but it's read as a courtesy. This doesn't mean the Hollywood people are depraved; it's just how business is done.

Karen says she thinks she understands, but asks what if there is something in the book. Gould replies that he'd be delighted. He says his job corrupts him, he's always wondering what people want from him, and everything is a task. Karen asks if it has to be that way. Gould replies that he prayed to be pure, he asked God to give him the job as Head of Production, give him a platform to be "good," and he'd be good. He got the job, he's been there one day, and he's become a Big Whore. The author has a reputation for being "artsy," the book is automatically considered to be unsuitable for the screen, so Gould looks on it as just a "courtesy read."

Karen asks Gould if he enjoys his work. Gould says he does, very much. He asks Karen if she thinks she would enjoy it. She replies that she thinks she would enjoy it very much. Gould asks what she would enjoy. She says she would enjoy making decisions. She starts to say that she thinks that if you could keep your values straight, if you had principles... Before she can finish, Gould says she's correct. He asks if she wants to talk about purity, or turn the page. She says she wants to talk about purity.

Gould says that if you don't have principles, then each day is hell. All you've got is "good taste," and that's worthless. Each day the pressure gets worse. He asks Karen to do him a favor, to read the book for him. She says she would be flattered to read it. Gould tells her he needs a report on it by tonight. She says she won't be able to start reading it until after work. He says that is fine, he's going to be home. He tells her that when she's finished she should bring the report to him, and they'll discuss it. Karen agrees, and thanks him. Gould asks her to call the restaurant and tell them to reserve a table for him and Mr. Fox in twenty minutes. Then she's to call Fox's secretary and have her try to reach him and tell him that Gould will be twenty minutes late and that Fox owes him five hundred bucks.