Overview

Synopsis

Speed-the-Plow is another of Mamet's business plays, this one exploring the relationship between business and art. Bobby and Charlie are film producers who are considering greenlighting the script for a prison buddy movie that they believe will be a huge blockbuster. Bobby has been reading an apocalyptically spiritual novel that has deep meaning, but Charlie points out that this book would never make a great movie. After the temp, Karen, leaves the office, Charlie bets Bobby that he cannot get her into bed. When she returns, Bobby asks her to read the novel and give him her thoughts later. That night, at Bobby's home, she makes an impassioned case for filming the novel, saying that it's Bobby's chance to do good. They sleep together. The next day, Bobby tells Charlie he is greenlighting the book instead of the action movie. Charlie, ever the pragmatist, sees through what's going on and challenges Karen -- would she have slept with Bobby if he had said no to the novel? She admits that she wouldn't have. Bobby fires her, and he and Charlie proceed with their movie.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
Genres
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Bobby Gould

Lead

Male

Spoken

Charlie Fox

Lead

Male

Spoken

Karen

Lead

Female

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

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Key Terms

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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