"Speed-the-Plow" is a play by David Mamet that explores the cutthroat world of Hollywood screenwriting and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. The story revolves around two primary characters: Bobby Gould, a producer, and Charlie Fox, a screenwriter. They engage in a battle of wits over a prospective film project, revealing the harsh realities of the film industry and the compromises artists must make for commercial success.
As Bobby Gould becomes enamored with a script that has artistic merit, he finds himself torn between the allure of a sure-fire hit film and the integrity of a more meaningful project. The pressures of financial gain and public expectations weigh heavily on him, highlighting the conflict between art and commerce in the filmmaking process.
The play delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, and the fleeting nature of success. It challenges the audience to consider what sacrifices individuals make in their pursuit of success and the value of integrity in an industry often driven by profit and superficiality. Through sharp dialogue and complex character dynamics, Mamet critiques the moral complexities within Hollywood's glamorous facade.