Fast Money is a fascinating slice of regional filmmaking, capturing the gritty, sun-baked textures of 1970s and early-80s Austin, Texas, long before it became the Austin of today. Directed and written by Douglas Holloway, the film tracks Dusty (Sammy Allred), a pot dealer who hires a couple of buddies—portrayed by J.D. (Sonny Carl Davis) and Buddy (Lou Perryman)—to help pull off marijuana runs from Mexico. When unexpected dangers arise, their quest for quick cash turns entirely turbulent.
This production is deeply connected to indie classic The Whole Shootin’ Match, sharing much of the same cast and crew, such as Eagle Pennell, who directed that movie. Here, he was the director of photography until mid-production, while assistant director Holloway stepped up to helm the project. The core quartet of Davis, Perryman, Pennell and Doris Hargrave later reunited for Last Night at the Alamo.
Despite the VHS cover art suggesting action-packed thrills and Sybil Danning, Fast Money is closer to a realistic slice-of-life drama about the high-risk, low-glamour reality of drug smuggling, featuring zero gunplay.
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