binary alternative to pickle?

[Darren Dale]

I am analysing medium sized datasets with Python. At the moment, I am 
processing the ASCII files into Python objects every time I run the 
script, because it takes about the same time as unpickling the same data.

I think I must have overlooked some utility. In Matlab, you can save 
some or all existing variables into a binary file, which loads very 
quickly. Is it possible to do the same with Python? Ive looked at 
cPickle, which is really slow, and marshal claims that my objects are 
unmarshable. Are there other alternatives to save work in progress?

Thanks,
Darren