
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
1969, Drama, 2h 1m
33 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsYou might also like

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They Shoot Horses, Don't They? Photos
Movie Info
In the midst of the Great Depression, manipulative emcee Rocky (Gig Young) enlists contestants for a dance marathon offering a $1,500 cash prize. Among them are a failed actress (Jane Fonda), a middle-aged sailor (Red Buttons), a delusional blonde (Susannah York) and a pregnant girl (Bonnie Bedelia). Days turn into weeks as the competition drags on and people either drop out or expire. Rocky, however, will do anything for publicity and initiates a series of grueling derbies.
Cast & Crew
Jane Fonda
Gloria
Gloria
Michael Sarrazin
Robert
Robert
Susannah York
Alice
Alice
Gig Young
Rocky
Rocky
Red Buttons
Sailor
Sailor
Bonnie Bedelia
Ruby
Ruby
Critic Reviews for They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
Audience Reviews for They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
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Jun 17, 2014A dance hall requires poor drifters and lost Depression-era souls to keep dancing for prize money. This film shouldn't work: set almost entirely in one location with the main characters fatigued to the point of almost passing out, the film's pace could slow to a standstill, much like the "dancing" we see by the end of the film. But it does work, thanks to the fantastic performances by Jane Fonda and Michael Sarrazin. Gig Young adds some energy to the film as one of the few conscious characters. The film is about the Depression, but it's more about class issues. Watching poor people dance to their deaths, the rich are shown getting pleasure out of others' misery, benefitting from the society that deems them superior. Overall, with everything against it, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? nevertheless delivers.Jim H Super Reviewer
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May 06, 2014A slightly depressing film with impact as those who are down and out dance in order to win money during the Depression. A removal of humanity at its worst.John B Super Reviewer
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Mar 24, 2013Even if certain elements are heavy handed the movie on the whole is such an unrelenting nightmare that I'm willing to give them a pass. Every time Gig Young scream "Yowza! Yowza! Yowza!" the characters and audience descends deeper into madness.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Apr 10, 2011In Depression era down-and-out Los Angeles a dance marathon on Santa Monica pier affords the opportunity to look in on the various lives involved. Overdone, yes, okay, but still moving as the cast embraces the cut out characters presented. Sarrazin, York, et al deliver the goods, but the picture belongs to Henry's little girl who manages to do Daddy proud. Gig Young as the ringmaster is nothing short of phenomenal.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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