Capitalism is whipping us: “Dance, dance, play”, I have read the novel They Also Shoot Horses, written by Horace McCoy, many years ago. Adapted from this novel, “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” After watching the movie, I decided to buy it and read it again. The movie, which lasted 2 hours and 9 minutes, did not bore me at all and made me complain a lot. If you like action movies, it will bore you, but watch a quality, beautiful drama movie that won’t give you any results, or I definitely recommend it.
The film tells the story of what happened during a partner dance marathon held in the USA during the Great Depression (1930s). This is a marathon with strict and ruthless rules. Participants in the competition are unemployed, penniless, desperate people, and most of them have a dream of being there, attracting the attention of producers, and throwing themselves into Hollywood.
In order to receive $1,500 to be awarded to the winning couple, they must dance for days without getting enough rest and sleeping very little. There are also spectators in the hall where the competition is held, looking for sponsors for them, placing bets, and supporting them with screams and cheers.
Gloria, who remained after her partner’s health problem disappeared, and Robert, who was included in the cast as a result of a confusion and was thought to be a participant candidate for general examination, were subjected to this analysis and began to dance with the other participants.
At first everyone seems energetic and relaxed, if not happy and cheerful. As the days pass, people experience symptoms of fatigue, hopelessness and loss of mental health. They now have difficulty standing or getting out of bed. The audience, who came to the scene all dressed up and adorned, was in a very good mood, however. The unscrupulous and even dishonorable organizer of the competition does various things to entertain them and keep their excitement fresh.
The marathon becomes increasingly difficult. Competition is now at its highest level. Weak people have to put on some performances to entertain the audience and of course to earn some more money. We know from the beginning of the movie that dramatic things will happen at the end of this dark event. Because every now and then we see Robert’s latest situation: He is no longer a contestant and is giving a statement to the police.
The lead couple is played by Jane Fonda and Michael Sarrazin. The acting of both of them is very successful. Gig Young plays the promoter and he plays it very well.
There are other characters such as Alice, who dreams of becoming a movie star, Ruby, who is 7 months pregnant and participates in the competition with her husband, and a retired sailor who is a dance master, and you are affected by each of them individually. Susannah York, who plays the character of Alice, is generally good and gives an excellent performance in some scenes.
During the competition process, there is also an action such as a walking competition, which I felt very bad while watching. The last three couples in this competition are eliminated. One feels great sadness as distraught people, their feet swollen, their lives exhausted, their faces swollen with exhaustion, fight to the death to avoid being left behind. But not the people watching the competition. People look scary, but they don’t even seem to realize it.
The entire movie takes place in the competition hall. Things such as the characters’ conversations during the dance, the clues they give about their lives and personalities, their experiences during the breaks, the tricks and disgusting tricks the organizer does to make the marathon more colorful, the insensitivity and terrifying joy of the audience are reflected in such an impressive way that you never get bored.
“They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” A Sydney Pollack movie. Let me list the main actors of the movie, which was nominated for an Oscar in 9 categories: Jane Fonda (Gloria), Michael Sarrazin (Robert), Gig Young (Rocky), Susannah York (Alice), Red Buttons (Sailor), Bonnie Bedelia (Ruby), Michael Conrad (Rollo) and Bruce Dern (James).
All about They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? movie.
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969)
Directed by: Sydney Pollack
Starring: Jane Fonda, Michael Sarrazin, Susannah York, Gig Young, Red Buttons, Bonnie Bedelia, Michael Conrad, Bruce Dern, Severn Darden, Allyn Ann McLerie, Jacquelyn Hyde, Madge Kennedy
Screenplay by: James Poe
Production Design by: Harry Horner
Cinematography by: Philip H. Lathrop
Film Editing by: Fredric Steinkamp
Costume Design by: Donfeld
Set Decoration by: Frank R. McKelvy
Music by: Johnny Green
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: Cinerama Releasing Corporation
Release Date: December 10, 1969
Visits: 51
