Review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) by Jim H — 16 Jun 2014
A 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.
This review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) was written by Jim H on 16 Jun 2014.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? has generally received very positive reviews.
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