Review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) by Lain G — 05 Jan 2013

In the 1940's, the definition of a drama film meant a new Bette Davis or Greer Garson soap opera. In the 1950's, it always seemed to be the "true story" if a celebrity, usually entitled "The ____ ____ Story".

But by the 1960's, everything had changed-- with censors removed, filmmakers were now free to tackle topics considered taboo at the time-- some could say the first of these kinds of films was "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" While the decade is most remembered for "Easy Rider", the underrated "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is one of the best films of the time, and at this point, one of the best of all time.

Adapted from the 1935 novel, "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" chronicles one of the many dance competitions that took place during The Great Depression; and in this case, prize money is $1,500 for the winning couple.

Among the contestants are the pessimistic Gloria (Jane Fonda) paired with a drifter (Michael Sarrazin), an eccentric, aspiring actress (Susannah York), and a pregnant farm girl (Bonnie Bedelia). Lead by the manipulative and greedy dance hall owner Rocky (Gig Young, who is fantastic in his Oscar-winning performance) for over two months, the event leads to exhaustion, hallucinations, and eventually, a shocking crime.

Bleak but riveting, unique but often times bizarre, "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is unforgettable, because it takes a topic so different from the cliches of the time and is constantly unpredictable, and constantly exciting.

The dance competition itself is so compellingly cruel that we look in disbelief, and Sydney Pollack does a masterful job of capturing the misery and determination of the contestants, who are all wonderfully realized, especially by Fonda, who truly gives one of her best performances.

The characters, all of whom transform throughout the film are the focal point of the film-- you could say this is an "acting" film more than anything-- and that's a compliment. "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is one of the best films of the 1960's.

Without added Hollywood superficiality and melodramatic performances, it remains a raw drama that is still relevant today. Highly recommended.