Review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) by Joe B — 30 Jan 2010
This is a brutal, devastating, and ultimately hopeless film about the exploitation of desperate people during the Great Depression. It involves a never-ending dance contest, in which the contestants have to keep moving, on their feet, to try and win $1500.
The sad thing is, is that the contestants are complicit in their own exploitation. It's entertainment at any cost and it's agonizing to watch these people unravel as hours, days, and weeks go by.
The acting is superb, especially Jane Fonda and Gig Young as two very cynical and jaded people, she a contestant, he the emcee of the entire spectacle. Michael Sarrazin, Susannah York and Red Buttons are nearly as good, too.
This is a very good movie, but don't watch it if you don't like unending misery and the ruination of human life.
This review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) was written by Joe B on 30 Jan 2010.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
