They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a powerful and unflinching drama set against the bleak backdrop of the Great Depression. The film, directed by Sydney Pollack, is a stark portrayal of the desperation and the cruel nature of humanity that often accompanies times of great hardship. The story revolves around a dance marathon, a cruel and exploitative event, where contestants are forced to dance non-stop in order to win a coveted cash prize of $1,500. The protagonist of the film is Robert E. "Rocky" Ruvall, played by Geraldine Fitzgerald, a charismatic and manipulative emcee who organizes and hosts the dance marathon at a decaying dance hall in Los Angeles. Rocky's motives for organizing the event are multifaceted. On one hand, he genuinely believes he is providing a chance for contestants to win a significant amount of money, which he claims will be a lifesaver for them amidst the economic crisis. On the other hand, he is also driven by a desire to entertain himself and make a profit from the suffering of others. Rocky's world is populated by a diverse group of contestants, each with their own unique story to tell. There's Gloria Beatty, played by Jane Fonda, a failed actress struggling to make a name for herself in Hollywood. Gloria is a complex and sensitive soul, desperate for fame and validation. Then there's Harold Baker, played by Michael Sarrazin, a middle-aged sailor who has seen better days. Despite his age, Harold remains optimistic and determined to win the prize, which he believes will help him regain his youth and vitality. Also competing in the dance marathon is Alice LeBlanc, played by Susannah York, a charming and vivacious blonde with a fragile grip on reality. Alice is a self-proclaimed princess, but her life is shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Her relationship with her husband is complicated, and she is running away from a painful past. Finally, there's Ruby Parker, played by Bonnie Bedelia, a young and pregnant woman who is forced to participate in the dance marathon to provide for her unborn child. Throughout the film, the contestants are subjected to endless hours of dancing, with little food, rest, or medical care. As the days pass, the contestants begin to break down, both physically and emotionally. Rocky takes great pleasure in observing the contestants' suffering, often making derogatory remarks and belittling their efforts. He claims to be a benevolent emcee, but his true character is revealed to be manipulative and cruel. As the dance marathon drags on, tensions rise, and the contestants begin to turn on each other. Accusations of cheating and sabotage fly through the dance hall, creating a toxic atmosphere of mistrust and paranoia. Meanwhile, Rocky becomes increasingly fascinated with the contestants, watching them with a mixture of amusement and disdain. The character development in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is one of the film's greatest strengths. Each contestant is meticulously crafted, with complex backstories and motivations that add depth and nuance to the story. The ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, bringing the contestants to life with a mix of humor, pathos, and tragedy. One of the most striking aspects of the film is its commentary on the Great Depression. The dance marathon serves as a potent metaphor for the desperation and hopelessness of the era. The contestants, who are mostly from marginalized communities, are forced to compete against each other, furthering the divide between the haves and the have-nots. The cinematography in the film is stunning, capturing the bleak and decaying atmosphere of the dance hall. The use of lighting and camera angles creates a sense of claustrophobia and desperation, drawing the viewer into the world of the contestants. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with a mix of jazz and blues numbers that perfectly capture the mood and spirit of the era. In conclusion, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a haunting and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the darker aspects of human nature. The film's exploration of the Great Depression and the human condition is both powerful and unsettling, leaving the viewer with a lasting impression of the cruelty and desperation that often accompanies times of great hardship.