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They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969)

★ 7.8M119 minDirector: Sydney Pollack

1969 film by Sydney Pollack

They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a 1969 American psychological drama film directed by Sydney Pollack, from a screenplay written by Robert E. Thompson and James Poe, based on Horace McCoy's 1935 novel. It stars Jane Fonda, Michael Sarrazin, Susannah York, Gig Young, Bonnie Bedelia, and Red Buttons. It focuses on a disparate group of individuals desperate to win a Depression-era dance marathon and an opportunistic emcee who urges them on.

The film was released theatrically in the United States on December 10, 1969, and also premiered at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival. Reviewers praised its direction, screenplay, depiction of the Depression era, and performances (especially of Fonda, York, and Young). It received nine nominations at the 42nd Academy Awards including: Best Director, Best Actress (for Fonda), Best Supporting Actress (for York), Best Adapted Screenplay, with Young winning for Best Supporting Actor. As of 2025, it holds the record for obtaining the most Oscar nominations without receiving one for Best Picture.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is They Shoot Horses, Don't They? about?
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) — Gloria is a young woman of the Depression. She has aged beyond her years and feels her life is hopeless, having been cheated and betrayed many times in her past. While recovering from a suicide attempt, she gets the idea from a movie magazine to head for Hollywood to make it as a
Is They Shoot Horses, Don't They? based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is They Shoot Horses, Don't They? scary?
Content rating: M. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.
What is They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) about? Plot, synopsis and ending explained — Screencodex