Year: 1969
Runtime: 129 min
Language: English
Director: Sydney Pollack
During the Great Depression, a cruel dance marathon host, Rocky, exploits vulnerable contestants hoping to win a substantial cash prize. The competition draws a diverse group, including a former actress struggling to stay relevant, a world-weary sailor, a delicate young woman, and a pregnant teenager. As the grueling marathon stretches into weeks, physical and emotional exhaustion take their toll, and Rocky’s desire for publicity pushes the participants to increasingly desperate measures.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen They Shoot Horses, Don't They? yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the depths of the Great Depression, Robert Syverton, a wandering soul burdened by his past, finds himself caught up in a bizarre dance marathon at Santa Monica Pier. Upon entering the dismal ballroom, he discovers couples in a frenzied bid for a $1,500 prize, hoping to attract the fleeting glances of Hollywood’s elite. Robert is drawn into a partnership with the troubled Gloria Beatty, portrayed by Jane Fonda, after her previous dance partner is struck down by bronchitis. This diverse group of participants also includes the grizzled ex-sailor Harry Kline, the aspiring actress Alice, who hails from London, and her actor-in-training friend Joel, alongside James and Ruby, a destitute farming couple eagerly awaiting their first child.
As the marathon progresses, the fragile alliances start to unravel. Rocky, the shrewd promoter, played by Gig Young, astutely exploits the weaknesses of the contestants for the audience’s amusement. The event becomes a breeding ground for quack medicine and emotional turmoil, where participants endure both physical and psychological abuse under the guise of treatment. Tension mounts when Rocky pilfers one of Alice’s dresses to spark manufactured drama, igniting Gloria’s jealousy over Robert’s growing attention towards Alice. The dynamics shift as Gloria seeks solace in new alliances, particularly with Joel and later with Harry, whose sudden death during the marathon starkly illustrates the life-threatening pressures of the competition. Despite the chaotic scenes that follow Harry’s untimely demise, including the medics hastily removing his body, Rocky orchestrates a ruse to shield the audience from the grim reality.
As the competition intensifies, Alice’s mental state deteriorates, prompting a rare moment of compassion from Rocky, leading her to withdraw for essential medical attention. With their former partners sidelined, Robert and Gloria are once again paired, navigating the increasingly treacherous waters of the marathon that heads toward its dramatic finale. Amidst their struggles, Rocky devises a plan—pairing Robert and Gloria in a marriage would attract sympathy and financial support from benefactors like Mrs. Laydon. However, Gloria rebuffs this idea, and Rocky reveals a harsh truth: expenses will slice through their prize winnings, potentially leaving them empty-handed.
Overwhelmed by despair, Robert and Gloria decide to forfeit the contest and leave the dance hall behind. As they step onto the pier, a broken-hearted Gloria confides in Robert about her relentless emptiness and her weariness of life itself. In a tragic moment of vulnerability, she brandishes a gun from her purse, contemplating her own fate but lacking the resolve to pull the trigger. Instead, in her moment of anguish, she implores Robert to grant her peace. In a devastating turn, he complies, resulting in the arrival of authorities to take Robert into custody and carry away Gloria’s lifeless body. When interrogated about his actions, Robert’s chilling response echoes, “> They shoot horses, don’t they?” The marathon trudges on, with fewer participants remaining as the hours tick away—1,491 and counting.
Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:52
Don't stop at just watching — explore They Shoot Horses, Don't They? in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like They Shoot Horses, Don't They? that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like They Shoot Horses, Don't They? – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Turin Horse (2012) Full Movie Breakdown
Shoot the Moon (1982) Detailed Story Recap
Dark Horse (2012) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
50 to 1 (2014) Story Summary & Characters
And They're Off (2011) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
A Fine Mess (1986) Full Summary & Key Details
Beer for My Horses (2008) Full Summary & Key Details
Seabiscuit (2003) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
On Swift Horses (2025) Story Summary & Characters
All That Jazz (1979) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Wild Horses (2015) Movie Recap & Themes
The Hustler (1961) Full Summary & Key Details
Wild Horse, Wild Ride (2012) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Hot to Trot (1988) Film Overview & Timeline
High Strung (2016) Full Summary & Key Details