They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Year: 1969

Runtime: 129 min

Language: English

Director: Sydney Pollack

Drama

In the depths of the Great Depression, a ruthless dance marathon emcee, Rocky, preys on desperate contestants seeking a $1,500 windfall. Among the hopefuls are a fading actress, a weathered sailor, a fragile beauty, and a pregnant young woman. As days blur into weeks, exhaustion and desperation mount, while Rocky's relentless pursuit of publicity pushes participants to their limits.

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Timeline & Setting – They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969)
Explore the full timeline and setting of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Great Depression

The Great Depression was a significant worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted throughout the late 1930s. It was marked by widespread unemployment, hardship, and the struggle for survival, influencing many aspects of daily life and sparking unique social phenomena, such as dance marathons.

Location

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is a vibrant and iconic location known for its attractions, carnival rides, and stunning ocean views. During the Great Depression, it served as a backdrop for desperate hopes and dreams as individuals sought respite and fortune amidst economic turmoil.

🏖️ Beach 🎡 Amusement Park

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:22

Main Characters – They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969)
Meet the key characters of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Robert Syverton

Robert Syverton is a wandering soul burdened by his past, seeking purpose and connection within the frenetic pace of the dance marathon. His evolution is marked by his partnership with Gloria and his struggle against despair, showcasing his empathetic nature as he confronts the harsh realities of life.

👨‍🎤 Dancer 💔 Troubled

Gloria Beatty (Jane Fonda)

Gloria Beatty is a complex and fragile character, embodying the pain and exhaustion of the Great Depression. Her initial strength is twisted by jealousy and despair, leading to her heartbreaking vulnerability as she grapples with feelings of emptiness, culminating in a tragic act of desperation.

💃 Dancer 💔 Vulnerable

Rocky (Gig Young)

Rocky is a cunning and shrewd promoter who exploits the participants' weaknesses for his own gain. His manipulative behavior and opportunistic strategies highlight the darker side of human nature, as he prioritizes spectacle over compassion, muddying the line between entertainment and humanity.

🤵 Promoter 📈 Manipulative

Alice

Alice is an aspiring actress from London, whose dreams collide with the harshness of reality during the marathon. Her struggle with mental health reflects the immense pressure contestants face, and her withdrawal for medical attention marks a rare moment of fragility against the competitive landscape.

🎭 Actress 😟 Fragile

Harry Kline

Harry Kline, a grizzled ex-sailor, adds depth to the competition as his unexpected death underscores the high stakes faced by the participants. His journey is a reflection of the physical and emotional toll that the marathon exerts, ultimately catalyzing critical moments in the narrative.

🧔 Ex-Sailor 💔 Struggler

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:22

Major Themes – They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969)
Explore the central themes of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Despair

Despair permeates the story as characters face immense challenges and emotional turmoil amid their pursuit of a monetary prize. The dance marathon, meant to ignite hope, instead reveals their deeper struggles, with Gloria representing ultimate vulnerability in her desperate search for peace.

🎭 Illusion vs. Reality

The theme of illusion versus reality manifests in the contrasting desires of participants and the harsh truths they must confront. As the shrewd promoter manipulates the drama for entertainment, contestants face psychological and physical suffering, blurring the lines between showmanship and genuine human experience.

🏆 Competition

Competition drives the narrative, as couples vie for a financial prize that symbolizes hope and success. Yet, this competition becomes a double-edged sword, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go and the damaging effects on their mental and physical well-being.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:22

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