Verdict:They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 7.6/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Drama genre.
Answer: Yes, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 120 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1969, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on In the midst of the Great Depression, manipulative emcee Rocky enlists contestants for a dance marathon offering a $1,500 cash prize. Under the direction of Sydney Pollack, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Jane Fonda, Michael Sarrazin, Susannah York. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? offers a visually stunning presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
As of January 2026, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. In the midst of the Great Depression, manipulative emcee Rocky enlists contestants for a dance marathon offering a $1,500 cash prize. Among them are a failed actress, a middle-aged sailor, a delusional blonde and a pregnant girl. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1969 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
The ending of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a They Shoot Horses, Don't They? sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969): with an audience rating of 7.6/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.6/10, and global collection metrics, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1969 cinematic year.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.6/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Yes, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a Drama movie that In the midst of the Great Depression, manipulative emcee Rocky enlists contestants for a dance marathon offering a $1,500 cash prize. Among them are a...
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.6/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Yes, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a Drama movie that In the midst of the Great Depression, manipulative emcee Rocky enlists contestants for a dance marathon offering a $1,500 cash prize. Among them are a...
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a Drama movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
You can find streaming options and availability for They Shoot Horses, Don't They? on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Despite the constant streams of sweat on display here, there is something physically and emotionally arid about this two hours of cinematic torture. With the depression in full swing, the down-at-heart “Gloria” (Jane Fonda) heads to California in the hope of becoming a starlet. Meantime, equally disheartened “Robert” (Michael Sarazin) is frustrated that he can’t make a career at the other end of the camera. Desperate for cash, they join a throng of other unfortunate folks in a dance marathon which awards the winners $1,500 (minus deductions!). The whole thing is rather cynically administered by “Rocky” (Gig Young) and as the dancers go round the floor, so we go round the dancers and we meet an group of people whose problems and demons are laid bare. First amongst those somewhat tragic equals would appear to be “Alice” (Susannah York) but it’s a close run thing with a pregnant couple really struggling to keep pace and with, for me anyway, the most poignant of all - the sailor (Red Buttons) who had done his bit for Uncle Sam, but was now reduced to this most torturous form of fund raising which his body was now ill equipped to handle. As the days pass, and the excellent make-up artists do their work, the visceral nature of the characterisations emerge unrelentingly, leaving us with a distinctly uncomfortable watch that exposes a fruitlessly venal culture based on the premise of dog eat dog. Perhaps, though, as these people endure physically and psychologically, they might begin to realise that the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow isn’t actually the cash, but a sense of self-respect. The last ten minutes settle things in quite traumatic fashion and suffice to say there is no chocolates and Champagne. The dialogue is sparingly potent with gentleness and optimism gradually replaced by a stoic realisation of the relentlessness of their predicament and I think Sarazin, Fonda and particularly York give the performances of their careers in the slow-burning exposé of human toxicity.