They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

HORSES is a 1969 Depression period piece drama about Marathon Dance Madness that will leave you aghast, in horror as the host, dancers and spectators reveal all that is rotten about this world and human nature. This surprisingly great film, an allegory of the human condition will tear out your heart as we witness a pessimism of life as strong as you are ever going to see in a feature film. The screenplay, direction, acting and for this film the amazing cinematography all contribute to a masterpiece of a film.

Jane Fonda, known at the time as 'Hanoi Jane' with her mighty protests against the Viet Nam War is totally brilliant along with dance partner Michael Sarrazin. Her Best Actress Oscar Nomination didn't do much good as much of the Hollywood Industry as well as most of middle America despised Jane and her views about that despicable war. In a 'coup' for Jane, the prestigious New York Film Critcs selected Miss Fonda as Best Actress of 1969 for Horses despite her politics. This was a vindication of sorts.

Gig Young as the host/emcee won almost every single Supporting Actor Award of the year including the Oscar. The late, wonderful Susanna York, a nominee for Best Supporting Actress should have taken home the Oscar for her haunting performance in HORSES! The Academy chose Goldie Hawn who was not at all a supporting player in CACTUS FLOWER for which she took the prize. Catherine Burns in Last Summer, Dyan Cannon in Bob&Carol&Ted&Alice, Sylvia Miles in Midnight Cowboy and said Susanna York gave infinitely more truthful performances yet coming up short to Hawn's goofy, comic performance playing opposite Walter Matthau and Ingrid Bergman! The rest of the HORSES cast from Red Buttons to a pregnant Bonnie Bedelia were outstanding!

They Shoot Horses, Don't They? Was one of the biggest hits of 1969 losing Best Picture to another tremendous film, Midnight Cowboy! Horses has an inherent quality that will make you cheer, root for your favourites all the while understanding how very sad and miserable this entire situation happens to be. Nothing is ever right or good! The film shocks us repeatedly, but nothing prepares the viewer for the ultimate horrific tragedy of the conclusion. I was stunned! I should have seen it coming!

HORSES is quite a devastating experience of a film that will continue to haunt you long after it is over.