MovieChat Forums > They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1970) Discussion > The movie had a message for me . . .

The movie had a message for me . . .

posted 20 years ago by markk46
7 replies | jump to latest

I registered just to post this message. I don't anticipate posting any more here. I don't see movies very often. If they come to the $3- cimema, and they are rated not too badly, I may see it.

I don't know of any movies made, that were about the depression, except gangster movies, and this one . . . none, zip, zero.

I first saw the movie in the early '70s. A friend took me to see it. I probably wouldn't have seen it otherwise. I learned 2 years ago, that I was abused as an infant, which has affected my life tremendously. My parents both lived through the depression, and came of age, i.e. 20, during the depression.

From what I've read, WW2 and the depression were 2 acts of one play. During past years it has been just about the only movie I've recommended to people in their 30s. My whole life has been one of depression, not psychologically, economically . . . including enormous aloneness. So, the movie had a point there for me.

It showed the value of life, and it gave me a piece of personal philosophy on that account. I found the book in the Denver Public Library, and read it, as well. Just about every movie I've seen the past 30 plus years, I've forgetten . . . except this one.

The only reason I'm alive today is that I have a congenital heart condition from my mom, who died in '61, so I bicycle 30, 50, 70 plus miles a day. It keeps me alive . . . and it doesn't cost much money.

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] brefane 19 years ago

The book is more compact. Incidents were created for the movie and characters were added and given more background. The ending was also different:the health department forces the marathon to close and the money was divided up among the remaining contestants.

[–] brackenhe 19 years ago

If you think that this is the only movie about the depression besides gangster movies, then you need to watch more of TCM or any classic movie channel. There were plenty of movies made during the depression that depict it well. Two that I can think of off the top of my head are Gabriel Over the White House starring Walter Huston and Meet John Doe starring Gary Cooper & Barbara Stanwyck. And I'm sure there are many, many others. I do like this movie, however downbeat it might be. It's been a long time since I've seen it, but it was so powerful that it's hard to forget.

[–] rockerjulee 19 years ago

Theres another memorable movie about the deppression era that is a bit similar to They Shoot Horses Dont They? and it is The Day of the Locust.Its about about people who are trying to make it in Hollywood to escape the hard realities of their lives.The character Harry Greener will remind you of Sailor specially when he was trying to sell bottles of medicine (I forgot what that is called)and the scene in a church gathering.The Day of the Locust is more disturbing though specially the apocalyptic scene in the movie premier.
About the book,it is shorter the the character of Susannah York is not there and the role of Sailor is not that big.You should watch the movie and read the book.I bought the novel with the screenplay (two in one).

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] daft848 18 years ago

Another excellent Depression-era movie, Night Of the Hunter. Robert Mitchium as the bogus preacher set in an almost fairy tale world which gives hope yet still shows the desperation of the time and how there are people in times like these that take advantage for their own gain, amazing film.

[–] parisel 18 years ago

I hope your health improves Mark and admire your incredible fortitude in riding so many miles a day.

The Grapes of Wrath is another movie about the Depression and the Dust Bowl ..Excellent, but depressing.

Do you know that your public library has many movies, new and old, that you can borrow with your library card...i never pay to rent movies.