THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY?

Today we'll look at Sydney Pollack's 1970 romantic comedy They Shoot Horses, Don't They? The flick takes place in that Golden Age known as The Great Depression, a time when Astair & Rogers glided across the silver screen and Moe Howard clonked noggins with glorious abandon; yes, an era of unequaled glamour -- so you know you'll be in for a treat when a movie harks back to this wonderful time.

And Hollywood doesn't let us down in the glamour department!! Jane Fonda and Red Buttons never looked better! Bravo, Hollywood Dream Machine!

I know social critics complain that Hollywood has set an unattainable standard of beauty -- but nuts to them! We regular people have gotta dream, right?

Michael Sarrazin, Jane Fonda, Red Buttons, Susanna York, Bruce Dern and Bonnie Bedilia are among the charming thespians who make this heartwarming tale come to life. Gig Young even got an Academy Award for his portrail of the jolly ringmaster of all the festivities!

Anyway, the story takes place during a Dance Marathon. Sure looks like Fun! At the start, we get introduced to various couples who will be spending the next 1,200 or so hours competing for a $1500 prize. And then the wacky rollercoaster ride begins!

Hey, it's Al Lewis! -- You know your in for some belly-laughs!

One of the highlights is when the "Derby" takes place. This is where the dancers literally race around the ballroom, and the three last to finish are out of the contest. For even more comic effect, the band plays California Here We Come during the race.

Ha, Ha -- it is so much like the daily commute home!

Isn't it every girl's dream to lugg a dead sailor through a dance marathon? Whoa, Nelly!

Well, that's about it -- I won't spoil the surprise ending -- But I'll just say it does give that extra boost one needs to get one through another "ordinary" day!

Oh, did you know that the film was so well received that it was one of the few American movies allowed to be shown in the Soviet Union? Yes, the Kremlin wanted all their comrades to see and take joy in this wonderful vision of American life!

Well, goodnight Mr. Lewis!