Nur Pferden gibt man den Gnadenschuss

Best Supporting Actor, Golden Globes and Academy Awards 1970

Original title: They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?

In the 1930s, the United States is battered by the Great Depression. Everyone is trying to scrape together a bit of money just to survive. Gloria Beatty, a cynical film extra, signs up—along with hundreds of competitors—for a dance marathon, where the winner is promised a $1,500 prize. Gloria enters the contest with a new partner, Robert, after her original partner falls ill shortly before the competition begins.

As the marathon drags on, exhaustion among the participants steadily increases, yet some refuse to give up—the promise of free meals is simply too tempting. Among them are Alice, an unsuccessful actress hoping to be discovered, and the young Ruby, who takes part despite being pregnant.