Movie spotlight
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.
In Depression-era America, desperate contestants endure a grueling, non-stop dance marathon for a substantial cash prize. As exhaustion and delirium set in, the competition intensifies, revealing the participants' deepest desires, fears, and the dark realities of their struggle for survival. The film explores themes of hope, despair, and the exploitation of human endurance.
The film was critically acclaimed for its powerful performances, particularly Jane Fonda's, and its unflinching portrayal of desperation and social commentary. It is considered a bleak but masterful examination of the human spirit under extreme duress.
Jane Fonda delivers a career-defining performance as a woman pushed to her limits.
The film's bleak atmosphere and intense portrayal of the marathon are deeply affecting.
Sydney Pollack's direction masterfully captures the desperation and dark undertones of the era.
Google audience: Audiences praise the film's powerful and emotional storyline, the intense performances, and its thought-provoking social commentary. Many found it a harrowing but ultimately rewarding viewing experience.
Nominated for 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Jane Fonda. Gig Young won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The grueling dance marathon sequences were filmed over 11 days, with the actors actually dancing for extended periods to simulate the exhaustion of the characters.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
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 Califor...