Rocky: You know somethin', Turkey? My old man never got out of the fourth grade. When it came to people, he didn't know his ass from his elbow. You know what he was? He was a faith healer. I used to travel the circuit with him. I was the one he healed. I was the shill to get the crowd set up. "Walk, my boy. When I lay my hand on you, you will walk." You will walk. Sodden old bastard. He thought it was him they believed in, but it was me.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969)
Ending / spoiler
Directed by: Sydney Pollack
Starring: Jane Fonda, Gig Young, Michael Sarrazin, Susannah York
Genres: Drama
When Gloria and Robert find out from Rocky, the MC, that there won't be any prize money when the dance marathon is over they decide to walk out. While on the pier, Gloria, who is so burnt out on life, takes a pistol from her purse to kill herself. She can't bring herself to do it though so she asks Robert to shoot her which he does. When the police come to take Robert away they asked hi why he shot her. He replies "they shoot horses don't they"; this refers to the film's title as a metaphor. As a young boy Robert saw a crippled horse shot dead to put the horse out of its misery.
More quotes from They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
Trivia: The film currently holds the record for being nominated for the most Academy Awards (nine) without a nomination for Best Picture.
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