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They Shoot Horses Don't They?

Andy Davies tells the story of the dance marathons, gruelling competitions of the Depression that half killed the competitors and laid the foundations for reality entertainment.

Andy Davies looks at the history of the dance marathon and a period during the Great Depression when, in order to make a living, people literally danced until they dropped.

In gruelling dance competitions, such as those depicted in the Jane Fonda film They Shoot Horses, Don't They, sheer stamina was more important than skill and injuries could result in dancers being crippled for life. However, another version of dance marathon history paints them as fantastic exercises in contrived showmanship which offered those who had nothing a chance, at worst, to make a living; at best to make a small fortune.

They were in effect the first reality shows and their legacy continues right up to the present, extending an eclectic influence through the years. Andy traces this influence, from the development of the shopping mall, through the Vietnam War, the Twist, disco, huge charity events, and The Guinness Book of Records; to our very own Strictly Come Dancing and this year's Edinburgh Festival.

57 minutes

Last on

Fri 7 Mar 2014 01:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 6 Music

Music Played

  • HAIM

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    • Days Are Gone.
    • POLYDOR.
    • 001.

  • Alexander O’Neal & Cherrelle

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    • The Greatest Hits Of Alexander O'Neal.
    • Epic.

  • Amy Winehouse

    Half Time

    • Lioness: Hidden Treasures.
    • Island.
    • 2.

  • Cameo

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    • The Soul Years 1984-85 (Various).
    • Connoisseur.

  • Alicia Keys

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  • Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye

    Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)

    • The Very Best Of Marvin Gaye.
    • Motown.

  • Angela Bofill

    People Make The World Go Round

  • Keni Burke

    Risin' To The Top

  • Anthony Hamilton

    Writing On The Wall

  • Outkast & Rosario Dawson

    She's Lives In My Lap

  • Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew

    The Show

    • COOLTEMPO.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 14 Dec 2011 22:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2
  • Wed 17 Apr 2013 04:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 6 Music
  • Fri 7 Mar 2014 01:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 6 Music