Jane Fonda and Michael Sarrazin star as contestants in a Depression-era dance marathon that won’t stop until all but the last couple dancing drops. Though they enter the contest as strangers, Fonda and Sarrazin exhibit peculiarities that seem to destine them to win. Fonda’s character is a washed up actress full of vinegar, while Sarrazin has boyish energy and seems to be living off someplace in his head.

Suzanne York, Bruce Dern, Bonnie Bedelia, Red Buttons play fellow contestants. Gig Young, a career supporting actor, won an Academy Award for his memorably sleazy yet textured performance as the marathon emcee. When the “Oscar curse” set in and dreams of starring roles failed to materialize, Young sank into depression and in 1978, shot his new wife before turning the gun on himself, events that in a way echo this picture.

Directed by Sydney Pollack – who shot the film in sequence to convincingly portray the performers’ descent into hell – the movie is a success on every level and in every department. The noirish photography by Phil Lathrop is a testament to the power of anamorphic widescreen, as shots are composed and balanced beautifully.

The editing aggressively ratchets up the suspense in the appropriate spots. The production design takes a story that could be effectively done on the stage and is vivid in its creation of the dance floor, seedy dorms and Gig’s dark office.

Amid all the cinematic pyrotechnics and other cast members, Fonda bats her role out of the park – an extremely brutal role physically – as the contest’s resident cynic and “loser.” Sarrazin resembles Bud Cort and is completely blown off the screen by her.

The story deftly examines how the contestants – who believe they’re participating in a contest – are actually being exploited for the benefit of an audience who want some entertainment. The camera does not turn away from nudity or blood (though both are very, very sparse) and the story does not retreat from its march toward a tragic finale. The film has an incredible verisimilitude to it.