6.9/10
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89 user 36 critic

Cat Ballou (1965)

Approved | | Comedy, Romance, Western | 24 June 1965 (USA)
Trailer
3:29 | Trailer

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A woman seeking revenge for her murdered father hires a famous gunman, but he's very different from what she expects.

Director:

Writers:

(screenplay), (screenplay) (as Frank R. Pierson) | 1 more credit »
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Won 1 Oscar. Another 9 wins & 14 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
...
Shelleen--Strawn
...
...
Jed
...
Shouter / Sunrise Kid (as Nat King Cole)
Stubby Kaye ...
Shouter / Sam the Shade
Tom Nardini ...
...
...
...
Sheriff Cardigan
...
...
Sheriff Maledon
...
Accuser
Paul Gilbert ...
Train Messenger
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Storyline

Cat(herine) Ballou's family farm is being threatened by the Rail Road. She sends for Kid Shelleen, finding him to be the drunkest gunfighter in the west. When her father is killed by the rail road magnate's gunman, she vowes to fight on. Shelleen manages to ride sideways in several scenes, while minstrels sing the ballad of Cat Ballou in between scenes. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

It's That Way-Out Whopper Of A Funny Western...A She-Bang To End All She-Bangs! See more »


Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

24 June 1965 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Cat Ballou skjuter skarpt  »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Eastman Color)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Like several other Columbia releases of the 1960s (i.e., Bye Bye Birdie (1963), Strait-Jacket (1964)), this film includes a spoof of the studio logo, in this case with the Torch Lady doffing her robes in animation and turning into a cartoon cowgirl. See more »

Goofs

During the train robbery scene, there are both a single and a double set of railroad tracks shown. Most long shots show a single set and the close up shots show the double set. The scene ends with the actors brushing themselves off in front a double set of tracks. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Professor Sam The ShadeThe Sunrise Kid: [singing] Well now friends just lend an ear for you're now about to hear the Ballad of Cat Ballou.
See more »

Crazy Credits

The traditional Columbia logo turns into a cartoon figure who strips her gown off, and becomes a caricature of Jane Fonda in a cowboy outfit. She then fires her guns into the air, the ground, and across her body multiple times! See more »


Soundtracks

Happy Birthday to You
(uncredited)
Written by Patty S. Hill and Mildred J. Hill
Performed by Lee Marvin
See more »

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User Reviews

Lee Marvin deserved the Oscar!
4 April 2004 | by (Moraira. Spain) – See all my reviews

I watched Cat Ballou again the other day after a gap of over 35 years. A spoof western, definitely. That Lee Marvin should not have won the Oscar? No way. It is far more difficult to carry off a role in what is obviously a pastiche than to excel in a serious dramatic part. Lee Marvin plays it to perfection. Watch his face in the bar scene in the hole in the wall, desperately trying to catch the moment to propose a toast - "I'll drink to that!". It's brilliant. This film has to be watched in the context of its time. It is no good trying to compare it to today's special effects dominated blockbusters or Pixar animations. The semi-musical format was innovative, and remains so today. Cat Ballou is a perfect example of 60's "cool".


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