6.9/10
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Cat Ballou (1965)

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

A gen-u-ine movie first! A way-out whopper! A funny movie? YOU BET IT IS...! 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
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The film's horse trainer told Elliot Silverstein that the scene where a horse leans against a wall with its front legs crossed could not be shot because horses don't cross their legs, then that it might be possible if he had a couple of days. Silverstein invoked his rank as director and gave him an hour. The trainer plied the horse with sugar cubes while repeatedly pushing its leg into position, and they were able to get the shot. See more »

Goofs

The two men who sing and play the banjo in the beginning of the film are quite obviously not playing their instruments. 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 opening Columbia logo is followed by the first verse of the "Cat Ballou" song, sung by Nat 'King' Cole and Stubby Kaye, complete with scenes of the town. We then see go to the opening credits. See more »

Connections

Featured in The Lady with the Torch (1999) See more »

Soundtracks

The Ballad of Cat Ballou
(uncredited)
Written by Mack David and Jerry Livingston
Performed by Stubby Kaye & Nat 'King' Cole
See more »

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User Reviews

A modern, comedic western
27 February 1999 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

One of the best modern westerns made that John Wayne wasn't in. Jane Fonda is great as the schoolmarm-turned-outlaw Cat Ballou. When she begins to seek vengeance against the railroad for her father's death, you believe she's really going to get them.

I don't have to say much about Lee Marvin's performance; it's perfect all the way. His dual role, where he plays Kid Shelleen and his evil brother, Tim Strawn, gives him the chance to really stretch his acting talents. When Marvin plays the drunken Shelleen, he's a comic delight. Even his horse looks drunk. When he plays Strawn, the screen sizzles. If you need a reason to see this movie, Lee Marvin should be the reason.

Michael Callan is fine as Jane Fonda's love interest, and Dwayne Hickman steals the scenes he's in as Callan's "uncle"; he's really good in this film. John Marley is pretty funny, also, and Cat's father; his views on the Indian nation are revolutionary, to say the least. Tom Nardini is wonderful as the hired hand who goes along on Cat's quest, none too willingly.

All in all, this is a tour-de-force of acting and writing. Sharp, witty, warm and action-packed, this is a film everyone should see at least once. I've seen it many times, and it's never lost its luster for me.


32 of 37 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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