Cat Ballou is a fun romp through the great American west. While it presents a definite "Apple Dumpling Gang" atmosphere, it still retains its gritty and resolute (...they'll never make her cry...) feeling.
One of the best American Western comedies.
Fonda is compelling as Catherine "Cat" Ballou, the "schoolmarm-gone-bad." Her performance in this movie is among the best performances of her career.
Lee Marvin's acting abilities really reach out and grab you with his dual role as Kid Shelleen and brother-gone-horribly-wrong Tim Strawn. As Shelleen, you get to experience his comedic genius (this movie has a classic comedy scene that most of us never forget, featuring Marvin as Shelleen sitting on his horse, and he AND the horse are leaning drunkenly against a building), and as Tim Strawn, the tension POPS out at you.
Michael Callan plays Clay Boone, Cat's would-be love interest. Michael Callan, also known as Mickey Calin, has done tons of movies starting with "They Came to Cordure" in 1959. In "Cat Ballou," his honest face and earnest smile captivate you right away, and his performance as Boone, holds you there. Although he's had loads of roles, most Americans will probably remember him from his stint on "One Life to Live," a popular American soap opera. (He played Jack Simmons.)
Frankie Ballou (Cat's Father) is played extremely well by John Marley; a curmudgeonly rancher who has definite views (however odd they may be) on the true origins of the Native American.
This movie has it all! Action, suspense, comedy and heart. It also boasts some of the greatest stars of its time: Jane Fonda, Lee Marvin, Dwayne Hickman, Stubby Kaye (!!) (Marvin Acme in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Ellis Island *1984,* Taxi *1953,* Guys and Dolls *1955,* and Lil Abner *1959* among many more), Reginald Denny and Bruce Cabot!
The story is narrated in song by Nat King Cole, playing professor Sam The Shade AS Nat King Cole. This movie whisks you from your seat, carries you down the river, and plunges you over the waterfall. Hang on and enjoy the ride.
It easily rates an 8.4/10 from...
the Fiend :.
One of the best American Western comedies.
Fonda is compelling as Catherine "Cat" Ballou, the "schoolmarm-gone-bad." Her performance in this movie is among the best performances of her career.
Lee Marvin's acting abilities really reach out and grab you with his dual role as Kid Shelleen and brother-gone-horribly-wrong Tim Strawn. As Shelleen, you get to experience his comedic genius (this movie has a classic comedy scene that most of us never forget, featuring Marvin as Shelleen sitting on his horse, and he AND the horse are leaning drunkenly against a building), and as Tim Strawn, the tension POPS out at you.
Michael Callan plays Clay Boone, Cat's would-be love interest. Michael Callan, also known as Mickey Calin, has done tons of movies starting with "They Came to Cordure" in 1959. In "Cat Ballou," his honest face and earnest smile captivate you right away, and his performance as Boone, holds you there. Although he's had loads of roles, most Americans will probably remember him from his stint on "One Life to Live," a popular American soap opera. (He played Jack Simmons.)
Frankie Ballou (Cat's Father) is played extremely well by John Marley; a curmudgeonly rancher who has definite views (however odd they may be) on the true origins of the Native American.
This movie has it all! Action, suspense, comedy and heart. It also boasts some of the greatest stars of its time: Jane Fonda, Lee Marvin, Dwayne Hickman, Stubby Kaye (!!) (Marvin Acme in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Ellis Island *1984,* Taxi *1953,* Guys and Dolls *1955,* and Lil Abner *1959* among many more), Reginald Denny and Bruce Cabot!
The story is narrated in song by Nat King Cole, playing professor Sam The Shade AS Nat King Cole. This movie whisks you from your seat, carries you down the river, and plunges you over the waterfall. Hang on and enjoy the ride.
It easily rates an 8.4/10 from...
the Fiend :.