Review of Cat Ballou (1965) by Stuart K — 10 Mar 2013
Directed by Elliot Silverstein (A Man Called Horse (1970)), this is a light and fluffy comedy-western with a good cast. Based upon The Ballad of Cat Ballou by Roy Chanslor, which was a dark, serious novel.
When the makers couldn't make it work as a drama, they changed it to a comedy. It's got a very odd tone, but it's well made and it manages to be entertaining while it lasts and it doesn't last long.
This story is sang by a pair of Shouters (Nat King Cole and Stubby Kaye), who tell the story of schoolteacher Catherine Ballou (Jane Fonda), who is travelling to Wolf City, Wyoming to visit her father Frankie Ballou (John Marley), who owns a ranch.
But, Frankie has been terrorised by nasty gunman Tim Strawn (Lee Marvin) who is known as Silvernose. The Ballou's need help, so they call upon legendary gunfighter Kid Shelleen (Marvin again), to help protect them from Strawn, but Shelleen is a drunk and needs drink badly.
So, while they try to get Shelleen into shape, Catherine becomes Cat Ballou, and looks set on bringing Strawn and his men down. It's well made, and it's Greek Chorus from Cole and Kaye works wonders, and it makes a good narrative.
It has a weird tone about it, and it's tone does lurch about, but when it works, it does work. Plus, Lee Marvin plays a great dual role, for which he rightfully won an Oscar.
This review of Cat Ballou (1965) was written by Stuart K on 10 Mar 2013.
Cat Ballou has generally received positive reviews.
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