Cat Ballou

Cat Ballou is a 1965 American Western comedy film starring Lee Marvin and Jane Fonda, directed by Elliot Silverstein and produced by Harold Hecht. The film features a mix of comedy, drama, and action, with Lee Marvin playing dual roles as Kid Shelleen and Tim Strawn. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Roy Chanslor, which was inspired by the works of Mark Twain and Bret Harte. The film's score was composed by Frank De Vol, who also worked on the music for The Dirty Dozen and McHale's Navy.

Plot

The plot of Cat Ballou revolves around Cat Ballou, a schoolteacher who hires a notorious gunman, Kid Shelleen, to avenge her father's murder. However, Kid Shelleen turns out to be a drunkard and a has-been, and Cat Ballou must find a way to get her revenge with the help of her friends, including Jackson Two-Bears, a Native American outlaw, and Jed, a young gunslinger. Along the way, they encounter a range of characters, including Sheriff Cardigan, a bumbling lawman, and Sir Harry Percival, a wealthy and ruthless rancher. The film's plot is full of twists and turns, with references to classic Westerns like The Searchers and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Production

The production of Cat Ballou was a complex and challenging process, with Elliot Silverstein making his directorial debut. The film was shot on location in Arizona and California, with a cast and crew that included Jane Fonda, Lee Marvin, and Michael Callan. The film's script was written by Walter Newman and Frank Pierson, who also worked on the screenplay for The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and Dog Day Afternoon. The film's cinematography was handled by Jack A. Marta, who also worked on The Parent Trap and The Apple Dumpling Gang. The production team also included Harold Hecht, who produced films like The Seven Year Itch and The Dirty Dozen, and Frank De Vol, who composed music for The Brady Bunch and McHale's Navy.

Cast

The cast of Cat Ballou includes Lee Marvin as Kid Shelleen and Tim Strawn, Jane Fonda as Cat Ballou, Michael Callan as Clay Boone, Dwayne Hickman as Jed, and Tom Nardini as Jackson Two-Bears. The film also features a range of supporting actors, including John Marley as Frank Ballou, Reginald Denny as Sir Harry Percival, and Jay C. Flippen as Sheriff Cardigan. The cast's performances were praised by critics, with Lee Marvin winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his dual roles. The film's cast also included Strother Martin, who appeared in films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Cool Hand Luke, and Arthur Hunnicutt, who appeared in films like El Dorado and The Big Sky.

Release

Cat Ballou was released in 1965, during a time of great change in the film industry. The film was distributed by Columbia Pictures and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its unique blend of comedy and drama. The film's release coincided with the release of other classic Westerns, including The Sons of Katie Elder and The Hallelujah Trail. The film's success can be attributed to the work of Harold Hecht, who also produced films like The Seven Year Itch and The Dirty Dozen, and Frank De Vol, who composed music for The Brady Bunch and McHale's Navy.

Reception

The reception of Cat Ballou was overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the film's unique blend of comedy and drama. The film holds a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been named as one of the greatest Westerns of all time by The Guardian and The New York Times. The film's success can be attributed to the performances of its cast, including Lee Marvin and Jane Fonda, as well as the direction of Elliot Silverstein. The film's score, composed by Frank De Vol, was also praised by critics, with references to classic Western scores like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West. The film's influence can be seen in later Westerns, including Blazing Saddles and Young Guns, and its legacy continues to be felt in the film industry today, with references to Cat Ballou in films like The Hateful Eight and Django Unchained.