Cat Ballou (1965)

Hilarious Western Spoof That Ages Very Well!

This film is a strange one for me as I remember I actually hated it the first time I watched it years back but when I started looking seriously at old films and especially Westerns I began to appreciate "Cat Ballou" a lot more and now after seeing this a few times, I have to say that this is an excellent, hilarious spoof on Westerns and the jokes age very well even to today. As a big fan of all kinds of music myself, I really appreciated the role that Nat King Cole in one of his last performances ever before his death by lung cancer together with Stubby Kaye in the hilarious sung narrative that runs throughout the film. It's amazing what was accomplished on clearly a tiny budget and I thought the cast was very good and especially Lee Marvin was the alcoholic gunfighter.

The dvd is also good value for money as it has very good picture quality stemming from a very well-preserved master which ironically means that it wasn't as popular as other films as the more popular films have masters that are heavily used and hence require the most restoration although the sound quality in Mono could do with more surround sound options. Those with Dolby Pro Logic capabilities at home though can somewhat simulate the surround sound experience with this dvd version in any case.

An extremely funny and entertaining cowboy spoof that surprisingly ages very well; I found myself humming the Cat Ballou theme many hours after watching the film too.

Recommended. June 7, 2008

Steiger Wuz Robbed

I'm a little ambivalent towards this genteel western comedy. Lee Marvin is one of my all-time favorite actors giving masterful turns in "Point Blank" and "The Big Red One" among many others. Marvin is more than adequate as Kid Shelleen but, be real, it's a glorified supporting turn. Marvin's work here does not hold a candle to the work of Rod Steiger in "The Pawnbroker" and Richard Burton in "The Spy Who Came In From the Cold" who both lost the Oscar to Marvin. Oscar righted itself two years later by rewarding Steiger for "In the Heat of the Night" but gold was never bestowed on Burton despite seven nods. I also recall that years ago TBS was showing "Cat Ballou" ad nauseum when Ted Turner was sparking Jane Fonda. Despite these peeves Marvin is engaging and Fonda does a winsome turn as the schoolmarm turned outlaw. I also can't diss any flick that features the great character actor, John Marley, who plays Fonda's father and doesn't fail to disappoint here. Marley gave similarly memorable turns in "Love Story" and "The Godfather". May 31, 2008

Very special memories

I have loved this movie since I was a little girl. Being from Wyoming, this movie always held a special place in my heart--I even know where Hole In The Wall is located. After school, my younger brother and I would gather up the neighbor kids and we all got on our horses and took off to play "Cat Ballou." We had a great time being "outlaws." This movie was so much fun. It may poke fun at the classic western, but it is such a joy to watch that even the most hard core western fan would have to get a kick out watching this group of misfits. And it carries on the true western theme--good conquers evil--even if it is outside what the powers that be considers legal. I just love this movie. Now my children love it too. Soon my grandson will also love it! March 19, 2008

Cat Ballou

It is a well acted movie and lots of fun to watch. Of course, everyone loves the horse and Lee Marvin. Nat King Cole had an amazing talent. I truly enjoyed the format for the movie and the dialog in the movie. January 30, 2008

Western Ho

I have loved this movie since I was young. I saw it on television and decided to look for it on Amazon who, of course, had it. There was never a doubt. Perfect condition - great movie - love Lee Marvin and cast. January 9, 2008

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