Hats Off to Hollywood: Cat Ballou
Duke: Well, Rex, we've started our journey through AFI's top 10 Western movies. First on the list, sitting at number 10, is Cat Ballou. This film is a bit of an oddball – a Western comedy from 1965. A Western that tries to be funny? Now I've seen everything.
Rex: "Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." Cat Ballou is a delightful blend of humor and Western action. It stars Jane Fonda as Catherine "Cat" Ballou, a schoolteacher turned outlaw seeking revenge for her father's murder. With Lee Marvin playing dual roles as the drunken gunslinger Kid Shelleen and the villainous Tim Strawn, the film masterfully combines slapstick comedy with the classic Western revenge tale.
Duke: You call it masterful, I call it a mess. I can’t say I’m a fan of mixing comedy with the grit of the Wild West. Lee Marvin’s Kid Shelleen is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. And that Cat Ballou? She’s got spunk, I’ll give her that, but the whole plot feels like it was cooked up by someone who’s never set foot in the real West.
Rex: "Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor." Cat Ballou takes a unique approach to the Western genre, using humor to highlight the absurdities and harsh realities of life in the Old West. The film also features Nat King Cole and Stubby Kaye as wandering minstrels who narrate the story through song, adding a whimsical touch that sets it apart from traditional Westerns.
Duke: Whimsical touch? More like a distraction. But I’ll admit, Marvin did a bang-up job. Even won an Oscar for it. Playing two characters who are as different as night and day takes real talent. The historical aspect of the film, though, is pretty loose. They took plenty of liberties with what really went down in the West. Back in the 60s, folks liked their Westerns with a side of fantasy, I suppose.
Rex: "Every artist was first an amateur." Cat Ballou reflects the cultural shifts of the 1960s, combining the traditional Western elements with contemporary sensibilities and a growing appetite for more diverse and innovative storytelling. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet still delivers a powerful message about justice and resilience.
Duke: Justice and resilience, huh? If you say so. To me, it’s just another reminder that Hollywood has a knack for twisting the truth. But I reckon if you like your Westerns with a side of silliness, you might enjoy Cat Ballou. It's got some good laughs and a decent story if you don’t mind the historical inaccuracies.
Rex: "To each his own." Cat Ballou is a charming, offbeat Western that offers a fresh take on the genre. It's a film that entertains while subtly critiquing the myths of the Old West. Definitely worth a watch for those who appreciate a good laugh with their cowboy tales.
Duke: Well, there you have it. Our first dive into the AFI’s top Westerns. If you ask me, I’d rather stick to the classics without all the frills. But that's just this old cowboy's opinion.
Rex: "All's well that ends well." Until next time, folks, keep your hats on and your remotes ready! See you at the movies!
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About the Authors
Rex, who speaks in maxims, loves every movie and TV show, making him the perfect counterbalance to Duke. Rex is also known for rescuing an armadillo and celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah.
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