Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Must-See Movie: Cat Ballou

Cat Ballou (1965)
Nat "King" Cole and Stubby Kaye provide a Greek chorus-style narrative in this tongue-in-cheek Western parody that's become a classic in its own right.

Jane Fonda, at the height of her sex-kitten days, plays the title character, who's father has been murdered by a gunslinger with no nose (played by Lee Marvin). Seeking revenge on the railroad development company that hired the hit, Cat -- once a schoolmarm -- becomes an outlaw and creates havoc in a crime spree. She puts together a ragtag gang of misfit men, including former Western legend-now-drunk Kid Shelleen (also played by Marvin), to prevent her father's ranch from falling into the wrong hands.

This Oscar-winning comedy has it all, served with a heavy hand of irreverence for both the genre and the decade. When I was a little girl I saw this movie, and ever since then I've wanted to be a gun-slinging, sexy bandit with golden locks, leading a gang of men all fighting for my affection.

Set your Moxies! TCM is showing Cat Ballou on August 23rd at 11:15 AM EST! (Check your local schedule.) They've also been kind enough to provide free desktop wallpaper for your enjoyment! Yee-haw!

No comments: