And, as the "behind-the-scenes" story goes - In order to meet the rigid deadline of a tight budget - "Cat Ballou" was shot in just 28 days (which is why the story has such a "rushed" feel to it).Containing every Western-movie cliche in the book (and then some) - This 1965 picture stars sweet and delicate sex-kitten, Jane Fonda (28 at the time) who adequately plays the title character of a "good-girl-turned-outlaw" in order to avenge the cold-blooded murder of her dear, dead dad.Set in the fictitious "Old West" town of (lawless) Wolf City, Wyoming - This Western spoof was pretty light-weight stuff where its course of events were all completely forgotten even before the final credits rolled by.

What a rip! The title of this film is totally misleading. Jane Fonda is fine - as usual - nothing special!

As he did in, 'Paint Your Wagon,' Lee Marvin definitely stepped out of his comfort zone. Not only did he leave his skin, he stole the entire show. After the first time I saw this movie, I had to see it again and again – just to digest the hilarious scenes of Kid Shelleen and his crazy horse…what a hoot. And if that isn't enough to gnaw on, watching Marvin play his uber-evil, no-good-nick brother – one Tim Strawn – was a total joy, adding the tastiest of frostings to that celluloid cake. And of course there is the great Jane Fonda – I will have to award her one big, 'meh.' She is one talented misguided ideologue who is not really cutout for comedy. As far as the rest of the cast goes, Michael Callan, Dwayne Hickman and Tom Nardini, all did excellent jobs. Some of the most rewarding moments were the scene changes orchestrated by the by the awesome voices of Nat King Cole and Bernard Katzin. Listening to these two sing was almost a spiritual experience in itself. What a magical duet. This is definitely one of the best pick-me-up movies I have seen. 'Cat Ballou,' is a comedy that leaves one with a smile in their heart, wanting to see more. I almost wished it never ended. If you haven't seen it yet, rent it.

Jane Fonda plays the heroine in director Elliot Silverstein's "Cat Ballou," a hilarious western comedy about young, beautiful school teacher who becomes a train robber to avenge her father's murder. Lee Marvin co-starred with her in a dual role as the ruthless killer Tim Strawn and the alcoholic gunslinger Kid Shelleen whose life has been immortalized in dime novels. Cat's father Frankie (John Marley) owns land that the Wolf City Development Company wants. When conventional methods such as stuffing manure down his well doesn't work to force Frankie to sell, the Wolf City bunch dispatches Tim Strawn. Strawn is an evil looking gunman who wears a tin nose over his nose that was bitten off in a fight. Before Frankie dies, Cat summons Kid Shelleen for $50 to help them. Frankie is astonished to learn that Shelleen is an alcoholic. As it turns out, Shelleen shoots well when he is boozed up. He can strike a tin can flying through the air with a single shot. After Frankie dies, Shelleen takes the outcast Cat and her companions, Clay Boone (Michael Callen) and Jed (Dwayne Hickman), and her Native American pal Jackson Two-Bears (Tom Nardini) to the infamous Hole-in-the-Wall hideout. Our heroine plans to rob a train. As it turns out, the man who owns the train is an Englishman, Sir Harry Percival (the ever dependable Reginald Denny), who is the man behind the Wolf City dastards. Our heroine kills Sir Harry by accident when she brandishes a pistol and they struggle over it. During their scuffle, the gun discharges and kills Sir Harry. Cat is imprisoned in the Wolf City jail and sentenced to hang on the gallows. Naturally, our heroes arrange to rescue our heroine. The scene when the drunken Shelleen is sitting astraddle his horse that is leaning against the wall of a store with its fore hoofs crossed is very funny. Lee Marvin won an Academy Award for her performance. Stubby Kaye and Nate King Cole play a charismatic pair of balladeers who appear at intervals to warble and strum the ballad of Cat Ballou. This film bears striking resemblance to "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in certain parts. Jane Fonda is gorgeous as usual and endearing as the heroine.