Cat Ballou

Catherine 'Cat' Ballou is a schoolteacher in the Old West who discovers her father has been murdered by a ruthless railroad baron. To avenge his death, she hires a notorious outlaw named Kid Shelleen, a legendary gunfighter who is, in reality, a drunken, washed-up bum. Cat's attempts to control the incompetent Shelleen, along with her bumbling accomplices, lead to a series of chaotic and comical misadventures as they try to stop the railroad's expansion.

Cat Ballou was a critical and commercial success, praised for its unconventional blend of Western tropes and slapstick comedy. Jane Fonda's performance as the titular schoolteacher was lauded, and Lee Marvin's dual role as the two Kid Shelleens earned him widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award.

• Hilarious and anarchic take on the Western genre.

• Lee Marvin's Oscar-winning performance is a standout.

• Jane Fonda shines in this surprisingly witty and charming comedy.

Google audience: Audiences appreciate the film's unique comedic style and the memorable performances, especially Lee Marvin's. Many find it a refreshing and entertaining departure from typical Westerns.

Academy Award for Best Actor (Lee Marvin), nominated for Best Film Editing, Best Original Song (The Ballad of Cat Ballou).

Lee Marvin won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Kid Shelleen, despite the character being a drunken mess for most of the film. He famously said in his acceptance speech, 'I think this character was written by someone who had a slight edge on me.' He also played the dual role of the "good" Kid Shelleen and his evil twin brother, "The "Bad" Kid Shelleen."