September 1974

"YOU NEVER KNOW what's around the comer" as the old saying goes and how true it is! When I wrote in the Christmas issue of Movie Maker about my collection of package movies I had no idea that a few months later I would be stepping into the shoes of Denis Gifford and his monthly review column. But here I am! So, fellow collectors, sit back in your seats and let the show commence.

Denis, through pressure of other work, has had to 'retire' from the 8mm scene. He's certainly doing well for himself - I saw him recently on the panel of BBC One's The Movie Quiz putting the other more 'starry' panelists to shame with his amazing knowledge of the cinema.

Needless to say, folks, I couldn't possibly compete with his lifetime of research - and have no intention of attempting any such thing. Instead, I hope to make this a more open column where you, fellow film fans, can also air your views - not just complaints but bouquets of flowers when you are particularly pleased with a new release. Either way I hope you will come to look on this as your column feel free to drop me a line care of Movie Maker any time. We are all fascinated by the cinema past and present; let's see if, together, we can get even more enjoyment from it.

Films are like females - what turns me on may leave you stone cold! Film criticism, as I know from entering my own films in many competitions, is a very subjective matter. I can only, therefore, give you my own personal opinion on each release under discussion. The decision as to whether or not you add the film to your collection must, ultimately, remain with you.

Having been 'caught out' many years ago by purchasing films which did not come up to my expectations I decided then always to hire a title in which I was interested before buying a copy. For the small hire fees involved I saved myself pounds by avoiding the titles which did not satisfy.

Today, the films available are of a much better standard both in content and quality so this 'hire before buy' rule need not always apply. I would, however, still recommend you to hire first if you have any doubts about a film. After all, when a colour:sound one- meter Costs in the region of ten pounds you don't want to make mistakes when forking out that sort of money!

Right that's enough of the chat for this month; let's start viewing. And the first film out of the bag is a real corker Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin in Cat Ballot. It's from Columbia and distributed in this country by Mountain Films Ltd.

Westerns are a way of life in the cinema; there have been some great ones and a lot of second rate rubbish. I'm not a devour fan myself but find Cat Ballou delightful. Lee Marvin received an Oscar for his dual role and Jane Fonda is a knock-out having been filmed before her political life overtook her Mm career. As well as these two top stars many other familiar faces are glimpsed along the way; Jay C. Flippcn, that redoubtable sheriff of many a western who died a couple of years ago; Arthur Hunnicutt whose speciality is the slow speaking southern character.

Yet another of the delights in this release is the sound track. Not only is it of excellent quality but it features a most catchy theme sung by Nat King Cole ably assisted by Stubby Kaye who appear as two wandering musicians named Sam-the-Shade and the Sunrise Kid. Their song recurs throughout the film as they tell the legend of Cat Ballou - this, by the way, has helped the editor of this 8mm version considerably for it helps to bridge a few gaps in the story line.

The film opens with these two characters singing into camera:

"Well now friends just lend an ear
For you're now about to hear
The ballad of Cat Ballou.
It's a song that's newly made
And Professor Sam The Shade Ard the Sunrise Kid are singing it for you . . ."

After a good title sequence involving that hoary old device used in so many westerns the credits appearing on the turned pages of a book - we meet Cat Ballou, or Catherine Ballou as she is known at the outset, for she is a shy young thing travelling with an aunt to sec her father. On the train she sits down rather sheepishly opposite a handsome young priest. She timidly introduces herself "I'm Catherine Balton"; the priest leans fonvard and, instead of replying "I'm Father Murphy" or the like as the audience expects, he blurts out "I'm - as drunk as a skunk!"

From then on it's all action with some very funny sequences; the priest approaches the sheriff with handcuffed prisoner and asks "any particular verse you'd like to hear - there's bound to be something in here to help you." Whereupon' he opens the bible and produces a gun from the hollowed out pages.

Soon we meet Lee Marvin in his marvellous comic role of the permanently drunk gun slingcr named Kid Chelline who is hired by Cat to find her father's killer -- also played by Lee Marvin. To anyone who has not seen the full cinema version this is one point in the cut-down which may cause confusion. However, the film nIOVes along at such a pace that you don't have time to worry about it!

There's a nice barn dance sequence complete with punch up; a train robbery in which Jane Fonda, all in black, is mourning her 'dead' husband who won't lie down in his coffin; a seduction scene in which Jane shoots her seducer and a near hanging when she is saved by the redoubtable priest - who opens his bible yet again, produces a knife, cuts the rope us the trap door is sprung and Jane falls into the arms of her true love. They all pile into the back of a waiting hearse and race out of town followed by the paralytic Lee Marvin who hangs from his horse at a most acrobatic angle.

The film closes as Nat King Cole sings:

"So she rode away, just where to is a mystery
But Cat rode into history
And her legend grew
She was the Queen of the outlaws,
Her Highness, Cat Ballou !"

I'm sure you will be thinking - that's a heck of 3 lot of action to get into a one-reeler. And you're right - for this is a two-reeler, the first to he released by Columbia or any other major distributor for that matter. With good co/our and excellent sound, it is available in both gauges. The standard 8 prints are exclusive to Derann Film Services while the super 8 prints are distributed by Mountain Films Ltd. The recommended retail price is a staggering - thirty pounds! But don't have a heart attack; my latest listing from Dcrann prices it at £17.60 so shop around before buying. Stan by reading the advertisements in Movie Maker and sending for the lists available from the many outlets; it's the only way to get a bargain.

I've certainly rambled on about this release haven't I? But I think it worth it for it's an excellent film. I'm glad I invested in a print. By the way if you're.' fan of Jane Fonda you may be interested in a new biography just out; haven't read it yet myself but hope to soon. Entitled lane Fonda - An Intimate Biography, it's written by Thomas Kiernan and published by Talmy Franklin at £2.95. It should prove interesting reading - little wonder she's a hit mixed up; how would you feel if your father had brought five mothers into your life, your own mother had committed suicide when you were thirteen, your brother had taken drugs and one of your best friends had been ritually murdered!

I seem to have run out of space for now but, just to whet your appetite, I have for next month among others a film which includes the scenes which were removed by the British censor when the film was released to the cinemas in this country. Last Tango In Paris on 8mm? Not quite I will reveal all next month. In the meantime, don't forget - I look forward to hearing from you; after all, we collector nuts have got to stick together! See you next month.

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