Cat Ballou (1965) - Elliot Sliverstein

A comedy/musical/western hybrid that won Lee Marvin as somewhat surprising Oscar. Jane Fonda in one of her first major American roles, plays the title character who goes from schoolmarm to outlaw relatively quick. Lee Marvin plays two roles here, and well that sort of thing impresses Academy voters, especially playing against type. The film is witty at times, and the Greek chorus supplied by Nat King Cole is a punctuating highlight. However Marvin's performance is rather secondary even if he's playing two roles. As a western this has fun playing against certain stereotypes, but ultimately complying with them. At least now I have every best actor winner covered from 27-67.

*Cat Ballou was nominated for best adapted score, best adapted screenplay, best editing, and best song. It won for best actor (Marvin).