Marvellous Marvin
The Killers
Lee Marvin Vs Ronald Reagan. Deemed too violent for TV when it was made, Don Siegel’s thriller may seem tame by today’s standards but the performances have stood the test of time. Lee Marvin and Clu Gulager are a great double act as two hitmen looking to score some stolen loot, Angie Dickinson hits all the right notes as a duplicitous femme fatale but the surprise is Ronald Reagan. I’ve never been a fan of Reagan but he’s outstanding here, his portrayal of a double-dealing crook is so convincing it’s little wonder he had a successful career in politics. Siegel was hampered a little by John Cassavetes, who plays the doomed race car driver, because the actor couldn’t drive, even the go-cart race with Angie Dickinson is all rear projection for Cassavetes shots, while Dickinson seems to be having a ball. Siegel transcends his limited budget and delivers a minor classic.
Cat Ballou
Lee Marvin Vs Lee Marvin. This was a favourite of mine as a kid but it’s not stood the test of time too well. The songs from Nat ‘King’ Cole and Stubby Kaye are still fun, Jane Fonda looks great in her pre-serious actress period and Marvin is good value for money in twin roles, essentially playing two aspects of his personality, the tough guy and the drunk. The laughs however are few and far between.
