Mary Allen
Introduction: Cat Ballou
Cat Ballou is a western comedy film released in 1965. Directed by Elliot Silverstein and produced by Harold Hecht, the film is based on Roy Chanslor’s novel The Ballad of Cat Ballou. The film stars Jane Fonda, Lee Marvin, and Michael Callan. Cat Ballou was a commercial success and received critical acclaim, winning Lee Marvin an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Overview: The Film’s Production
Cat Ballou was primarily shot in California in various locations, including Northridge Ranch. The film’s production began in July 1964 and lasted for two months. The filmmakers selected Northridge Ranch primarily for its scenery, which resembled the Old West. The ranch’s vast open space, mountains, and canyons provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s story.
The Filming Location: Northridge Ranch
Northridge Ranch is a 2,000-acre property located in the San Fernando Valley in California. The ranch has been a popular filming location for movies, television shows, commercials, and music videos. In the 1960s, the ranch was a working cattle ranch and a favorite location for western films.
The Location’s History
Northridge Ranch was originally owned by the Spanish government and later acquired by the Mexican government. In the 1850s, the land was purchased by a Scottish immigrant named William Mulholland, who used the property for cattle grazing. In the early 1900s, the ranch was sold to the Porter family, who expanded the ranch and established a citrus orchard. The ranch was sold to a real estate developer in the 1950s, who later sold it to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The ranch was eventually purchased by the National Park Service in the 1980s.
The Ranch’s Features and Scenery
Northridge Ranch features a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills, canyons, mountains, and meadows. The ranch is also home to several natural springs and streams. The ranch’s scenery has made it a popular filming location for westerns, including Cat Ballou.
The Ranch’s Previous Film Appearances
Northridge Ranch has been a popular filming location for Hollywood since the 1920s. The ranch has been featured in several films, including The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), The Magnificent Seven (1960), and Lassie (1954).
The Ranch’s Accessibility and Visitors
Northridge Ranch is not open to the public, and visitors are not allowed on the property without prior permission. However, the ranch is visible from several public roads and hiking trails.
The Ranch’s Ownership and Management
Northridge Ranch is currently owned and managed by the National Park Service. The ranch is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and is managed as a natural resource area.
The Filming Challenges: Heat and Dust
Filming Cat Ballou at Northridge Ranch presented several challenges, including the intense heat and dust. The filmmakers had to deal with temperatures that often exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit and dust storms that made filming difficult.
The Film’s Impact on Northridge Ranch
Cat Ballou’s success helped put Northridge Ranch on the map as a popular filming location. The ranch’s unique scenery and accessibility to Hollywood made it a prime location for westerns and other films.
Conclusion: Cat Ballou’s Legacy
Cat Ballou’s legacy lives on in its status as a classic western comedy film. The film’s success helped to cement the careers of Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin and contributed to the popularity of Northridge Ranch as a filming location.
Further Readings and References
- IMDb. (2021). Cat Ballou. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059017/
- National Park Service. (n.d.). Northridge Ranch. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/samo/learn/historyculture/northridge-ranch.htm
- The New York Times. (1965, June 6). Screen: Jane Fonda Stars in ‘Cat Ballou.’ Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/06/archives/screen-jane-fonda-stars-in-cat-ballou.html