In the classic 1965 Western comedy Cat Ballou, Lee Marvin gave an unforgettable performance as Kid Shelleen, a washed-up, drunken gunfighter. But one of the biggest stars of the film wasn’t just Lee Marvin—it was his horse. The famous scene where Marvin’s character, completely drunk, slumps over his equally inebriated-looking horse is one of the most iconic moments in Western film history.
The Scene: Man and Horse in Perfect Comedy
The scene is pure genius. Kid Shelleen, barely able to sit upright, leans against a brick wall while his horse does the same. The horse appears just as unsteady as its rider, with drooping eyes and a slouched posture. This hilarious visual made the audience laugh, but it also showcased the incredible training of the horse and the skill of Marvin as an actor.
The Acting and Training Behind the Scene
Lee Marvin was already a well-known actor, but his portrayal of Kid Shelleen won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. His ability to play a convincing drunk was remarkable, but what made the scene stand out was how well the horse mirrored his behavior.
The horse was specially trained to lean against the wall, stand in a wobbly stance, and even keep its eyes half-closed to appear intoxicated. Achieving this effect took time, patience, and expert animal training. Horses are incredibly intelligent, but getting one to act “drunk” required precise commands and trust between the horse and its trainer.
Lee Marvin and His Four-Legged Co-Star
Marvin had a deep respect for the horse that performed alongside him. He often praised the horse’s work in interviews, calling it one of the best actors he had ever worked with. Though the horse’s name is not as widely remembered as Marvin’s, its role in Cat Ballou remains legendary.
What made this performance even more special was that the horse did not use any mechanical assistance or visual effects. Everything was based on natural movements trained through repetition and positive reinforcement.
The Legacy of the Scene
The “drunken horse” moment became one of the most talked-about scenes in film history. It showed that animals could be just as expressive and important in storytelling as human actors. Lee Marvin’s outstanding comedic timing combined with the horse’s flawless execution of its training created movie magic that still delights audiences today.
In Cat Ballou, Marvin played both Kid Shelleen and his evil twin, but it was his partnership with his horse that truly stole the show. Even now, decades later, this scene remains a shining example of great animal training and brilliant acting in Hollywood.