The Outlaw (1943)
Howard Hughes' scandalous Western that launched Jane Russell and ignited one of Hollywood's most notorious censorship battles.
The Outlaw - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Outlaw
- Release Year: 1943
- Directed by: Howard Hughes
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 5, 1943 (United States - NR), November 29, 1946 (United Kingdom - U), January 7, 1947 (France - TP), November 7, 1946 (Mexico - B-15)
- Alternative Titles: Den laglöse (SE), A Terra dos Homens Perdidos (PT), Le banni (FR), Vestens udstødte (DK), Vogelvrij verklaard (NL), El proscrito (AR), Wyjety spod prawa (PL), Вне закона (RU)
- Production Companies: Howard Hughes Productions, RKO Radio Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Outlaw - Plot
Newly appointed sheriff Pat Garrett is pleased when his old friend Doc Holliday arrives in Lincoln, New Mexico on the stage. Doc is trailing his stolen horse, and it is discovered in the possession of Billy the Kid. In a surprising turnaround, Billy and Doc become friends. This causes the friendship between Doc and Pat to cool. The odd relationship between Doc and Billy grows stranger when Doc hides Billy at his girl Rio's place after Billy is shot.
The Outlaw - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this classic Howard Hughes Western:
Tall.... Terrific.... and Trouble!
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The Outlaw - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Howard Hughes
Main Cast
- Jack Buetel
- Jane Russell
- Thomas Mitchell
- Walter Huston
- Mimi Aguglia
- Joe Sawyer
- Gene Rizzi
- Bobby Callahan
- Martín Garralaga
- Ben Johnson
Writers
- Jules Furthman
Producers
- Howard Hughes
The Outlaw - FAQs
Why was The Outlaw banned or censored upon release?
The Outlaw faced intense censorship battles due to its provocative marketing and Jane Russell's revealing costumes. The Hays Office refused to approve it, and the film was pulled from wide release for years. Howard Hughes fought the censors publicly, turning the controversy into a massive publicity campaign that made the film notorious.
Where can you stream The Outlaw (1943)?
The Outlaw (1943) is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+, Philo, Pure Flix, Fandor, FlixFling, IndieFlix, Troma NOW, and several other platforms. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for a complete and up-to-date list of streaming options.
Who are the main actors in The Outlaw?
The Outlaw stars Jack Buetel as Billy the Kid and Jane Russell as Rio McDonald in her film debut. The supporting cast includes Thomas Mitchell as Pat Garrett and Walter Huston as Doc Holliday, with Mimi Aguglia, Joe Sawyer, and an uncredited Ben Johnson also appearing.
Is The Outlaw based on a true story?
The Outlaw is loosely inspired by historical figures — Billy the Kid, Doc Holliday, and Pat Garrett were all real people of the American frontier. However, the film takes extensive creative liberties with their relationships and events, and should be regarded as a fictionalized Western rather than a historically accurate account.
Who directed The Outlaw and what is its significance?
Howard Hughes directed The Outlaw, marking one of his most controversial ventures in Hollywood. The film is historically significant for its defiance of the Production Code, its role in launching Jane Russell's career, and its place as an early example of a studio using scandal and censorship battles as deliberate marketing strategy.
What is The Outlaw (1943) about?
Set in Lincoln, New Mexico, the film follows Sheriff Pat Garrett, his old friend Doc Holliday, and the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid. When Billy and Doc form an unlikely bond over a stolen horse, old loyalties fracture. The story deepens as Doc hides the wounded Billy at his girlfriend Rio's home, entangling all four in jealousy and danger.
What is the runtime and age rating for The Outlaw?
The Outlaw runs approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes (116 minutes). The film is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States. It was originally released in 1943 and predates the modern MPAA rating system, though it was famously controversial for its content at the time of release.
Did The Outlaw have any notable LGBT themes?
The Outlaw has been noted by film scholars for its subtextual LGBT themes, particularly in the intense, emotionally charged bond between Billy the Kid and Doc Holliday. The relationship between the two men carries an undercurrent of intimacy that has led to queer readings of the film in contemporary critical analysis.
More About The Outlaw
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