SYNOPSIS: "The Outlaw" (1943) is a Western film that focuses on the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid, whose real name is William Bonney. Directed by Howard Hughes, the story revolves around Billy's tumultuous relationships with two significant figures: Pat Garrett, a former friend turned lawman determined to bring him to justice, and Doc Holliday, a notorious gunslinger. The narrative begins with Billy's arrival in Lincoln, New Mexico, where he befriends Holliday, who is trying to recover his stolen horse. The two men bond over their shared outlaw status, but their friendship is tested when Holliday's love interest, Rio McDonald, enters the picture. Rio, who is initially rescued by Billy after being mistreated by Garrett, becomes a central figure in the ensuing drama. As the story progresses, a complex love triangle forms between Billy, Rio, and Holliday, leading to intense jealousy and rivalry. Garrett's relentless pursuit of Billy adds further tension, culminating in a series of confrontations that test loyalty, love, and friendship. The film is known for its controversial portrayal of sexuality and its focus on the moral ambiguities of its characters, making it a notable entry in the Western genre.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: The Outlaw, a 1943 Western film directed by Howard Hughes, tells the story of Pontiac, a notorious outlaw who roams the American West with his girlfriend, Willow. Pontiac's past is shrouded in mystery, but through a series of flashbacks, it is revealed that he has a troubled childhood and became an outlaw due to circumstances beyond his control. As he and Willow flee from one town to another, they take refuge in a small town where they meet Doc Holliday, a former dentist who has turned to a life of crime after contracting tuberculosis. Despite his questionable morals, Holliday becomes fascinated with Willow and agrees to help the couple evade capture.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Wade Harper is hot on their trail, determined to bring Pontiac to justice. Harper's motivations are driven by a sense of duty rather than personal gain, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to capture the outlaw. As the stakes grow higher, Pontiac's relationships with Willow and Holliday become more complicated. Willow is trapped in a loveless marriage with Pontiac, and Doc Holliday's past as a dentist provides comedic relief. The tension between the characters culminates in an intense gunfight between Pontiac and his rival, Cooper, which leads to a shocking twist that changes the course of the story.

Throughout the film, the American West is portrayed as a symbol of freedom and rebellion, where outlaws can find solace and anonymity. However, the film also suggests that crime can corrupt even those who seem innocent, including Doc Holliday. Ultimately, The Outlaw is a story about redemption and second chances, as Pontiac must confront his past and decide whether to continue his life of crime or seek redemption.

The film's style is notable for its blend of action, romance, and drama. The cinematography is characterized by high-contrast black-and-white photography, which adds to the film's gritty and realistic tone. The score by Victor Young adds to the dramatic tension, creating a sense of foreboding and danger. Overall, The Outlaw is a complex and engaging Western film that explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the American West's dark underbelly. Its unique blend of action, romance, and drama makes it a memorable classic that continues to be celebrated today.

PRODUCTION: The production of the 1943 film "The Outlaw" was a complex and challenging process that spanned several months. Principal photography began on September 8, 1942, at the Paramount Pictures studio in Los Angeles, California. The film's director, Howard Hughes, was a perfectionist and insisted on meticulous attention to detail, which resulted in a slow and laborious shooting schedule.

The film starred Jack Buetel as Billy the Kid and Thomas Mitchell as Pat Garrett, with Jane Russell making her film debut as Rio McDonald. The cast spent several weeks rehearsing and filming interior scenes at the studio before moving on to location shoots in Arizona and New Mexico. The desert landscapes provided a unique and challenging backdrop for the production, with Hughes often requiring multiple takes to get the desired shots.

One of the most notable aspects of "The Outlaw" was its innovative cinematography. Hughes worked closely with cinematographer John Alton to create a stylized and expressive visual style that emphasized the rugged beauty of the American West.

The two men used a combination of high-contrast lighting and sweeping camera movements to create a sense of drama and tension.

Despite the challenges posed by Hughes' perfectionism and the harsh desert environment, the production team was able to complete filming by January 1943. The editing process took several more months, with Hughes himself heavily involved in the process. He worked closely with editor Desmond Marquette to create a narrative that was both faithful to the original story and visually striking.

Throughout the production, Hughes was also busy experimenting with new sound techniques and technologies. He used a combination of sound effects and music to create an immersive audio experience, which added to the film's overall atmosphere and tension. 

In total, the production of "The Outlaw" took around six months to complete, with principal photography lasting from September 8, 1942, to January 1943. The film's post-production process took several more months, with Hughes working tirelessly to perfect every aspect of the final product. Despite its challenging production, "The Outlaw" went on to become a critical and commercial success, cementing Hughes' reputation as a visionary filmmaker and earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.

RELEASE: "The Outlaw" was released on May 26, 1943, by RKO Radio Pictures, following its world premiere at the Fox Theatre in Los Angeles on June 18, 1943. The film became notable for its controversial themes and provocative content, particularly its portrayal of sexuality through the character of Rio McDonald, played by Jane Russell. This led to censorship issues in various markets, delaying its broader release. Despite these challenges, the film's striking visuals and performances, especially by Russell and Jack Beutel as Billy the Kid, captured audience interest. Critics were divided; while some praised its bold storytelling, others criticized its narrative execution and pacing.

Nevertheless, "The Outlaw" gained a cult following over the years, showcasing Russell in one of her first significant roles and contributing to her rising stardom. The film's release occurred amid World War II, and its themes of rebellion resonated with audiences seeking escapism. Jane Russell's performance, highlighted in promotional materials, along with her revealing costumes, generated significant media coverage, adding to the film's notoriety and box office success. The strategic marketing campaign emphasized Russell's role, enhancing her image as a glamorous and strong female lead. Over time, "The Outlaw" has been reevaluated and appreciated for its stylistic choices and performances, securing its place in cinematic history as a significant Western that pushed boundaries for its time.

CAST:

• Jack Buetel as Billy the Kid

• Jane Russell as Rio McDonald

• Walter Huston as Doc Holliday

• Thomas Mitchell as Pat Garrett

• Mimi Aguglia as Guadalupe

• Joe Sawyer as Charley

CREW:

• Director: Howard Hughes

• Producers: Howard Hughes

• Screenwriters: Jules Furthman, Howard Hawks (uncredited)

• Cinematographer: Gregg Toland

• Editor: Wallace Grissell

• Music: Victor Young

Production Company: Howard Hughes Productions
Distributor: United Artists

Release Date: February 4, 1953
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 116 minutes
Budget: $2 million
Box Office Return: $5 million

IMDB Rating =  5.4 / 10

TRIVIA:

• Jane Russell's role as Rio McDonald catapulted her to stardom, despite the film's initial censorship challenges and delayed release.

• Howard Hughes's meticulous attention to detail extended to the film's promotional materials, which prominently featured Jane Russell's figure, sparking controversy and drawing significant attention to the production.

• "The Outlaw" marked a departure from traditional Western narratives by focusing on the relationships and emotions of its characters, setting a precedent for future films in the genre.

• Jane Russell got the role after a nationwide search by Howard Hughes for a busty actress.

• Howard Hawks started as director but quit after two weeks, leading to Howard Hughes taking over.

• Jack Buetel made his official screen debut in "The Outlaw," but his career was hampered by contractual issues with Hughes.

• Howard Hughes designed a new cantilevered underwire bra to enhance Russell's figure, although she did not wear it during filming.

• The film is noted for being the first American film that defied the Production Code, which governed what could be shown on screen.

• Although finished and copyrighted in February 1941, the film faced censorship issues, delaying its theatrical release until 1943.

• "The Outlaw" broke box office records where it was shown and reportedly made over $20 million by June 1968.

• Location shooting occurred in Arizona and New Mexico, contributing to its authentic Western setting.

• Despite controversy, Jane Russell became a popular pin-up girl during World War II due to the film's publicity.

"The Outlaw" remains a notable entry in Hollywood history for its innovative approach to the Western genre and its impact on cinematic representations of the Old West.