Watch The Outlaw

The Outlaw from 1943 is a classic Western movie directed by Howard Hughes. The movie stars Jack Buetel as Billy the Kid, Thomas Mitchell as Pat Garrett, and Jane Russell as Rio McDonald. It is loosely based on the real life story of Billy the Kid, and deals with his rivalry with Pat Garrett and his love for Rio McDonald. The story begins with Billy the Kid escaping from prison with the help of his friend Doc Holliday (Walter Huston). From there, he sets out on a mission to avenge the death of his friend and mentor, John Tunstall, who was killed by Pat Garrett. In the meantime, he meets Rio McDonald, a beautiful young woman who captures his heart.

While Billy and Rio fall deeply in love, Pat Garrett is on their trail, determined to bring Billy to justice. The tension between the two men builds throughout the movie, as they engage in a game of cat and mouse across the plains of New Mexico. Meanwhile, Rio is caught in the middle, torn between her love for Billy and her loyalty to Pat Garrett.

The Outlaw is famous for Jane Russell's debut role as Rio McDonald. Her voluptuous figure and sultry demeanor captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, and she became an instant star. In fact, her performance was so provocative that it led to censorship battles with the Production Code Administration, which deemed the movie too risque for release. Director Howard Hughes fought against the censorship crusade and eventually won, paving the way for more daring movies in the future.

Aside from the controversy surrounding Russell's performance, The Outlaw is also notable for its innovative cinematography. Hughes experimented with new camera angles and framing techniques, giving the movie a unique and dynamic visual style. The outdoor scenes, shot on location in the desert, are particularly striking, with sweeping panoramas and stunning sunsets.

The soundtrack of The Outlaw is also noteworthy, with a memorable score by Victor Young that includes the popular song “My Little One”, which became a hit in its own right. The music adds to the movie's emotional depth and heightens the tension of its key scenes.

Despite the controversy and innovation of The Outlaw, the movie was not well-received by critics at the time of its release. Many complained about the script's historical inaccuracies and the wooden performances of the actors. However, over time, The Outlaw has become a cult classic, beloved by fans of Westerns and classic Hollywood cinema.

Overall, The Outlaw from 1943 is a fascinating and important movie in the history of Hollywood. It broke new ground in terms of censorship and cinematography, and launched the careers of several Hollywood legends. Although it may not be the most accurate depiction of Billy the Kid's life, it is a thrilling and entertaining Western that has stood the test of time.

The Outlaw is a 1943 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.