The Outlaw (1943) is an American Western directed and produced by Howard Hughes, originally begun under Howard Hawks before Hughes took over production. The film stars Jack Buetel as Billy the Kid, Jane Russell in her breakthrough role as Rio McDonald, Thomas Mitchell as Pat Garrett, and Walter Huston as Doc Holliday.
The story reimagines the relationships among these legendary figures, focusing on a tense triangle of loyalty, rivalry, and desire. Billy the Kid and Doc Holliday form an uneasy friendship after clashing over a stolen horse, while Sheriff Pat Garrett attempts to maintain order. Rio, seeking revenge for her brother’s death, becomes entangled with Billy, creating emotional and moral conflict amid the lawlessness of the frontier.
The film became notorious for its sensual marketing centered on Jane Russell, leading to censorship battles and delayed release. It is now recognized as an early example of the psychological Western.
Film Details
Year: 1943 (premiere), re‑released 1946
Genre: Western / Psychological Western
Directors: Howard Hughes; Howard Hawks (uncredited)
Writer: Jules Furthman
Produced by: Howard Hughes
Starring: Jack Buetel, Jane Russell, Thomas Mitchell, Walter Huston
Cinematography: Gregg Toland
Edited by: Wallace Grissell
Music: Victor Young
Studio: Howard Hughes Productions
Distributed by: Hughes (original), United Artists (1946), RKO Radio Pictures
Release Dates:
February 5, 1943 (San Francisco premiere)
March 1946 (general re‑release)
Runtime: 121 minutes (original), 115 minutes (1946 cut)
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $3.4 million
Box Office: $20 million
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