The Outlaw

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

80%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 10

31%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,544
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Movie Info

This off-beat western is best remembered for the scandal surrounding its release, most of it having to do with the supposedly erotic scenes involving Jane Russell who plays the busty siren who steals the heart of Billy the Kid (Jack Buetel). The highly fictionalized story centers on the rivalrous, tentative friendships between the Kid, Doc Holiday (Walter Huston) and Pat Garrett (Mitchell Thomas). Many of the most racy scenes were cut out to appease the censors, therefore different versions are available with the original 117 minute cut being the most difficult to find.

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Cast

Jane Russell
as Rio
Jack Buetel
as Billy the Kid
Jack Beutel
as Billy the Kid
Walter Huston
as Doc Holliday
Thomas Mitchell
as Pat Garrett
Mimi Aguglia
as Guadalupe
Joe Sawyer
as Charley
Gene Rizzi
as Stranger
Frank Darien
as Shorty
Pat West
as Bartender
Carl Stockdale
as Minister
Nena Quartaro
as Chita
Dick Jones
as Boy
Frank Ward
as Boy
Bob Callahan
as Boy
Ethan Laidlaw
as Deputy
Ed Brady
as Deputy
William Steele
as Deputy
Wallace Reid Jr.
as Bystander
Edward Peil Sr.
as Swanson
Lee "Lasses" White
as Coach Driver
Ted Mapes
as Guard
William Newell
as Drunk Cowboy
Cecil Kellogg
as Officer
Lee Shumway
as Dealer
Emory Parnell
as Dolan
Martin Garralaga
as Waiter
Julian Rivero
as Pablo
Arthur Loft
as Salesman
Dick Elliott
as Salesman
John Sheehan
as Salesman
Ben Johnson
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Critic Reviews for The Outlaw

All Critics (10) | Top Critics (1)

  • One of the weirdest westerns of all time, reflecting the eccentricities of its producer and credited director, Howard Hughes.

    Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…

    Jonathan Rosenbaum

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • The leads are all capable but none of them seem to be acting in the same movie, as if Hughes couldn't decide what movie he really wanted to make.

    Jun 3, 2019 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…

    Matthew Lucas

    From the Front Row

  • By today's standards the film is naive and amateurish, but in 1943, it was one of the most scandalous features Hollywood has made due to Howard Hughes brilliant campaign to exploit Jane Russell's buxum.

    Jun 22, 2011 | Rating: C+ | Full Review…

    Emanuel Levy

    EmanuelLevy.Com

  • Stagey, not that well written, acted or directed (by Howard Hughes) western. More infamous than good.

    Mar 2, 2008 | Rating: 3/5

    Steve Crum

    Video-Reviewmaster.com

  • There are only two reasons why anyone was intrigued with this film...can you guess?

    Nov 1, 2006 | Rating: 2.5/5

    Phil Hall

    Film Threat

  • The film would be G-rated today, but at the time, that hint of skin was enough to send people scampering for a little water to put on their brow.

    Jan 27, 2005 | Rating: 3/5

    Christopher Null

    Filmcritic.com
View All Critic Reviews (10)

Audience Reviews for The Outlaw

  • Oct 03, 2018
    There's Billy the Kid in this story. Doc Holiday's in it too. Think they'll duke it out or maybe a lowdown showdown shootout between two infamous fast guns? That anticipation is the given reason for you hanging around, the justification. But the show is really about Russell's, umm, well, perhaps I've already said it. Howard Hughes does a okay Western, but first let's get 'em in the seats, yah, and that's up to Russell. I don't think ol'Howard was all that crazy.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jun 19, 2011
    Infamous western is really not very good with several obviously rear projection scenes really taking you out of the movie. Fictional story of Billy the Kid is troubled in many places perhaps the biggest is Buetel a blank faced black hole at the center of the film. Even the usually great Huston and Thomas Mitchell give weak hammy performances and Jane Russell while extremely lush and fresh had not yet learned how to act in front of the camera but does exude presence and charisma missing from the rest of the film. It's overlong to boot!
    jay n Super Reviewer
  • Jul 22, 2009
    Magnifisent sizzling Western with one of the worlds most beautiful screen sirens ever to grace the limelight.
    Barry L Super Reviewer
  • Jan 25, 2009
    Tacky and didn't hold my attention. I guess it would have been thrilling in the 40's, but not now...
    Sarah P Super Reviewer
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