THE OUTLAW (1943) * ½

The Outlaw was eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes’ second and final film.  Like Hell’s Angels, the story surrounding the making of the movie is more interesting than the movie itself.  Hughes found his lusty, busty leading lady Jane Russell during a nationwide talent search, and her two big talents were the main reason why the flick was such a sensation.  Hughes openly defied The Hays Code, which forbade depicting implied sexuality, and because of that, it couldn’t legally be shown in respectable theaters.  It later wound up playing on the roadshow circuit for years and went on to become a cult item.  Seeing it now though, it’s hard to tell what the fuss was all about. 

The Outlaw depicts the meeting of Wild West legends Doc Holliday (Walter Huston) and Billy the Kid (Jack Buetel).  They make an uneasy alliance as Doc helps Billy perpetually evade capture by his good friend, sheriff Pat Garrett (Thomas Mitchell).  Trouble brews once Billy becomes enamored with Doc’s best gal Rio (Russell). 

Despite all the hubbub Russell’s bustline caused, this is a drab, dreary, and slow-moving oater in just about every way.  You know you’re in trouble when the great Gregg (Citizen Kane) Toland is your cinematographer and the film still looks blah.  The listless performances and terrible score (which often fluctuates from whimsical to comedic to melodramatic, sometimes within the same scene) further hamstring the experience.  Then there’s the clunky revisionist finale, which throws all historical accuracy out the window and only succeeds in making the whole thing that much more laughable.

Russell’s cleavage is best thing about the otherwise forgettable film.  Sure, the scene where Buetel gives her a roll in the hay was shocking for the day.  That doesn’t make it worth sitting through all the stilted dialogue scenes and forgettable shootouts.  Speaking of rolling, Hughes might’ve been rolling in the dough, but he sure isn’t much of a director.  At least Hell’s Angels had the benefit of some great aerial dogfight footage.  While Russell’s rack might be an impressive sight, The Outlaw is a big bust.