The Outlaw

Plot

Newly appointed sheriff Pat Garrett welcomes his old friend Doc Holliday to Lincoln, New Mexico, but their reunion is complicated when Doc discovers his stolen horse in Billy the Kid's possession. In an unexpected turn of events, Billy and Doc form a close friendship, causing tension between Doc and Pat. When Billy is wounded during a confrontation, Doc hides him at the home of his girlfriend Rio, creating a dangerous love triangle. The complex relationships between the three men escalate as Rio develops feelings for Billy, leading to betrayal, jealousy, and ultimately a violent confrontation that tests their loyalties and friendships.

Historical Background

Made during World War II, 'The Outlaw' emerged during a period when Hollywood was supposed to be producing morale-boosting, patriotic content. Instead, Hughes chose to create a controversial Western that pushed the boundaries of the Hays Code. The film's production began in 1940, as America was on the brink of entering WWII, and its release in 1943 came at a time when the film industry was heavily involved in the war effort. The film's focus on individualism and rebellion against authority, while subtle, resonated with audiences weary of wartime conformity. The controversy surrounding the film also reflected broader societal tensions between traditional values and changing sexual mores in American culture.

Making Of

The production of 'The Outlaw' was notoriously chaotic and expensive, primarily due to Howard Hughes' obsessive perfectionism and fascination with Jane Russell. Hughes took over directing duties from Howard Hawks after disagreements about how to best showcase Russell's assets. He reportedly spent countless hours filming scenes of Russell in various states of undress, many of which never made it into the final film. The production went over budget by millions, with Hughes demanding multiple takes of simple scenes. The film's post-production was equally troubled, with Hughes editing and re-editing the footage for over two years while battling censors. The censorship battles became legendary, with Hughes using the controversy as free publicity, creating a nationwide debate about morality in films that ultimately helped the film's box office performance.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Lucien Ballard employed innovative techniques to highlight Jane Russell's figure, including special lighting and camera angles. Hughes reportedly experimented with various methods to enhance Russell's bust on screen, including using low camera angles and specific lighting setups. The film also made effective use of the Alabama Hills location, creating dramatic Western landscapes that contrasted with the intimate, sometimes claustrophobic indoor scenes. The black and white photography emphasized shadows and contrasts, adding to the film's moody atmosphere. Ballard's work, while serving Hughes' particular obsessions, still managed to create some striking visual compositions that elevated the material beyond mere exploitation.

Innovations

While not known for technical innovation in the traditional sense, 'The Outlaw' pioneered new techniques in film marketing and promotion. Howard Hughes' campaign for the film created a blueprint for using controversy as a marketing tool. The film also pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable under the Hays Code, testing the limits of censorship and paving the way for more adult content in future films. Hughes' obsessive attention to how Jane Russell appeared on screen led to experiments with costume design, lighting, and camera angles that, while serving his particular interests, did advance techniques for filming and presenting female stars. The film's success in overcoming censorship also demonstrated that the Code could be challenged effectively.

Music

The musical score was composed by Victor Young, who created a typical Western soundtrack with romantic undertones that complemented the film's love triangle dynamics. The music emphasized the emotional conflicts between the characters, particularly during scenes involving Rio's growing attraction to Billy the Kid. While not groundbreaking, Young's score provided appropriate dramatic support for the film's various moods, from action sequences to romantic moments. The soundtrack also included period-appropriate songs that helped establish the Western setting. The music, like much of the film, served primarily to enhance the emotional and romantic elements rather than the traditional Western action.

Memorable Scenes

• The controversial scene where Jane Russell, as Rio, emerges from the lake in a wet blouse that became one of the most debated moments in 1940s cinema
• The tense three-way confrontation between Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid, and Pat Garrett where their complex friendship dynamics come to a head
• The scene where Doc hides the wounded Billy at Rio's place, establishing the dangerous love triangle
• The final gunfight sequence that resolves the various character conflicts and betrayals

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception was largely negative, with many reviewers condemning the film's emphasis on sexuality over substance. The New York Times called it 'a melodramatic and turgid Western' while Variety criticized its 'lack of dramatic substance' and 'overemphasis on physical attributes.' Many critics viewed the film as an excuse to showcase Jane Russell's figure rather than a serious Western. However, some modern critics have reassessed the film, acknowledging its place in cinema history as a groundbreaking work in terms of marketing and its challenge to censorship. The film is now often studied for its historical significance rather than its artistic merits, with particular attention paid to Hughes' innovative promotional techniques.

What Audiences Thought

Despite negative critical reception, audiences flocked to see 'The Outlaw,' making it a commercial success. The controversy surrounding the film, particularly the censorship battles and focus on Jane Russell's figure, created immense public curiosity. The film's notoriety became its biggest asset, with many viewers attending simply to see what all the fuss was about. Jane Russell quickly became a popular pin-up girl, with her image from the film appearing in magazines and posters across the country. The film's success demonstrated that controversy could be more profitable than positive reviews, a lesson that would influence Hollywood marketing strategies for decades to come.

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