When it comes to 1943's "The Outlaw" (produced and directed by Howard Hughes) - Would it be at all fair of me to say that (from a straight man's perspective) this film's only truly notable asset was, indeed, Jane Russell's "38D-24-36" measurements, and not her acting abilities?Yep. As shallow and sexist as that may sound, it's pretty much the truth. 'Cause as far as even coming close to being a marginally satisfying Western, "The Outlaw" just did not deliver the goods (regardless that its main character was the famed outlaw, Billy, the Kid).I mean, let's face it - "The Outlaw" was (and always will be) all about Jane's breasts. And, believe me, director Howard Hughes sure made damn certain that her cleavage-enhancing blouses revealed as much of her bountiful bosom as the censors would legally allow.Actually filmed in 1941, it took Hughes 2 solid years of battling with the censor board to allow "The Outlaw" to be released as it was (which was unbelievably tame by today's standards).As you can well-imagine, all of this legal wrangling with the censors over Jane's exposed cleavage did absolute wonders for this film as far as free publicity goes. Needless to say - When "The Outlaw" was finally released in 1943, the insatiably curious movie-goers literally lined up right around the block to get a cinematic-gander at Russell's more-than-ample boobs.

If Nothing else, the Controversy, Hub-Bub, and Ballyhoo make this a Must See for Film Buffs. It sat on the Shelf for Years and when finally Released the Running Times were Erratic and Unpredictable, depending on the Location, and with that came more Controversy. It is Not Without Many Interesting Elements and is certainly one of the most Off-Beat Movies ever. Some of the Stuff Works, but the Film's Entirety Suffers mightily from a Horrible Musical Soundtrack and the Pacing is Glacial.The Acting is Not Bad, from Veterans Walter Huston and Thomas Mitchell, and Tenderfoots Jack Buetel and Jane Russell. When Things Erupt in the Western Tradition, like Stand-Offs and Showdowns, Posses and Indians the Film Picks Up and the Violence is Shown in some Interesting Ways.But the relentlessly Tiresome Dialog Scenes just go On and On with Pauses and more Pauses, Talk and more Talk, many times Saying the Same Thing Over and Over.The Movie is Long, way, way too Long. It Unreels Forever until it reaches the Two Hour Mark and it does Try the Patience. Gregg Toland's Cinematography has some Edginess and although the Movie is Studio Bound it does have a Strange and Otherworldly, Surreal Appeal. The Movie's Strengths are Overwhelmed by its Weakness and Overall it is Recommended for its Place as a Misanthropic Misfire that is Quite a Sight.The Film's Reputation as a Sex-Western is Evident and Jane Russell's Cleavage does get a lot of Screen Time and Steamy Implications Abound. Many also Find it Homo-Erotic and there is a Case to be made. Note...Beware Public Domain Prints that can be pretty shabby.

Newly appointed sheriff Pat Garrett is pleased when his old friend Doc Holliday arrives in Lincoln, New Mexico on the stage. Doc is trailing his stolen horse, and it is discovered in the possession of Billy the Kid. In a surprising turnaround, Billy and Doc become friends. This causes the friendship between Doc and Pat to cool. The odd relationship between Doc and Billy grows stranger when Doc hides Billy at his girl, Rio's, place after Billy is shot. She falls for Billy, although he treats her very badly. Interaction between these four is played out against an Indian attack before a final showdown reduces the group's number.Howard Hughes at his bra inventing finest.Jane Russel could never ever act. She had two assets.The movie is famous for them. And they go on and on for 2 hours in what could have been a 90 minute movie.That's about it.

Loved the film. Although the movie was a bit of a stretch on the facts, it was interesting anyway. Jack Beutel is the Sexiest Man Alive ever in my opinion. This was his first film. Jane Russell was so gorgeous. Walter Huston was absolutely wonderful and so was Thomas Mitchell, but they were too old for the parts they played. Doc Holliday was only in his 30s when he died and Walter Huston was 59 when he played the part. Near the end of the film when Thomas Mitchell makes his very long speech to Doc, his voice sounds like a recording because the pitch changed. I heard that Hughes was very involved with the making of this film, required many re-takes and that Thomas Mitchell was absolutely furious by the time he filmed that scene. Although Jack Beutel's performance was wooden, I'm sure his acting would have improved over time. On the whole, the film seems poorly edited, but I enjoyed it all the same. I wish there were a lot more films starring Jack Beutel out there, but his acting career was very limited. I would like to see the full version, if there is one.