The Outlaw
Seen it?1943 | 116 min | Western, Drama
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It made about 6 times its budget, but a lukewarm 5.4 out of 10 from audiences held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Rio Bravo or El Dorado, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 56 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1943: an older pace and style.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
71% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
5.4 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$20 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 73K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Howard Hughes
- Jack BuetelBilly the Kid
- Jane RussellRio McDonald
- Thomas MitchellPat Garrett
- Walter HustonDoc Holliday
- Mimi AgugliaGuadalupe
- Joe SawyerCharley Woodruff
- Gene RizziStranger
- Bobby CallahanBoy (uncredited)
- Martín GarralagaMike the Waiter (uncredited)
- Ben JohnsonDeputy (uncredited)