The Outlaw
The Outlaw Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Outlaw
| Movie | The Outlaw |
| Release Year | 1943 |
| Director | Howard Hughes |
| Genre | Western / Drama |
| Runtime | 116 minutes (1h 56m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Outlaw (1943) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Outlaw are led by Jack Buetel . The supporting cast, including Jane Russell and Thomas Mitchell , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Outlaw does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Western films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Outlaw has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Western fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Outlaw
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1943, The Outlaw is a Western, Drama film directed by Howard Hughes, written by Jules Furthman. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jack Buetel as Billy the Kid.
Ending Explained: The Outlaw
The Outlaw Ending Explained: Newly appointed sheriff Pat Garrett is pleased when his old friend Doc Holliday arrives in Lincoln, New Mexico on the stage. Directed by Howard Hughes, this 1943 western film stars Jack Buetel (Billy the Kid), alongside Jane Russell as Rio McDonald, Thomas Mitchell as Pat Garrett, Walter Huston as Doc Holliday. Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Outlaw?
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.
Howard Hughes's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jack Buetel (Billy the Kid)'s journey. Doc is trailing his stolen horse, and it is discovered in the possession of Billy the Kid.
How Does Jack Buetel (Billy the Kid)'s Story End?
- Jack Buetel: Jack Buetel's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jane Russell (Rio McDonald): Jane Russell's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Thomas Mitchell (Pat Garrett): Thomas Mitchell's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Outlaw Mean?
The ending of The Outlaw brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Jack Buetel's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Outlaw Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Outlaw Based on a True Story?
No, The Outlaw is a work of fiction. While the western, drama film directed by Howard Hughes and starring Jack Buetel may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Outlaw?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Outlaw
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.4M |
| Worldwide Gross | $5.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Outlaw Budget
The estimated production budget for The Outlaw is $3.4M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Outlaw Online?
Streaming HubThe Outlaw Parents Guide & Age Rating
1943 AdvisoryWondering about The Outlaw age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Outlaw (1943) is 116 minutes (1h 56m). Directed by Howard Hughes, the film runs for 116 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Outlaw is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1943 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Outlaw worth watching?
The Outlaw is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Outlaw parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Outlaw identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Outlaw (1943)?
The runtime of The Outlaw (1943) is 116 minutes (approximately 1h 56m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
