Have you heard the one about Howard Hughes' custom-made brassiere?
When it comes to parsing man from myth, few prove more challenging than Howard Hughes.
Take for example the story about the bra he designed forJane Russellto wear in the 1943 WesternThe Outlaw.
Thomas Mitchell, Walter Huston, Jane Russell, and Jack Buetel in ‘The Outlaw’.Everett Collection
A riff on Billy the Kid, the film represented one of Hughes' few directorial efforts.
(He took over after alienating original helmer Howard Hawks.)
Rumors paint the bra as a push-up prototype, drawing on Hughes' knowhow as an aerospace maverick.
Jack Buetel and Jane Russell in ‘The Outlaw’.Everett Collection
Russell did, in fact, wear a bra in the film, but not Hughes' design.
(Whether Hughes himself understood the film could never live up to its publicity remains unclear.)
Few men understood the axiom “sex sells” better than Hughes, after all.
Jane Russell in a promotional photo for ‘The Outlaw’.Everett Collection
“It’s partly truth and partly exaggeration,” Rice says, “and all Howard Hughes.”
Russell was roped into the prolonged release scheme as well.
ThoughThe Outlawwrapped filming in early 1941, the actress spent nearly two years doing constant publicity for it.
Jane Russell in a promotional photo for ‘The Outlaw’.Everett Collection
“She said having her photo taken was practically a full-time job,” Rice notes.
The haystack photos were another product of Hughes' manipulation.
Once again they produced a seamless effect, making Russell appear braless, with gravity-defying assets.
Jane Russell and Jack Buetel in ‘The Outlaw’.Everett Collection
(The cheesecake shots also helped make Russell a favorite pinup among American GIs in World War II.)
Russell was frustrated with Hughes using her in this way.
“The haystack images she was okay with until they were doctored,” Rice says.
“She rolled into San Francisco for the premiere and started seeing these gigantic billboards of herself.
She was mortified and really upset.
The film finally reopened in 1946, this time with a nationwide run in mind.
EverywhereThe Outlawwent, it generated more outrage and more interest.
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