Jack Buetel (September 5, 1915 â€" June 27, 1989) was an American film
and television actor.Born John Alexander Beutel in Dallas, Texas, he
moved to Los Angeles, California in the late 1930s with the intention
of establishing a film career, changing his name to read Buetel.
Unable to find such work, he was employed as an insurance clerk when
he was noticed by an agent who was impressed by his looks.Introduced
to Howard Hughes, who was about to begin filming The Outlaw, Buetel
was signed to play the lead role as Billy the Kid, with the previously
signed David Bacon being dropped from the film. Hughes also signed
another newcomer, Jane Russell, for the female lead, and realizing the
inexperience of his two stars, also signed veteran actors Thomas
Mitchell and Walter Huston.Buetel was signed to a standard seven-year
contract at $150 per week and was assured by Hughes that he would
become a major star. Filmed in late 1940 and early 1941, The Outlaw
officially premiered in 1943 but was not widely seen until 1946. It
was notable for suggesting the act of sexual intercourse, uncommon in
mainstream movies of the era, and for allowing characters to "sin on
film", without a suitable punishment also being depicted, in violation
of the Production Code. Much of the publicity surrounding the release
of the film focused on Jane Russell, and she established a solid film
career, despite critics giving her performance in The Outlaw poor
reviews.
and television actor.Born John Alexander Beutel in Dallas, Texas, he
moved to Los Angeles, California in the late 1930s with the intention
of establishing a film career, changing his name to read Buetel.
Unable to find such work, he was employed as an insurance clerk when
he was noticed by an agent who was impressed by his looks.Introduced
to Howard Hughes, who was about to begin filming The Outlaw, Buetel
was signed to play the lead role as Billy the Kid, with the previously
signed David Bacon being dropped from the film. Hughes also signed
another newcomer, Jane Russell, for the female lead, and realizing the
inexperience of his two stars, also signed veteran actors Thomas
Mitchell and Walter Huston.Buetel was signed to a standard seven-year
contract at $150 per week and was assured by Hughes that he would
become a major star. Filmed in late 1940 and early 1941, The Outlaw
officially premiered in 1943 but was not widely seen until 1946. It
was notable for suggesting the act of sexual intercourse, uncommon in
mainstream movies of the era, and for allowing characters to "sin on
film", without a suitable punishment also being depicted, in violation
of the Production Code. Much of the publicity surrounding the release
of the film focused on Jane Russell, and she established a solid film
career, despite critics giving her performance in The Outlaw poor
reviews.
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