Montana Belle (1952)

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Originally filmed at Republic in 1948, Montana Belle was purchased by producer Howard R. Hughes, who'd loaned the services of the film's star, Jane Russell. After laying on the shelf for three years, Montana Belle was finally released by Hughes' RKO Radio Pictures in October of 1952. Russell plays… More Originally filmed at Republic in 1948, Montana Belle was purchased by producer Howard R. Hughes, who'd loaned the services of the film's star, Jane Russell. After laying on the shelf for three years, Montana Belle was finally released by Hughes' RKO Radio Pictures in October of 1952. Russell plays notorious western outlaw Belle Starr, who after being saved by the Dalton Gang from the hangman's noose, falls in love with Bob Dalton (Scott Brady). This doesn't stop Belle and Dalton from trying to stab one another in the back for the next 8 reels. It is gambler Tom Bradfield (George Brent) who finally offers Belle a new start in life--and, incidentally, a new romance. The film's high point of imbecility arrives when Jane Russell disguises herself as a man. In other words, Montana Belle is lots of fun so long as no one takes it too seriously (it is clear that the people who made the film didn't!) ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 21 min.
Directed By: Allan Dwan
Written By: Horace McCoy
Genres: Western, Action & Adventure

On DVD: Sep 12, 1990

Critic Reviews

Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Western has poor story, but visually inventive finale and other nice touches.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
They don't make westerns dumber than this one.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Historically worthless just an excuse to showcase Jane Russell in a western setting and have her play a slightly darker character than usual. On that basis this is an okay oater. Jane even sings a couple of songs.

Cast

            Jane Russell as Belle Starr

            George Brent as Tom Bradfield

            Scott Brady as Bob Dalton

            Forrest Tucker as Mac

            Andy Devine as Pete Bivins

            Jack Lambert as Ringo

            John Litel as Matt Towner

            Ray Teal as Emmett Dalton

            Rory Mallinson as Grat Dalton

            Roy Barcroft as Jim Clark

            Holly Bane as Ben Dalton

            Ned Davenport as Bank Clerk

            Dick Elliott as Banker Jeptha Rideout

            Stanley Andrews as Marshal Combs

            Gregg Barton as Deputy Stewart

            Hank Bell as Bartender

            Rodney Bell as Hotel Clerk

            George Cheseboro as Deputy

            Iron Eyes Cody as Cherokee

            Frank Ellis as Kibitzer

            Franklin Farnum as Man in Audience

            Rex Lease as Barfly

            Pierce Lyden
            
            Kenneth MacDonald as Sheriff Irving

            Dennis Moore as Messenger

            Gene Roth as Marshal Ripple

            Charles Soldani as Indian

            Glenn Strange as Deputy
See full cast