BE Day of the Outlaw

The end of the 1950s into the beginning of the 1960s marked the start of the second feminist movement. Women were still fighting everyday to be equals to men. The struggle for women’s equality is portrayed in many Western films. However, in the 1959 Western film, Day of the Outlaw, women’s desire to gain rights and be respected is represented. Although at times objectified by men, women are protected and shown respect.
In past Western films, women are viewed as objects that are there to entertain the men. But in Day of the Outlaw, women are viewed as respected and valued members of the town. A mutual respect is shown between Blaise and Helen throughout the film. While they both entertain their lust for one another, Blaise respectfully declines because he knows Helen is married. Just as society started to respect women in the early 60s, Blaise ends up referring to Helen as Mrs. Crane to prove he is making progress. Also, respect for women is clear during the fight between the men and the gang trying to take over the town. While other Western films only sometimes display the alpha-male cowboy showing respect towards women, which may be just another of his duties, Day of the Outlaw demonstrates both “good” and “bad” guys showing women respect. As soon as the gang threatens to take over the town, the men immediately think to protect their women even if it means sacrificing their own life. Furthermore, the outlaws’ leader, Bruhn, illustrates his respect for women. He instructs his gang, comprised of outlaws, to never touch a woman in any way during their takeover of the town. In an effort to promote women’s equality and the proper treatment of women, the men in is this Western film respect women in all aspects.
Not only did men respect women in this Western, but a man’s love for a woman began to become what was most important to him. Ernine, the more revisionist character between the two main women, progressively becomes a significant role throughout the movie in persuading and changing the actions and feelings of men. Gene, one of Bruhn’s gang members, is heavily influenced by the power of Ernine. Women are usually seen as being powerless to a man because men paid little attention to their feelings and women in general. This Western is odd because as Ernine begs Gene to take care of her brother and ultimately stay with her, he listens. The alpha-males, Blaise and Bruhn, come to the realization that Gene and Ernine genuinely love one another and should be together. Gene makes the decision to start a new life with Ernine which is a testament to the power of love. Men in Westerns are famous for leaving women behind but society is pushing for women’s rights and men are beginning to realize how important women are.