Howard Hughes (foreground) and S. P. Brown (bending over) examining the new Hughes rock bit head at the Hughes Tool Company plant.

From the Howard Cannon Photograph Collection (PH-00192)

Howard Hughes on a motion picture set supervising the 'dressing' of a set for use in his production of "The Outlaw." Transcribed from attached press release: "From Russell Birdwell and Associates After an absence of ten years from motion picture production, Howard Hughes resumes film making with the producing and directing of "The Outlaw," the story of Billy the Kid, for Twentieth Century-Fox release. In 1931 he produced and directed "Hell's Angels," from which emerged a glorious new star, Jean Harlow, and in the same year he brought to stardom Paul Muni in "Scarface." And now Hughes, who in 1931 promised two new stars in Harlow and Muni, makes the same promise again with 19-+year old Jane Russell and 21-year old Jack Buetel, playing the top leads in "The Outlaw," the cast of which also includes Thomas Mitchell and Walter Huston. In this picture Hughes is discussing a story point with Jules Furthman, author of the story and screen play on "The Outlaw."

The black and white view of Howard Hughes and his crew before leaving for Paris.

The black and white view of Howard Hughes and his crew before leaving for Paris.

From the Howard Cannon Photograph Collection (PH-00192)

From the Howard Cannon Photograph Collection (PH-00192). Stamped on verso: "Air Force Photo by Nellis Air Force Base Nevada"