THE KANSAS CITY MASSACRE is an American TV movie directed by that master of the art form, Dan Curtis. Curtis is best known these days for his work in the horror and supernatural genre with titles such as TRILOGY OF TERROR remaining fondly remembered by fans. Despite the title, this one's something a bit different: a 1930s-era true life gangster story, with all of the tommy gun action and shoot-outs you could hope for.
I had no idea that this was a sequel until I saw that MELVIN PURVIS G-MAN was made previously, also featuring Dale Robertson in the lead role and playing the same character. However, the two films are stand alone with separate stories so you won't miss anything by watching this. Many cast members return from the first film in different roles here; I was particularly delighted to see Harris Yulin and Brion James many years before they would go on to big-screen success.
Inevitably the TV movie format makes the story told a little cheap, but I found it still had the ring of authenticity to it. The tale is violent and adult without being explicit and there's plenty if action to bolster the twisty-turny plotting in which the likes of 'Pretty Boy' Floyd, 'Baby Face' Nelson, and John Dillinger attempt to elude the ever-pursuing FBI agents while at the same time running into and falling foul of each other. Matt Clark is a stand-out as the deceitful Verne Miller. THE KANSAS CITY MASSACRE is fast and engaging, made with Curtis's usual class.
I had no idea that this was a sequel until I saw that MELVIN PURVIS G-MAN was made previously, also featuring Dale Robertson in the lead role and playing the same character. However, the two films are stand alone with separate stories so you won't miss anything by watching this. Many cast members return from the first film in different roles here; I was particularly delighted to see Harris Yulin and Brion James many years before they would go on to big-screen success.
Inevitably the TV movie format makes the story told a little cheap, but I found it still had the ring of authenticity to it. The tale is violent and adult without being explicit and there's plenty if action to bolster the twisty-turny plotting in which the likes of 'Pretty Boy' Floyd, 'Baby Face' Nelson, and John Dillinger attempt to elude the ever-pursuing FBI agents while at the same time running into and falling foul of each other. Matt Clark is a stand-out as the deceitful Verne Miller. THE KANSAS CITY MASSACRE is fast and engaging, made with Curtis's usual class.