Kansas City (1996)

A pair of kidnappings expose the complex power dynamics within the corrupt and unpredictable workings of 1930s Kansas City.

Director:

Robert Altman

Writers:

Robert Altman, Frank Barhydt

Stars:

Jennifer Jason Leigh, Miranda Richardson, Harry Belafonte

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jennifer Jason Leigh	...	Blondie O'Hara
Miranda Richardson	...	Carolyn Stilton
Harry Belafonte	...	Seldom Seen
Michael Murphy	...	Henry Stilton
Dermot Mulroney	...	Johnny O'Hara
Steve Buscemi	...	Johnny Flynn
Brooke Smith	...	Babe Flynn
Jane Adams	...	Nettie Bolt
Jeff Feringa	...	Addie Parker
A.C. Tony Smith	...	Sheepshan Red (as A.C. Smith)
Martin Martin	...	'Blue' Green
Albert J. Burnes	...	Charlie Parker
Ajia Mignon Johnson	...	Pearl Cummings
Tim Snay	...	Rally Speaker
Tawanna Benbow	...	Rose

Storyline

Robert Altman's jazz-scored film explores themes of love, crime, race, and politics in 1930s Kansas City. When Blondie O'Hara's husband, a petty thief, is captured by Seldom Seen and held at the Hey Hey Club, she launches a desperate plan to release him. She kidnaps the wife of a powerful local politician in an attempt to blackmail him into using his connections to free Johnny. Despite this being election time, he risks exposure by putting the political machine into action to free Johnny and thereby save his wife. Mrs. Stilton, meanwhile, has befriended Blondie and is impressed by her love and devotion to Johnny, especially in contrast to her own loveless marriage.

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Plot Keywords:

1930s | kansas city missouri | female frontal nudity | breasts | scantily clad female | 

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Taglines:

Kansas City, 1934. Anything could happen here. One night it did.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Music | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, and for some violence and drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Fine Line

Country:

USA France

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 August 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Канзас Сити

Filming Locations:

Kansas City, Kansas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$19,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$432,183, 18 August 1996, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,353,824, 22 September 1996

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,500,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

CiBy 2000, Sandcastle 5 Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"Kansas City" is partially based on a true incident. In 1933, Mary McElroy, the opium-addicted daughter of Henry McElroy, Kansas City's City Manager, was kidnapped from her home by a group of amateur kidnappers. After a $30,000 ransom was paid, Mary McElroy was released unharmed. Her four kidnappers were later caught and sentenced to life in prison.

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Goofs

After his wife is kidnapped by a robber's wife, Stilton uses a phone to enlist the aid of the governor to free the robber, who is being held by some Kansas City jazz club characters he ripped off. And the governor complies, even though Stilton never identifies the robber by name, the name of the people who were robbed or even the name of the club were the robber is being held captive.

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Quotes

Carolyn Stilton: He's got a lot of customers.
Blondie O'Hara: Those aren't customers, those are voters. They ship 'em from all over the state. Each of 'em vote ten, twelve times. Used to get their names outta the cemetary, but I don't even think they bother anymore.
Johnny Flynn: [to crowd of men] You'll be exercising your God-given right to vote. However, you'll be voting the way I tell you to vote, and as many times as I tell you. That understood? Understood? Shut up!
Carolyn Stilton: Democrats do that?
Blondie O'Hara: Democrats? They're what they're paid to be. This is ...

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Connections

Referenced in The Directors: The Films of Robert Altman (2001)

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Soundtracks

Blues in the Dark
Written by Count Basie (as William 'Count' Basie), Jimmy Rushing (as James Rushing)
Arranged by Steven Bernstein

User Reviews

It was a great experience!

I was an extra in the film and it was an illuminating experience. We shot the Union Station scenes in 98 degree heat (no AC) and in winter costumes! I was wearing a wool dress, real silk stockings, leather heels and a BEAVER coat! Oh yes, and I was 6 months pregnant! Despite the sweat involved, it was a blast and I am glad I had the experience. Not only was I paid to be in a film, but the caterer was fabulous, the people were very interesting, and it's cool that I can see myself on the screen. I would let my kids see it, but 90% of the movie isn't exactly kid- friendly! I was sorry to hear of Mr. Altman's death - he was one in a trillion. Glad so many people enjoyed the film...