Question 1

What real-life kidnapping inspired 'Kansas City'?

Accepted Answer

The film is partially based on the 1933 kidnapping of Mary McElroy, daughter of Kansas City's City Manager, by amateur kidnappers who demanded a $30,000 ransom.

Question 2

How did Robert Altman incorporate authentic jazz into the film?

Accepted Answer

Altman gathered great living jazz musicians, had them play period material in the style of Kansas City jazz giants on a set representing the Hey Hey Club, and intercut this footage with the fictional plot.

Question 3

Which major film festival featured 'Kansas City' in 1996?

Accepted Answer

The film was an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996.

Question 4

What personal connection did director Robert Altman have to the film's setting?

Accepted Answer

Robert Altman grew up in Kansas City.

Question 5

Who played the character Seldom Seen and had creative freedom with his dialogue?

Accepted Answer

Harry Belafonte played Seldom Seen and improvised or wrote most of his own dialog.

Question 6

What real-life kidnapping incident inspired parts of 'Kansas City'?

Accepted Answer

The film is partially based on the 1933 kidnapping of Mary McElroy, daughter of Kansas City's City Manager, by amateur kidnappers who demanded a $30,000 ransom.

Question 7

How did Robert Altman incorporate live jazz music into the film?

Accepted Answer

Altman gathered great jazz musicians to play period material on a set representing the Hey Hey Club, filming it separately and intercutting it with the fictional plot.

Question 8

Which festivals recognized 'Kansas City'?

Accepted Answer

It was featured at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996 and the Locarno International Film Festival in 2003, and won awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and New York Film Critics Circle in 1996.

Question 9

What personal connection did Robert Altman have to the film's setting?

Accepted Answer

Robert Altman grew up in Kansas City, which influenced the film's depiction of the 1930s city.

Question 10

Who played the character Seldom Seen, and what was notable about his performance?

Accepted Answer

Harry Belafonte played Seldom Seen, and he improvised or wrote most of his own dialogue for the role.

Kansas City

Customers also watched

Loved this film?

Share with others