Kansas City. 1996. USA. Directed by Robert Altman. 116 min.
Screenplay Frank Barhydt, Altman. With Jennifer Jason Leigh, Miranda Richardson, Harry Belafonte, Steve Buscemi. Inspired by 1930s gangster films and Altman’s childhood memories of Kansas City, this jazz-infused crime drama is centered on the kidnapping of a politically connected socialite and the dangerous negotiations with a black mob leader that follow. Leigh’s performance, modeled on blonde Hollywood icon Jean Harlow, proved controversial for some critics. 35mm print courtesy the Robert Altman Collection at the UCLA Film & Television Archive.