About the history & legacy of cinema in Kansas City
Most people on the coasts know about Kansas City's musical heritage. They've heard about the barbecue. They have a vague recollection that someone once told them it's a nice town. But it's still a "flyover," one of the places they see from the airplane window while traveling between New York and L.A. The idea that this Midwestern city has a rich cinematic heritage would likely never occur to them.
It doesn't always occur to people who live here, either, and the History & Legacy page is designed to change that. This area has produced famous actors and groundbreaking directors, as well as major advances in film exhibition and distribution. There are a remarkable number of historic buildings in Kansas City associated with the industry, including some of the country's most beautiful theaters. And, of course, there's a tradition of both independent and Hollywood-based filmmaking here, going back to the silent era.
Ideas and information are always welcome. There are hundreds of stories to tell, and we look forward to sharing some of them with you. - Loey Lockerby, Heartland Critic and Past President of the KC Film Critics Circle
During his 31 years with the Kansas City Fire Department, George C. Hale became famous for his dedication. He expanded the department, travelled the world promoting his profession, and invented several life-saving devices. But it was after his retirement in 1902 that he became a significant – if largely forgotten – figure in the development of early moviegoing.
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When Walt Disney moved from Kansas City to California in the early 1920s, he had already established himself as a creative force – if not a financial one (his Laugh-O-Gram studios went bankrupt shortly before his departure). His fortunes improved in Hollywood, and several of his talented KC colleagues joined him in his new venture. Some of them became famous in their own right, but even the lesser known artists made important contributions.
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When she left the film industry in 1920, Gene Gauntier had written, directed, acted in and/or produced over 300 pictures, including the first adaptation of “Ben-Hur” and a “Girl Spy” adventure series. She had traveled the world and formed her own production company. She’d been hailed as the biggest star at Kalem Studios, and sued for copyright infringement.
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As curtains fell and theaters went dark in 2020, an industry that has been an integral part of the American Experience since the early-1900s was suddenly silent. A new half-hour…
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfllsKx2JOQ A Rich History In Film And Animation The KC Film Office and Visit KC, with support from the City of Kansas City, have launched a film tourism program where…
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