Kansas City Details

Director Robert Altman's 1996 film, Kansas City — a jazz-tinged melodrama about a corrupt politician and a determined gangster — was notable if only for some remarkable 1930s music as arranged by the innovative John Cale. This documentary is the offspring of that movie, featuring sessions recorded on the set of the earlier film. With Jazz '34's pumping, grinding blues all set to elevate the spirits, it's a shame that Altman hadn't done a better job on the original move.

Muddled story of power and corruption in Kansas City of the 30s, though admirers of the blues-tinged jazz of the period will appreciate the wonderful music on display.