Kansas City on film: A guide to our city's appearances in movies and TV

Since its film debut in 1897, Kansas City has shown up in movies, television and short films as both backdrop and star. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at some of those iconic cinema settings.
The oldest existing motion picture film is a two-second scene filmed in England in 1888. Less than a decade later in 1897, George Curtiss captured the hustle and bustle of Kansas City streets and quite possibly made the first motion picture in the Midwest. Some of Curtiss’ films are viewable on the Kansas City Google Arts and Culture page, courtesy of the Kansas City Museum.

Ever since, Kansas City has shown up in movies, television and short films as both backdrop and star. The streets and skyline balance the big city vibe within easy reach of suburban and rural settings, with a steady crop of talented actors available.