TODAY'S NUGGET: Kansas City (1996) - One Way to Justify a Road Trip

[Quick Summary: In an uneasy 1934, Blondie kidnaps innocent Mrs. Stilton to force Mr. Stilton to get Johnny, Blondie's husband, released from the mob.]

At first glance, this story just seems to be a meandering road trip around Kansas City between Blondie and Mrs. Stilton.

But below the surface, it's great storytelling:

1) There is a justification for the women to not stay in one spot for too long, i.e., they have to wait for Mr. Stilon to fix the situation but people are looking for them.

2) There is a reason behind each stop, i.e., we learn more about the characters.

For example, in the scene below:
- We learn how smart Blondie is.  She knows her sister is the one person who could talk her out of things and ruin her plan.
- Note the economy of writing, especially Babe looking in the car --> Blondie on the lookout.

INT. THE REEL INN - DAY

BLONDIE stands up and goes to the window. ANGLE OF WHAT BLONDIE SEES: BABE is parking her car on the street. BLONDIE goes immediately to where BESS is sitting.

BLONDIE: Come on, lady, we got to get out of here. Now.

BESS: What for?

BLONDIE: 'Cause I don't like it here. Move it. Let's go.

BESS doesn't question BLONDIE'S orders. She is stoned enough to do what she is told. She stands up puts on her coat and waits for further instructions.

BLONDIE: Follow me.

EST. FILM ROW - DAY

BABE sees BLONDIE'S car parked on the street. She looks in the windows then opens the doors and looks around inside to make sure it is BLONDIE'S car. As the CAMERA PULLS BACK we see that BLONDIE has been watching her sister from behind a building at the corner.

When BABE goes toward THE REEL INN, BLONDIE brings BESS out from behind the building and escorts her to the car.

BLONDIE starts the car and makes a U-turn. She watches in the rearview mirror.

BLONDIE: That was close.

This is all a blur to BESS.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: I appreciate this example of how to tell a story in an interesting way. I wasn't expecting to get as involved emotionally as I did.

Kansas City (1996)(undated draft)
by Robert Altman & Frank Barhydt