Missouri State Archives
Open City:True Story of the KC Crime Family,1900-1950
April 22, 2010
48 minutes 55 seconds (48:55)
Open City: True Story of the KC Crime Family details an historical account of the birth and growth of organized crime in Kansas City during the first 50 years of the twentieth century. William Ouseley, a retired supervisor of the Organized Crime Squad, Kansas City Field Division, waged a 21 year battle against the modern day Kansas City "crime family." Over a period of years, he researched the facts, stories and legends that led to Kansas City's reputation as a wide open, anything goes city, dominated by a powerful political machine and the organized crime syndicate. Ouseley' s FBI experience makes possible an in-depth analysis of the historical materials that make up this true story. Ouseley shares the story of a captive city, unbridled politicians, powerful and colorful mob bosses, gangland murders, racket activities and courageous police officers and reformers.