Kansas (1988): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1988, Kansas is a thriller, drama, crime and romance film directed by David Stevens, running about 110 minutes. “In a life of crime, no one can be trusted... Not even your friend.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A drifter becomes both a bank robber and a hero in this crime thriller. Andrew McCarthy stars as Wade Corey, who hitches a ride on a freight train already occupied by Doyle Kennedy (Matt Dillon), a charming ex-con who convinces Wade to accompany him to his hometown. Once there, Wade realizes too late that Doyle is intent on robbing the local bank. After they are separated following the crime, Wade hides the money. Happening upon a drowning in progress, he saves a young girl who just happens to be the daughter of the state governor, and he becomes an unlikely hero. Finding work at a nearby farm, the meandering Wade becomes a hired hand, falls for the beautiful daughter (Leslie Hope) of his boss, and dreads the return of Doyle, who is sure to come looking for his money.

Who’s in it. Kansas stars Matt Dillon as Doyle Kennedy, Andrew McCarthy as Wade Corey, Leslie Hope as Lori Bayles and Jeffery Feaster, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.2/10, Kansas has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel and Philo and rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Kansas page.

If you liked it. Fans of Kansas tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.