The story of William Quantrill's infamous 1863 raid on Lawrence carries weighty historical significance far beyond an excuse for fans of university teams to despise one another. A retelling of the raid is part of the critically acclaimed but box-office-butchered 1999 film Ride With the Devil, which screens tonight at 7 at the Truman Library (500 West U.S. Highway 24, Independence, 816-268-8200). Starring folk-pop star Jewel, the movie tells the story of a pair of Missouri friends who take up arms with a roving band of brutes who have been done wrong by the more-organized Kansas Jayhawkers. The Missourians take revenge by helping to sack Lawrence. As in any good story, backstabbing ensues among central characters, but the plot educates viewers on the significance of Quantrill's raid. Admission is free, and so are popcorn and beverages.
Thu., June 19, 7 p.m., 2008
