Join us for a special afternoon with author and historian Michael Wallis, his new book "Belle Starr: The Truth Behind the Wild West Legend," and a Q&A screening of the classic western "The Long Riders." The film tracks the ultimate fate of the Jesse James gang, featuring Belle Starr played by Pamela Reed.

The event will begin at 3pm in the lobby with Michael Wallis signing copies of the book available to purchase on-site from Magic City Books. At 4pm, guests will move into the theater for "The Long Riders" with an introduction by Michael about the legends and fictions of Belle Starr and how his book sets the record straight. After the screening, Michael will be joined by Ken Busby, Executive Director and CEO of the Route 66 Alliance, for a Q&A session about the film and book. Following the Q&A, Michael will continue signing and selling books in the lobby.

All are welcome to attend the book signing and purchase a copy. A ticket is required to attend the film screening portion, on sale now for $11 members and $13 non-members.

About "Belle Starr: The Truth Behind the Wild West Legend:" Belle Starr developed a reputation as a scandalous outlaw in the Wild West. Wallis (The Best Land under Heaven, 2017) argues that much of Starr’s reputation was unearned and debunks myths about her life. Starr grew up as a spirited child in Missouri and was a teenager during the Civil War, in which Missourians engaged in bloody guerrilla warfare. After the war ended, her family home became a haven for infamous Wild West bandits, which continued throughout her life. Wallis also relates life events and crimes of the significant men in Starr’s life, including her many husbands, and how relations with them further tarnished her reputation. Although Starr aided and abetted unsavory characters, Wallis makes the case that she was likely innocent of many—but not all—of the crimes of which she was accused. Finally, Wallis evaluates the likely suspects in Starr’s murder and reveals the fate of her remaining relatives and her homestead.

About Michael Wallis: It has been said, “Reading a Michael Wallis book is like dancing to a romantic ballad. He offers his hand and gently guides you across the floor, swaying to the song of the American West.” A best-selling author and award-winning reporter, Michael is a historian and biographer of the American West who also has gained international notoriety as a speaker and voice talent. In 2006 Michael’s distinctive voice was heard in "Cars," an animated feature film from Pixar Studios. A storyteller who likes nothing better than transporting audiences across time and space, Michael has published nineteen books, including "Route 66: The Mother Road," the book credited with sparking the resurgence of interest in the highway. Michael’s 20th book, the biography of Belle Starr, was published in June. Michael has been nominated three times for the Pulitzer Prize and was also a nominee for the National Book Award. In 2016 he received an Emmy Award for his work in the documentary film, "Boomtown. "

About "The Long Riders:" 1h40min - Rated R. During a bank robbery by the legendary James-Younger Gang, Ed Miller (Dennis Quaid) impulsively kills a man, much to the displeasure of leader Jesse James (James Keach), who insists that the gang scatter until the heat is off. The groups of brothers go their separate ways, with Cole Younger (David Carradine) considering settling down with his feisty girlfriend, Belle Starr (Pamela Reed). But they soon regroup for an ill-fated bank job in Northfield, Minn., that results in an epic chase.