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Kiss the Girls

Kiss the Girls is a 1997 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Gary Fleder and based on James Patterson's 1995 novel of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kiss the Girls is a 1997 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Gary Fleder and based on James Patterson's 1995 novel of the same name. It stars Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Cary Elwes, and follows forensic psychologist Alex Cross as he investigates a serial kidnapper known as Casanova. The film was followed by a sequel, Along Came a Spider, in 2001.

Plot

The story follows Alex Cross as he investigates a series of kidnappings after his niece disappears. He teams up with Kate McTiernan, who escapes from the captor known as Casanova, to track down the perpetrator and uncover the larger operation.

Cast

The principal cast includes Morgan Freeman as Alex Cross, Ashley Judd as Kate McTiernan, and Cary Elwes as Nick Ruskin. The film also features supporting performances from actors including Tony Goldwyn and Jay O. Sanders.

Production and release

Gary Fleder directed the film from a screenplay by David Klass. It was released in the United States in 1997 and is identified as an American production.

Reception and legacy

The film was a commercial success and later led to the 2001 sequel Along Came a Spider. It remains part of the Alex Cross film series adapted from Patterson's novels.

Key facts

  • The film adapts James Patterson's 1995 novel Kiss the Girls.
  • Morgan Freeman plays Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and detective.
  • Ashley Judd plays Kate McTiernan, an escaped kidnapping victim who helps Cross.
  • The antagonist uses the alias Casanova.
  • The film was released theatrically in 1997 and later received a sequel, Along Came a Spider.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kiss the Girls about?
It is about forensic psychologist Alex Cross investigating a serial kidnapper called Casanova, with help from an escaped victim, Kate McTiernan.
Who directed Kiss the Girls?
Gary Fleder directed the film.
What book is Kiss the Girls based on?
It is based on James Patterson's 1995 novel Kiss the Girls.
Who stars in the film?
The film stars Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Cary Elwes.
Is Kiss the Girls part of a series?
Yes. It was followed by the 2001 sequel Along Came a Spider.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_the_Girls_(1997_film)
    Supports: Director, cast, genre, basis on James Patterson novel, and sequel information.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119468/
    Supports: Release date, director, cast, country of origin, and plot details.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kiss_the_girls
    Supports: Release date, genre, runtime, box office, and plot synopsis.
  4. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/kiss-the-girls-1997
    Supports: Plot overview and Gary Fleder as director.