OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) -- A Kansas-based financial company is playing a critical role in bringing advance screenings of a new movie exploring Jackie Robinson's transition as Major League Baseball's first black player to Kansas City, Mo.

Overland Park firm Waddell and Reed used its relationship with production company Legendary Pictures to land the April 11 screenings of "42", proceeds of which will benefit Kansas City's Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Thomas Butch, executive vice president at Waddell and Reed, announced the screenings Wednesday at a news conference at the museum. He says Kansas City will be the only place other than Los Angeles where the movie will be shown a day ahead of its official opening.

Robinson began his professional career with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945 before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.