At a time of great unrest in history, Warner Bros. decided to make one of the most patriotic films in history. James Cagney, known more for his gangster films, needed to change his image after being named a communist and boarded the film even though he hated George M. Cohan.
Brought to the White House to receive a Congressional Gold Medal from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Broadway legend George M. Cohan (James Cagney) reflects on his life. Flashbacks trace Cohan’s rise, from a childhood performing in his family’s vaudeville act to his early days as a struggling Tin Pan Alley songwriter to his overwhelming success as an actor, writer, director and producer known for patriotic songs like “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Over There.”
Michael Curtiz (“Casablanca”, “The Adventures of Robin Hood”,”White Christmas”) was one of Hollywood’s most prolific and versatile directors. Born in Budapest and after a career in Hungary, he was contracted by Warner Bros. to come to Hollywood in the 20s. In his very long career, Curtiz directed 102 films, mostly at Warners. He directed ten actors to Oscar nominations. He was nominated five times and won twice. The film greatness lies in Curtiz’s extensive and fluid camera movement, dynamic scene’s and beautiful choreographed musical numbers.
The film came out just after the attack on Pearl Harbor in late 1941 and was used in the propaganda machine. The songs, already used during the first WO I served as moral-boost for the soldiers.
James Cagney performance is legendary. He wasn’t a great dancer or singer, but his charisma and talent made it look like he could do anything. One of his greatest performances!
The film is based on a true story. George M. Cohan wanted Fred Astaire to play the lead. But he turned it down because Cohan’s eccentric, stiff-legged dancing was nothing like Astaire’s own, more fluid, style. Cagney’s sister Jeanne acted in the film as his younger sister Josie Cohan and his brother William was an associated producer similar to George M. Cohan’s own family that acted together as “The Four Cohans,”
“Yankee Doodle Dandy” was the biggest box office success in the company’s history up to that time. The film was nominated for 8 Oscars and won thee: Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Sound, Recording and Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture.
