 List Price: $14.98 
Amazon.com essential video: James Cagney thrills in a rare (and limber) song-and-dance performance as composer-entertainer George M. Cohan. This nostalgic biography is told in flashbacks, covering Cohan's formative years becoming Broadway's brightest star and touching upon his loves, musicals, and artistic triumphs. Director Michael Curtiz (The Adventures of Robin Hood) offers Cagney ample opportunities to invent an utterly charming performance in what is practically a one-man show. If you've never seen Cagney as a hoofer, you're in for a treat: his dancing is as dynamic as anything else he's ever done on screen. --Tom Keogh Customer Reviews: Rating: 
Date: 2008-07-02
"Born on the Fourth of July
Considered by some to be James Cagney's finest performance, YANKEE DOODLE DANDY offers one of the best core ensemble cast with Walter Huston, Joan Leslie, Richard Whorf, and Jeanne Cagney (James' sister) among others. Filmed in Black and White, this beautifully restored film features Cagney's wide range of talent as he portrays George M. Cohan, the quintessential early 20th century American showman. Cagney, by all accounts, captures the unique song-and-dance stylings of the original Cohan, yet adds his unique acting abilities in a range of comedic and dramatic scenes.
The music is exceptional of course, drawing on Cohan's magnificent repertoire: Yankee Doodle Boy, Over There, Give My Regards to Broadway, You're a Grand Old Flag, and others. Cagney won a Best Actor award, Walter Huston won for Best Supporting Actor, and the film garnered a bevy of other awards as well.
Many younger viewers might give the film short-shrift because of its unabashed patriotism and flag-waving. This would be a mistake. The movie accurately captures the tone of Cohan's American showmanship and provides a continually refreshing glimpse into the mind of the 1940s WWII moviegoer. Beyond that, the tone, photography, and performances are remarkable.
The film is a classic! The two-disc DVD includes several fine documentaries: a Michael J. Fox hosted bio of Cagney; and a recent examination of the movie itself. The short subject, "You, John Jones," is a bit of wartime propaganda that nicely promotes the importance of vigilance and sacrifice.
YANKEE DOODLE DANDY is a fine offering that stands up to repeated viewings. It is a fine family film that will entertain adults and children alike.
Rating:
Date: 2008-03-24
One of the Best Musicals Ever Has Just Gotten Even Better!
This 2-disc version of an excellent musical is a real treat for fans. It comes with a second disc of very informative documentaries and other special features that add to the enjoyment of this true classic. The main course has also been digitally restored very well so that I couldn't find any visual imperfections. The sound quality isn't as great though as the volume levels do become soft at some parts but overall the restorers did a great job. Like they did with "Gone With the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz" though, I would have prefered a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and THX or DTS audio option to have been included to bring the sound quality at least on par with the video quality.
The acting, especially of Cagney, is first class and although this movie runs for over 2 hours, you don't feel it as I found myself enjoying it without a dull moment from start to finish. Looking at AFI's list of 100 best films, I'm actually surprised this has placed so low at #100 when it is surely a lot better than many of the entries currently placed above it. This film deserved every single Oscar it garnered that year and like a true classic will continue to stand the test of time and will remain entertaining despite several viewings.
Highly recommended. Rating:
Date: 2008-03-01
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Well This is one of another fantastic flims that i couldn't get here in Australia James Cagney was fantastic in this great flim the way this flim was put together. and i think i would have gave it more then just 3 Academy Awards then what it as got. Rating:
Date: 2008-02-28
A Wonderful Musical
It's a joy to watch James Cagney inhabit the role of George M. Cohan. The movie is much different than the hard-hitting biopics of entertainers made today ("Ray," "Walk the Line," "La Vie en Rose") -- no sex, no drugs, just song and dance, with a small undercurrent of romance, but mostly this is Cagney's show. It details Cohan's life from birth to old age and spans just over two hours, but the story is so lively it doesn't feel that long.
I first saw it years ago, because it was my grandfather's favorite movie. I'm so glad he showed it to me, because it's not one of those older movies that is very well-known, like "Casablanca" or "Sunset Boulevard." It's great for kids, because there's a certain slapstick quality to Cagney's Cohan. Though a child might not understand all of what's going on in the film, they'll delight in his performance. This movie is truly an American classic. Rating:
Date: 2008-02-03
timeless fun
This movie has to be the best musical story I have ever seen; Sure, it's James Cagney at his best; but I was in love with Joan Leslie to the point of distraction. She was so adorable in her pretty little Bow Peep number, "She's the warmest baby in the bunch..." Not only was she beautiful in that lovely bonnet type hat, but boy could she sing...and act. And the orchestral acompaniments, especially the use of the comical slide trombone in that particular number was put to good use. (I kept playing that scene over and over). And when you consider how young Joan was when she played that role, her talent was extraodinary. In fact, everyone was outstanding in this must see movie. The dvd presentation book was very nice and the 2nd disc was fascinating to hear Joan Leslie's interview about the filming. I just wish it were longer. |
