Yankee Doodle Dandy [Special Edition] [2 Discs] [DVD] [1942]
- Details
- Format: DVD
- Release Date: 09-30-2003
- Other
- Product Name: Yankee Doodle Dandy [Special Edition] [2 Discs] [DVD] [1942]
- UPC: 012569504127
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- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The Spirit of America via a Classic Movie
James Cagney called "Yankee Doodle Dandy" his favorite picture. It was the only one he watched on television, He always considered himself a song-and-dance man, going back to his pre-film stage career. Here, he sheds his tough guy image to play the legendary Broadway performer, George M. Cohan. Cagney chose this vehicle because he had been targeted by HUAC for his 1930s liberal views. He had even done a radio version of "Johnny Got His Gun," based on the Dalton Trumbo novel that provided fuel for Trumbo's being blacklisted. "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is a love song to America. No one ever questioned Cagney's loyalty again,. As Cohan, Jimmy does the title song, "Give My Regards to Broadway," "Over There," and "It's a Grand Old Flag" (among others) with a tremendous amount of physical energy, tap dancing, strutting and filling the screen with his enthusiasm and charisma. He ad libs bits of business to give the character more humor and charm. Jimmy even improvised the scene where he dances down the White House Steps and exits to a street full of marching soldiers. This was a tremendously important film, not just for Cagney but America. The United States had entered World War II at the end of 1941. The positive feelings, humor, and patriotism in "Yankee Doodle Dandy" helped Americans at a time when the movies provided a source of comfort and confidence. Even FDR becomes part of the movie, as Cagney/Cohan tells the life story of the famous performers to the President, in flashback form. "Yankee Doodle Dandy" may be the most patriotic film ever released by a major American studio. Cagney won the Best Actor Academy Award for 1942. Warner Brothers sold all opening night tickets for an admission fee of War Bonds, raising close to $6 million. Although the film is a mythical version of Cohan's life (except for his Broadway creations), you can't beat it for sheer entertainment and a great supporting cast. Walter Huston is Jerry Cohan, the patriarch of the family. His death scene with "son" Cagney, caused the cast, crew, and even hard-boiled director Michael Curtiz to cry. Joan Leslie plays Mary, Cagney's love and (in the film) life partner. She was 17 years old to Cagney's 42, but she shines as an idealized version of Cohan's two wives, neither of whom was named Mary. Rosemary DeCamp plays Cagney's mother, although she was younger than he was. This Blu-ray edition showcases the unparalleled black-and-white photography of James Wong Howe, Sets and costumes accurately recreate actual vaudeville and Broadway performances that made the Four Cohans a Broadway staple at the dawn of the 20th Century and well into the 1920s. George M. Cohan would continue to act, write, direct, sing and dance on the stage into the late 1930s. The heart of the movie might be exemplified by the "Grand Old Flag" number, showing great moments in American History and featuring home front workers, servicemen, boy scouts, and an awkward (if sincere) moment where black actors sing homage to Abraham Lincoln. The disc contains a load of extras, including commentary; a "making of" featurette; a radio adaptation of the film; the short, "Only, You, John Jones" with Cagney showing the importance of civilian defense, and even a war-themed cartoon where Daffy Duck protects scrap metal against an enemy goat. That's entertainment!
This review is from Yankee Doodle Dandy - BluRay [Blu-ray]
Posted by internech
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Movie review
Yankee Doodle Dandy is a very good movie. It is one of my favorites.
This review is from Yankee Doodle Dandy [1942]
Posted by Gloria
- Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Must see for the whole family!
Happy to have finally got this Independence day tradition on Blu-ray. James Cagney is absolutely brilliant in his portrayal and his dancing is superb. The supporting cast is excellent. I was somewhat disappointed in not having the extra "James Cagney:Top of the World" provided but have it on the DVD version so not a problem. The Blu-ray extras provided are excellent.
This review is from Yankee Doodle Dandy - BluRay [Blu-ray]
Posted by Chas
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Rating 3 out of 5 stars with 1 reviewfalse
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