Released – June, 1942 

Directed By - Michael Curtiz

Starring – James Cagney (George M. Cohan), Joan Leslie (Mary Cohan), Walter Huston (Jerry Cohan), Richard Whorf (Sam Harris).

Description – A very entertaining story based on the life of renowned musical composer George M. Cohan. This film is packed with wonderful music and stars the perfectly cast James Cagney as the dancing vaudevillian.

Cagney’s dynamic performance highlights the story of Cohan’s life from child-star in his family’s vaudeville act to his entertainment comeback that earned him a medal from the president for his contributions to the United States.

Though somewhat Hollywood-ized, the film takes great care in reproducing the costumes, set design, and dance steps from the original stage presentations.

NOTABLE: The film won three Oscars; Best Actor in a Leading Role (James Cagney), Best Music, Scoring of an Original Picture, and Best Sound Recording. Five other nominations included Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Walter Huston), Best Director (Michael Curtiz), Best Writing Original Story, and Best Film Editing.

In 1993 the film was selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry.

The film is ranked #18 on the list of 100 Years of Musicals by the American Film Institute.

Yankee Doodle Dandy was the first computer-colorized film released  be Ted Turner.

Actor James Cagney again played George M. Cohan in the film The Seven Little Foys. Cagney refused to be paid for this film offering his services as a tribute to Eddie Foy.

Actress Jeanne Cagney plays the role of Cohan’s sister and in real-life is the sister of James Cagney. Cagney’s brother William was the Associate Producer for the film.

This was Warner Brothers second highest-grossing film of 1942.

Premiere magazine ranked James Cagney’s performance 6th on its 100 Greatest Performances of All Time. 

Yankee Doodle Dandy (Two-Disc Special Edition)

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Tags: 1940's musical, academy awards, best actor, best sound, george m cohan, james cagney, joan leslie, michael curtiz, oscar nominations, richard whorf, walter huston, warner brothers pictures

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