The Man Who Shook Hollywood To Its Core

James Cagney is an actor of contradictions. He made a Hollywood career out of playing murderous thugs, but what he really excelled at was singing and dancing. His rags-to-riches story is equal parts turbulent and bizarre—a life story that needs to be told.

[BDot-dvlq]

Yankee Doodle Dandy is one of the greatest musicals ever and Cagney was an incredible dancer.

[PLS]

Cagney was an icon and national treasure.... Seemed like a classy intelligent man, I really admired his great work!!!!

[thebluehotel]

I love the way Cagney moves. Even when he's not dancing he moves beautifully.

[caroleann_]

All Fans should read his autobiography ❤😊 The GOAT!!!

[sandyg]

Many years ago I read James' autobiography, " James Cagney, By Me" He didn't hold back and was as honest as the day is long! I will always miss him and will always love him!!! Rest in heavenly peace, Jimmy! Simply the best!

[mikefruge]

This was great! I'm so glad I watched it! My dad met James Cagney while he was recovering from pneumonia after being shipped to England via the North Sea during WW2. Dad was recovering in a hospital for military personnel in London. Cagney took the time to visit these patients while he was in the area. He shook my father's hand and thanked him for his service. My father often spoke of the incident and had tremendous admiration for Cagney.

[jaydebeer]

I grew up on his movies. Im 57 now but as a boy of 8 i was hooked on cagney movies. 🎉❤

[MissKim--SP]

A wonderful story without scandal. It can be done.

[gmaureen]

My favorite actor of all time. I grew up watching his movies on late night and Sunday afternoon TV. There really wasn't anything he couldn't do. Make you laugh, make you cry, scare you with his street smarts and even make the ladies look silly. He was a treasure.

Leaving his money to his wife was not unusual in the time period he lived, it doesn't mean she didn't share with her daughter and/or other family members. It simply shows he loved and trusted her.

[edcpike]

Love him in everything he did. The man did it all, while dancing circles around everyone else.

[paulakpacente]

IMO there will NEVER be another actor like James Cagney, and he was one of the "Greats" from the 20th century. Thanks for posting this!

[bdcochran]

Never underestimate him. He was an accomplished painter.

[gregbellinger]

Cagney was a guy who grew up tough and worked his ass off in any job to put money in his pocket during the great depression Tenacious, adaptable and willing to try. What a wonderful story. The line "Made it, Ma" says it all. Thanks very much for the insights..GB

[oceansams]

I read somewhere he lived in the same house until he passed away. His Hollywood pals asked him why he still live in the same house. When he could buy a Manson. He said, why move, I'm happy here.

[phyllisneal]

Great man, who increased our WW II SOLDIERS Spirits, with his wonderful song & dance❤️ He lifted us ALL, up❤️

[gericummings]

I had the immence pleasure of meeting James Cagney, as my husband was his piano tuner, when he lived in Coldwater Canyon, in Los Angeles CA. In 1973, I was able to meet him in his driveway as my husband was tuning James Cagney's piano. He greeted me, and told me my 6 mos. old son, Ricky, was "a cute little bambino". I also had answered the phone when Mr. Cagney called to arrange the tuning. He had our phone number from when my husband had tuned his brothers piano in Newport Beach, Ca. and had introduced him to James. A brush with greatness, for sure!

[zabdas]

Love Cagney. Childhood favourite actor, I used to sit & watch these old & golden B&W' movies with my Dad as kid.
Legend!

[ittybittykittymama]

Cagney danced as if he was suspended from a spring or a string. He literally danced on air! He was at his finest in "Footlight Parade" in 1933, a wonderful film studded eith Busby Berkeley chreography in which Cagney shone brightly. Thiz film is in regular rotatiom of TCM. It's a forgotten gem!

[judychapman]

James Cagney was the best actor ever! I watch his movies over and over, they never get old.

[Susiesdarling]

Loved him with Edward G Robinson. I also really loved him in Yankee Doodle Dandy.