topic Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD in TV and Movies

JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

Oznell — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 17:17:41 GMT

TCM aired this early-1990's documentary on James Cagney in the wee hours, and I'm sorry I didn't remember soon enough to alert here.

If you haven't seen, and you're a Cagney fan, it's a must.

Since childhood, I've adored Jimmy Cagney. There are lots of Classic Age of Hollywood performers to admire, but a few stand out by their sheer originality and that certain "something" they bring to the screen.

Cagney's like that. That unstoppable, contained energy, the "danger", the staccato speech, contrasted with his submerged romanticism (an Irish legacy?). And what to make of this consummate tough guy's quirky mastery of dance? A complete original-- if only he had danced more on screen.

Ever notice those luxuriant eyelashes? They're visible in lots of his pictures...

Interesting tidbits from the doc--

Michael J. Fox, who narrated, said that all the other young actors he knew wanted to be James Dean. He always wanted to be Cagney. Love him for that.

Fox was known for wanting to play Jimmy Cagney on screen, and it's such a shame that project wasn't realized. Although, who could play Cagney, really?

Despite his origins in the very 'mean streets' of turn-of-the-century New York, Jimmy Cagney had the soul of a farmer-- he always wanted to get back to his farm in the country. Loved horses, and painting, and writing.

Cagney said that it always looked too brutal, interestingly, when he fought with someone his own size (short) in a film, so they mostly had him picking on much bigger guys...

Mae Clark and Virginia Mayo discussed his creative way of working-- he was always inventing bits that weren't in the script. The still charming and sprightly Mae Clark said the perennial question to her for over 60 years from fans was, what did it feel like for Cagney to push that grapefruit in her face. Her deadpan reply-- "Wet".

In my 20's, I used to have this in my black and white photo collection-- wish I could find it now!

He filled out a Warner Brothers questionnaire upon arrival in Hollywood. Question: What are your pet peeves?. J.C. 's answer: "Aggressive dumbbells and silly questions".

In "Public Enemy", they used real, functioning, machine guns. Jimmy Cagney narrowly missed being sprayed with bullets when those bullets demolished the edge of a building he was next to.

The unforgettably tender death scene that Cagney played in "Yankee Doodle Dandy" with his father (Walter Huston) on his deathbed, had director Michael Curtiz and the hardened crew drowned in tears, according to costar Joan Leslie. (Glad I'm not the only one...)

There are hilarious pictures of this changeling online. I thought this publicity still with a young Bette Davis was amusing. The formidable Bette looks not that comfortable! While Cagney looks impish and quite at ease.

His great pal Pat O'Brien called him "the faraway fella", which caught the dreamy nature of his essence. An interesting description for the star who, in "White Heat", so indelibly rendered one of the most suicidally self-destructive and vicious characters in classic film.

Anyway, even though as an ardent admirer, the documentary didn't reveal that much new to me, it was fabulous to see so many clips of the man and his peers talking about him. Well worth a watch, the next time "Top of the World" rolls around.

Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

SharkE — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 17:20:54 GMT

As you know he's one of my favorites. Bought that dvd. Also, has that drop dead gorgeous dark haired man that I can't remember his name who goes after Mayo gal

Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

Mz iMac — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 17:56:14 GMT

I am a fan of the gansta Cagney. The "dancing" Cagney-NOPE!

Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

LyndaGee — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 18:14:48 GMT

Would've loved this. Hope to see it soon.

One of my favorite scenes is in "Yankee Doodle Dandy," when he danced down the steps at the White House!

Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

SharkE — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 18:32:03 GMT

Steve Cochran, was his name

Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

catter70 — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 19:57:33 GMT

Sorry, @Oznell , I meant to post that yesterday was James Cagney day and it slipped my mind. If anyone one is interested, today is Frederic March day, or what's left of it.

Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

godi — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:31:00 GMT

So sad I missed this. I love Cagney. Oh well I will see it next time.

Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

Oznell — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:11:38 GMT

Ha, @Mz iMac , I'm sort of the opposite. As much as I appreciate 'tough guy' Cagney (but no killing, hate that), it's dancer and dreamer Cagney I like the best... oh, and when he's funny too. He's sort of droll and mischievous.

Oh boy, I love that 'dancing-down-the-steps' White House scene also, @LyndaGee ! One for the ages.

Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

Q4u — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:12:48 GMT

I also loved Cagney, especially him singing and dancing and full on Irish. As wonderful an actor as he was, it was those music movies that stirred my Irish/Scots soul.....

Re: JAMES CAGNEY -- TOP OF THE WORLD

Oznell — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 22:22:40 GMT

It could well be that 'mystical Celtic' thing, @Q4u -- good point!