A Connecticut Yankee fumbles on pretty much every level, including wasting lead Will Rogers. The big problem is the script, from William M. Conselman. It doesn’t help any director Butler can’t mount an action or comedy sequences, because there’s nothing else in the picture. It doesn’t even work read more
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), starring James Cagney, is one of the 1001 classic movies you should see.
Each Monday, I'm going to recommend a classic movie you should see (for the reasons behind the 1001 series and reviews of earlier films covered go here). In honor of the Presidential election read more
I'm celebrating the Fourth of July with James Cagney performing That Yankee Doodle Boy in Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942). The story behind the song is below.
That Yankee Doodle Boy is one of old Hollywood's most familiar patriotic songs thanks to James Cagney's electrifying performance as read more
When I settled in to watch the new Warner Archive Blu-ray of Yankee Doodle Dandy, I was expecting good, corny fun. Lively dance numbers, old-fashioned tunes--sweet-natured stuff. It had been several years since I'd seen it, and I had forgotten the emotional impact this deeply patriotic film could ha read more
James Cagney & Joan Leslie
If To Be or Not To Be was an example of tragic timing (see previous post), Yankee Doodle Dandy illustrated what can happen when all the pieces fit together perfectly. Yankee Doodle Dandy was to be yet another musical biopic (biography picture), a type of mo read more
When you think of transgender individuals what comes to mind? Cher’s daughter, Chasity, becoming Chaz? The teased wigs and lots of eye make-up of Rupal’s contestants on the VH1 show “Rupaul’s Drag Race”? Robin Williams in “Mrs. Doubtfire”? What about a female impersonator in a 1919 silent read more
