Review of Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) by Grant S — 27 Jan 2015

The first third is a text book case in bio-pics, a great framing device and early life intro, with very efficient sequeways. I especially loved the bit where Cohan met his future wife. But once Cohan hits the big time, the film drags like hell in the second half, featuring lots of songs (and stagey, patriotic/propagandic performances) which surely were beloved at the times, but seem kinds wearing now - especially the bits without Cagney.

Because frankly, the little guy is the entire show here (well, him and Walter Huston, who also resonates), and not just in the (ok) singing and (sensational) dancing bits - mostly its just great to watch Cagney bounce off others in the comedic bits (like the theatre agents and his primary competitor on Broadway).

Yet he also brings some poignancy to the role at times, less so in his rote relationship with his wife, but quite a bit in his relationship with his family. "My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I thank you.

" Not a classic (to me) but great to know some of the history now behind that awesome centrepiece statue in my beloved Times Square.