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A Dandy of a Movie


I'm referring, of course, to that wonderful movie Yankee Doodle Dandy directed by Michael Curtiz and starring James Cagney. The AFI placed it at number 100 on their list. In case you're not familiar with the plot, it's the life story of actor/producer/playwright George M. Cohan. The film pioneered the flashback method of telling a story and begins with Cohan's childhood stage acting. It tells the story of he and his family as they performed plays and shows across the country as "The Four Cohans. Like all entertainers, they have their ups and downs. At one point George's arrogance causes his family to be looked down on as performers. In a somewhat sneaky move, however, Cohan gets funding from a producer and makes his stage come-back. Finally the family is once again reunited as a family act. There is much more to the film, but I'll stop here because I don't want to spoil it for you.

The message about family loyalty is something you don't see much in movies these days. For me this is what made the movie truly wonderful. In addition, the grand musical numbers give a clear portrayal of the theatre styles of the early 1900s - vaudeville and musical variety shows. Many funny moments, poignant moments and tributes to the American spirit combine to make this a true classic. It's a movie that will stand the test of time, thus earning a two thumbs up from both my husband and me.

Stay tuned for a review of the next movie on our list, the 1944 classic Double Indemnity.

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