James Cagney Movies I've Seen
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- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsJames CagneyDorothy MaloneJane GreerThe life and career of vaudevillian and silent-screen horror star Lon Chaney, including his contentious relationship with his neurotic wife and his premature death.First Cagney movie, pre-2017. Cagney great, but fictionalized script and over-emphasis on Cleva don't do him or Lon any favors.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsJames CagneyJoan LeslieWalter HustonThe life of the renowned musical composer, playwright, actor, dancer, and singer George M. Cohan.June 2017. Episodic story feels longer than it is, but a treat to see Cagney showing off his skills as a singer and dancer, his beautiful sister Jeanne, and a great tribute to Cohan.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsJames CagneyOlivia de HavillandRita HayworthQuick-tempered yet likable Biff Grimes falls for the beautiful Virginia Brush, but he is not the only young man in the neighborhood who is smitten with her.August 2017. Slightly overlong, but great turn-of-the-century atmosphere. Cagney great as nice guy snubbed by titular strawberry-blonde. Great chemistry with Olivia de Haviland.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsJames CagneyHumphrey BogartPriscilla LaneThree men attempt to make a living in Prohibitionist America after returning home from fighting together in World War I.August 2017. Overstretched gangster drama, but often compelling, with a veneer of quality. Downbeat ending, but Cagney great as soldier-turned-bootlegger.
- DirectorCharles VidorStarsDoris DayJames CagneyCameron MitchellA fictionalized account of the career of jazz singer Ruth Etting and her tempestuous marriage to gangster Marty Snyder, who helped propel her to stardom.August/September 2017. Somewhat slow in spots, but Cagney electrifying as tough mobster with a soft spot for singer (Day) who doesn't love him.
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsJames CagneyBette DavisStuart ErwinA financially-strapped charter pilot hires himself to an oil tycoon to kidnap his madcap daughter and prevent her from marrying a vapid band leader.September 2017. Sometimes forced but sometimes funny screwball comedy, but Cagney great and charming regardless alongside Bette Davis.
- DirectorVictor SchertzingerStarsJames CagneyEvelyn DawWilliam FrawleyA New York bandleader journeys to Hollywood when he is offered a contract with a studio, but he is determined to do things his way and not theirs.September 2017. Disjointed and overlong, but has its moments of comedy. Cagney's dancing skills on show.
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsJames CagneyLoretta YoungGeorge E. StoneIndependent cabbie Matt Nolan is primed to let his fists and handgun deliver payback after a big taxi firm uses intimidation and violence to squeeze out small-timers.September 2017. Fast-paced ubergenre film with Cagney at his charming, talented best as a hot-tempered yet sympathetic taxi-driver. Shows off his range as tough guy, lover, and dancer. Personal favorite Cagney film.
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsJames CagneyMarian NixonGuy KibbeeYoung boxer Jim Kane, resting at a New Mexico "health ranch," meets and falls for Peggy Harmon, former nightclub table singer...who needs $600 more for her sickly son to stay in the place. To help her, Jim endangers his health with a tough boxing match in Tijuana. Before long, he's back fighting while Peggy stays in the desert. But in the city, after new triumphs, Jim meets Joan, a teasing Society blonde. Will he see through her before it's too late?September 2017. Cagney totally unbelievable as dense, fickle boxer, but great to see his fighting skills in action.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsJames CagneyJoan BlondellRuby KeelerChester Kent struggles against time, romance, and a rival's spy to produce spectacular live "prologues" for movie houses.September 2017. Overlong and dull till the final two musical numbers, but great seeing Cagney hoofing and singing.
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsJames CagneyJoan BlondellLouis CalhernThe adventures of an egoistic con man and his glamorous accomplice.September 2017. Unlikeable characters and disappointing ending bring story down, but Cagney charming regardless as young con man opposite Joan Blondell.
- DirectorWilliam A. WellmanStarsGrant WithersMary AstorRegis ToomeyEvents take an unhappy turn for two Bill and Jack, two locomotive engineers, after Bill is attracted to his best friend's wife.September 2017. Cagney stands out in otherwise soapy story, despite the small size of his part, and even gets in a dance. Shots on top of moving train a real achievement.
- DirectorJohn G. BlystoneStarsJames CagneyMae ClarkeJames BurkeThe adventures of an investigator (Cagney) for the Bureau of Weights and Measures.September 2017. Cagney excellent in otherwise moderately entertaining, low-budget quickie about principled guy fighting corruption. Worth it to see his dancing and fighting skills.
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsJames CagneyMae ClarkeMargaret LindsayA former gangster makes it big in Hollywood, but his old life catches up with him.September 2017. Cagney charming as ever depite uneven and forgettable story about gum-chewing smart-aleck who goes from movie usher to racketeer to movie actor. One of his rare happy endings.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsJames CagneyBette DavisAllen JenkinsAn unpolished racketeer, whose racket is finding heirs for unclaimed fortunes, affects ethics and tea-drinking manners to win back the sweetheart who now works for his seemingly upright competitor.September 2017. Typical 30's crime-comedy fluff with Cagney as a professional swindler who vows to go straight to win back his old girlfriend. Neither he nor Davis liked the script, but great to see them working together.
- DirectorAlfred E. GreenStarsEdward G. RobinsonJames CagneyEvalyn KnappA Greek barber has uncommon skills in playing poker and soon rises in the seedy world of illegal gambling, but pretty blondes remain his Achilles' heel.September 2017. Robinson's film as barber/professional gambler, but Cagney shines in his second-billed role as loyal sidekick. Tragic end for both.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsJames CagneyMargaret LindsayRicardo CortezAfter a roustabout sailer avoids being shanghaied in 1852 San Francisco, his audacity helps him to arise to a position of power in the vice industry of the infamous Barbary Coast.September 2017. Interesting period crime-drama about life on San Francisco's Barbary Coast. Cagney, in a more sympathetic role as sailor-turned-town boss, gives great, subdued performance, and even ends up with the girl. More enjoyable than 1936's "San Francisco."
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsJames CagneyGeorge RaftJane BryanA corrupt D.A. (Thurston Hall) with political ambitions is angered by news stories implicating him in criminal activity and decides to frame the reporter (James Cagney) for manslaughter in order to silence him.September 2017. Another quality production from 1939. Engrossing prison drama unafraid to show the cruelty and injustice of the prison system. Cagney gives intense, emotional performance as framed reporter wrongly sent to jail, one of the best of his career. Real-life buddy George Raft gives strong support.
- DirectorAnatole LitvakJean NegulescoStarsJames CagneyAnn SheridanArthur KennedyDanny is a content truck driver, but his girl Peggy shows potential as a dancer and hopes he too can show ambition. Danny acquiesces and pursues boxing to please her, but the two begin to spend more time working than time together.September 2017. Overlong melodrama that never quite decides on a tone or who is really the main character. Cagney great regardless as boxer who loses his sight for the sake of his overly-ambitious girlfriend Ann Sheridan.
- DirectorH.C. PotterStarsJames CagneyWilliam BendixWayne MorrisA wide variety of persons come into Nick's Pacific Street Saloon, some to ask for work and others just to pass the time.September 2017. Stagey, meandering ensemble piece about misfits who frequent a second-string bar. Cagney great as genial loafer/philosopher. Worth watching only for him, his sister Jeanne, and scene of Cagney and Bendix singing harmony.
- DirectorWilliam A. WellmanStarsJames CagneyJean HarlowEdward WoodsAn Irish-American street punk tries to make it big in the world of organized crime.October 2017. Surprisingly untalky Pre-Code gangster talkie with noirish feel despite 1931 release. Off-camera deaths pack powerful punch. Cagney great as cold-hearted Chicago hoodlum Tom Powers, the role that made him famous. An unsympathetic turn until the final reel. Classic scenes of Cagney with grapefruit and him staggering through the gutter in the pouring rain, not to mention his brief dance with Jean Harlow.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsJames CagneyVirginia MayoEdmond O'BrienA psychopathic criminal with a mother complex makes a daring break from prison and leads his old gang in a chemical plant payroll heist.October 2017. Cagney great as always as insane criminal leader Cody Jarrett, whose only soft spot is for his mother. His coldest-blooded role. Unlikable characters and literally explosive ending bring it down.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsJames CagneyBarbara HaleAnne FrancisA charismatic peddler from the bayous finds his true calling in politics. Is he a demagogue in the making?October 2017. Cagney good as always, despite being miscast as unlikable Louisiana peddler-turned-politician. Unfocused story makes it worth seeing only for his brief moments of singing and dancing, and his sister Jeanne's performance as Jennie.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsJames CagneyDennis MorganBrenda MarshallInspired by Churchill's Dunkirk speech, brash, undisciplined bush pilot Brian MacLean and three friends enlist in the RCAF but are deemed too old to be fliers.November 2017. Cagney moving and charming as always, despite slightly unlikeable role as smart-aleck pilot, and limitations of propaganda/RAF promo film that is more about the planes than the people.
- DirectorWilliam DieterleMax ReinhardtStarsJames CagneyDick PowellIan HunterTwo couples and a troupe of actors have an encounter with some mischievous fairies in the forest.November 2017. Cagney a delight as the hapless Bottom, a bright spot in an otherwise trippy and over-the-top film. His performance is broad but very funny, and more grounded than that of his ridiculously scene-chewing co-stars. Role gives him the chance to show off his talents as a singer and comedian as well as an actor; his physicality in the transformation and awkening scenes are worth the price of admission alone.
- DirectorWilliam K. HowardStarsJames CagneyGrace GeorgeMarjorie MainNewspaper man wanders about and helps older woman save her paper.November 2017. Heartwarming turn-of-the-century comedy-drama about bum-turned-reporter who helps the old lady who takes him in. Fine performances all around, but Cagney shines in gentler role than normal.
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsJames CagneyMargaret LindsayAnn DvorakJames Cagney helped jump-start the gangster genre as The Public Enemy. Outcries against movies that glorified underworld criminals put Cagney on the side of the law in 'G' Men.November 2017. Top-shelf, well-paced crime drama glorifying the good guys rather than the bad. Less punchy than pre-Code but entertaining, with great script and a surprising amount of humor. Cagney more subdued in refreshing role on the other side of the law, but as charming and cocksure as ever.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsJames CagneyJoan BlondellAnn DvorakRace car driver becomes overprotective of his brother when he decides to become a racer as well.November 2017. Amazing special effects and thrilling race sequences can't save rushed WB melodrama that's too short on character development. Blondell and Cagney given too little to do, but he's good as alcoholic driver trying to protect younger brother.
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsJames CagneyVirginia MayoDoris DayA Broadway director helps the West Point cadets put on a show, aided by two lovely ladies and assorted complications.November 2017. Fun, feel-good musical with Cagney in top form all around as Broadway producer forced into the army to get a show put on. All-star cast looks like they're really enjoying themselves, which spills over onto the rest of the film. Like "Footlight Parade," only better. One of Cagney's most enjoyable films. Great seeing him sing, dance, and even speak French.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsJames CagneyHumphrey BogartRosemary LaneDuring the Oklahoma Land Rush, the lawlessness is exacerbated by the McCord gang's feud with the Kincaids, who are trying to bring law and justice to the region.December 2017. Cagney and Bogart both strangely cast as cowboys, but do well in roles nonetheless, with Bogart as black-hatted baddie and Cagney the do-gooder taking the law in his own hands. Typical Western plot, but can't miss Cagney singing, dancing, riding, playing the guitar, and even speaking Spanish!
- DirectorJohn G. AdolfiStarsGrant WithersEvalyn KnappJames CagneyMa Delano (Lucille LaVerne) runs a boardwalk penny arcade and lives upstairs with her sons Harry and Joe (James Cagney and Ray Gallagher) and daughter Jennie (Evalyn Knapp); their story involves rum-running, accidental murder, and a frame-up.December 2017. Cagney and Blondell's film debut in the roles they originated on Broadway. Stagey quality, but surprisingly good performances. Cagney plays more of a wimpy mama's boy character than he would later, but breakdown scene harbinger of things to come.
- DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsJames CagneyMary BrianAllen JenkinsSmall time con artist Lefty Merrill has co-organized a crooked dance marathon and set up his girlfriend to win the prize money. When his partner disappears with money before the contest is over, he's forced to come up with a series of cons to help pay it back.December 2017. Cagney a scream as fast-talking promoter/con artist in fresh, enjoyable Pre-code romp. Comedy handled nicely by director Mervyn LeRoy. Cagney more subdued and vulnerable than usual, but his athleticism is still on show, particularly in running-down-the-stairs scene. Worth seeing again.
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsJames CagneyAnn SheridanPat O'BrienPlagued by revolutionaries that harass his plantation in a banana republic, fruit company exec Steve Case rehires former nemesis Nick Butler to restore order and profits.January 2018. Slow start and different yet unfocused story make it seem longer than it is, but Cagney, even as second-fiddle to O'Brian, has great chemistry with lady cardsharp Ann Sheridan. Better than "The Lady Eve" but not worth rewatching.
- DirectorJohn FordMervyn LeRoyJoshua LoganStarsHenry FondaJames CagneyWilliam PowellIn the waning days of World War II, the cargo officer of a Navy supply ship chafes at its role far from the action in the Pacific's backwater areas, his frustration rising when its captain denies the crew liberty over petty irritations.February 2018. Dull, slow-moving war film enlivened only by Cagney's electric performance in supporting role as Captain Morton.
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsJames CagneyPat O'BrienGeorge BrentAlthough loudmouthed braggart Jerry Plunkett alienates his comrades and officers, Father Duffy, the regimental chaplain, has faith that he'll prove himself in the end.March 2018. Gritty, realistic, but surprisingly character-driven WWI drama based on the real-life "Fighting Irish" 69th Regiment. Strong, moving performances by largely Irish-American cast, including Cagney as a smart-aleck coward who turns hero. Great to see him scrapping and speaking Yiddish.
- DirectorHenry HathawayStarsJames CagneyAnnabellaRichard ConteWhen spy chief Bob Sharkey finds out one of his agents-in-training is actually a Nazi double agent, his strategic decision not to arrest him results in tragedy.April 2018. Cagney great as always as gutsy American spy leader forced to enter Nazi-occupied France to liberate them. Plenty of action and even a scene speaking German. Fatalistic atmosphere and senseless end for Cagney bring it down.
- DirectorRoy RowlandStarsJames CagneyBarbara StanwyckWalter PidgeonA middle-aged man tries to reconnect with his illegitimate son, who was given to an orphanage many years ago.July 2018. Cagney gives strong, subdued performance in sensitive film about a steel tycoon trying to find his illegitimate son after twenty years. Slightly disappointing ending. Stanwyck great opposite him, though.
- DirectorArchie MayoStarsLew AyresJames CagneyDorothy MathewsDespite his efforts to go straight, a young gangster keeps falling back into crime.August 2018. Cagney plays second fiddle to Lew Ayres' brooding, baby-faced gang leader, but stands out nonetheless in great pre-"Public Enemy" performance. Stylishly directed and surprisingly untalky early talkie. Great to see a pre-"Dracula" Dwight Frye as a gangster!
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsDoris DayGordon MacRaeVirginia MayoTo impress a movie star, a U.S. Air Force crewman pretends he is soon to see combat. When his lie gets out, chaos ensues.December 2018. Cagney great in brief but cute cameo as himself. Rest of movie not worth watching.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsJames CagneyPat O'BrienMarie WilsonTwo screenwriters in a rut come up with a story idea starring a bankable cowboy and the baby of the studio's waitress.December 2018. Cagney and O'Brian a hoot as over-the-top, Marx-brothers-esque writers in over-the-top spoof of Hollywood. Thin on plot, but plenty of witty laughs and Cagney's signature athleticism.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsJames CagneyDon DubbinsStephen McNallyWith no law within 200 miles horse rancher Jeremy Rodak runs his spread with an iron hand and deals with rustlers even more ruthlessly.March 2019. Cagney gives great, nuanced performance as a horse rancher out for revenge in different, more character-driven Western. Beautiful scenery, and great to see Cagney show his love of horses!
- DirectorMichael AndersonStarsJames CagneyDon MurrayDana WynterIn 1920s Ireland, I.R.A. members are being led by the war mongering Dr. Sean Lenihan (James Cagney), as they fight oppressive British forces.March 2019. Cagney gives an intense performance as trigger-happy Irish IRA leader in violent, moody film, shot on location, about the Troubles of the 1920's. Only worth watching for his scenes, and to hear his Irish accent.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsJames CagneyPat O'BrienOlivia de HavillandTwo brothers, a police officer and a boxing promoter, vie for the affections of a lovely young woman.April 2019. Lively (if slight) family comedy about Irish mother and her three grown boys, with script allegedly enlivened by cast's ad libbing. Cagney has great chemistry with Mary Gordon as Ma, gets to show off his boxing skills, and gets the girl. Worth watching again.
- DirectorRobert MontgomeryStarsJames CagneyDennis WeaverWard CostelloA semi-documentary dramatization of five weeks in the life of Vice Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey, Jr., from his assignment to command the U.S. naval operations in the South Pacific to the Allied victory at Guadalcanal.June 2019. Cagney gives great, subtle performance as real-life Admiral Halsey in slow-moving but unusual war film that focuses more on the behind-the-scenes of Guadalcanal than the battles themselves.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsJames CagneyRalph BellamyPatricia EllisEx-convict Danny Kean decides to become honest as a photographer for a paper. He falls in love with Patricia, the daughter of the policeman who arrested him. Mr Nolan, her father, doesn't like that relation at first, but McLean, Kean's boss, convinces him of Kean's good nature. But Kean uses his relation to Patricia to make a photo of an execution. Due to this, Nolan loses his stripes and Kean isn't allowed to see Patricia any longer. But when one of his former friends kills two policemen, Kean sees his chance....December 2019. Cagney great as clever ex-con trying to make an "honest" living putting his wiles to good use as a tabloid photographer. Fresh and surpringly racy Pre-Code film.
- DirectorArchie MayoMichael CurtizStarsJames CagneyMadge EvansArthur ByronFive members of a teen-age gang, including leader Jimmy Smith, are sent to the state reformatory, presided over by the melodramatically callous Thompson. Soon, Patsy Gargan, a former gangster appointed deputy commissioner as a political favor, arrives - complete with hip flask and blonde. Gargan falls for activist nurse Dorothy and, inspired by her, takes over the administration to run the place on radical principles. But Thompson, to conceal his years of graft, needs a quick way to discredit Gargan.December 2019. Unique twist on the usual cop drama with hoodlum boys at a reform school. Great performances by young actors. Cagney great as always as soft-hearted tough-guy who fights to reform a boy's reform school.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsJames CagneyJoan BlondellVictor JoryDan Curly sends two hitmen to kill double-crossing Flicker Hayes, who retreats to a small village with ex-prostitute Rose to hide.January 2020. Cagney and Blondell both give great, soft-spoken performances in spite of paper-thin plot of crook who gives himself up for ex-call girl and confused character motivation.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsJames CagneyPat O'BrienGloria StuartA cocky guy joins the Navy for the wrong reason but finds romance and twice is cited for heroism.February 2020. Refreshingly different Pre-Code dramedy about riveter (Cagney) who joins the Navy to get back at the guy (O'Brian) who lost him his job, his girl, his dance-contest win, and his tuxedo rental deposit. Cagney's rapport with Frank McHugh and Gloria Stuart makes it worth rewatching.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsJames CagneyPat O'BrienHumphrey BogartA priest tries to stop a gangster from corrupting a group of street kids.June 2021. Higher-quality gangster film than the usual Warners programmers. Cagney great as unrepentant gangster Rocky Sullivan who is betrayed by his duplicitous lawyer (played by Humphrey Bogart), and whose soft spot for childhood-friend-turned priest (played by Pat O'Brian) lead to his demise. Great performances all around, and excellent direction by Michael Curtiz. Memorable and moving final scene actually shot in Sing Sing prison.
- DirectorMelville ShavelsonStarsBob HopeMilly VitaleGeorge TobiasAfter the young wife of vaudevillian Eddie Foy passes away, he incorporates their seven children into the act and takes it on the road.July 2021. Cagney a joy to watch in all-too-brief cameo as George M. Cohan, where he trades jokes and hoofs alongside Bob Hope as Eddie Foy.
- DirectorJohn G. AdolfiStarsGeorge ArlissFlorence ArlissDavid MannersA millionaire automaker retires upon the advice of his doctor, but becomes so bored he buys half interest in a gas station and works it on the sly.July 2021. Cagney leaps off the screen in his short but pivotal cameo as a fast-talking insurance salesman who convinces the retired Millionaire (George Arliss) to buy into a business interest.
- DirectorCharles LedererStarsJames CagneyShirley JonesRoger SmithJake MacIllaney will do just about anything to win the presidential election of longshoreman union Local 26. When he encounters young upright attorney Dan Cabot and Cabot's attractive wife, Linda, MacIllaney breaks up their marriage, pursues Linda, and pins a grand larceny rap on Dan. And all set to music!August 2021. Jimmy (looking far younger than 60!) is exceptionally cute and charming as an ambitious gangster who works his way up to union president. While the film is an unusual semi-musical comedy reminiscent of "How To Succeed in Business," his characterization of Jake is a throwback to his scheming smart-guys from the 30s. He even gets a short dance number, a scuba-diving scene, a short song, and the opportunity to throw a few punches! Great chemistry alongside a young Shirley Jones.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsJames CagneyHorst BuchholzPamela TiffinIn West Berlin during the Cold War, a Coca-Cola executive is given the task of taking care of his boss' socialite daughter.August 2021. Cagney only bright spot in overlong, exhausting, dialogue-heavy, angry, often dour "comedy", though it's clear he's not enjoying himself as he usually does. Another overrated Billy Wilder film.
- DirectorGordon DouglasStarsJames CagneyBarbara PaytonHelena CarterStarting with a violent prison break, clever, ruthless Ralph Cotter corrupts everyone around him.August 2021. Cagney gives engrossing yet marginally lower-key performance as a cruel, manipulative crook in the mold of Tom Powers or Cody Jarrett, whose addiction to risk leads to his undoing. Not as fatalistic as "White Heat" but abrupt, downer ending drags it down. Not worth seeing again.
- DirectorFrank LloydStarsJames CagneySylvia SidneyPorter HallA dedicated American reporter in 1930s Japan is determined to expose that government's plan for world domination.September 2021. Cagney gives compelling lower-key performance as an American journalist caught up in Far East intrigue. While he can't save the inadequately-explained espionage plot, he is charming as ever, and the scenes of him showing off his judo skills are can't-miss.
- DirectorRay EnrightStarsJames CagneyPatricia EllisAllen JenkinsTrucker Eddie Kennedy gets involved with the law when he has an car accident with Ann Reid and knocks the owner of a dairy out. He evades a penalty when he claims, that he had done it as an act of solidarism with the farmers. The farmers start an boycott action against this dairy, so the owner has to bring milk from elsewhere to his dairy, but the farmers closed the road, and Kennedy is arrested once more. He leaves jail at night to meet Ann, but meanwhile the owner has asked some mobsters to deliver the milk. One of the farmers is murdered, Ann Reid is missing and Eddie Kennedy is accused of murder.July 2023. Cagney gives usual good performance in unusual dramedy with better dialogue than most about truckers who spend more time in jail than on the road. A nice change to see him as a normal guy going up against crooks instead of being one. Interesting camera-work. Great to see Cagney's footwork, and who can forget his braining fight opponents with his head instead of his fists.