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Bobby Lime's avatar

Doctor, there's something about that scene in which Cohan goes dancing down the staircase at the White House which brings a lump to my throat. I've never been able to find out whether Cohan actually closed shows with the flourish, "My father thanks you, my mother thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I thank you," but I hope he did. It's total kitsch, but it would have gone over beautifully with the audiences of that period. Joseph Mitchell's portrait of essentially a washed up Cohan circa 1930 is well worth the reading.

I've also never been able to find out much about the show, I'd Rather Be Right. I hope the scenarist did include the scene of a dancing Roosevelt, but obviously, someone came up with the idea. To me, that set piece within the movie is the best thing about it.

Cagney won Best Actor and how could he not have? It's not really an acting performance, and who cares?

For my money, Stephen Foster was the first great American songwriter. It would be hard for someone to ever have made a movie about him, though. He seems to have been so remote in life as to be ghostlike.

Another Cagney movie which I love and which you've probably seen is The Strawberry Blonde. There is nothing about that movie which isn't great. Even the name of Rita Hayworth's character, Virginia Brush, is perfect for a young woman in late Victorian era Brooklyn.

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BetterOffRed's avatar

It's a blessing to have movies preserved for the toe-tapping, sing-along glory of great entertainment.

My family moved to NY in the sixties, and my parents adored theater. I was privileged to witness some iconic musicals, including "George M!" starring Joel Grey in the Cohan lead. (1968... Bernadette Peters earned her chops as the sister). Memorable, prompting regular viewings of Cagney in the super film role.

Another fabulous musical (based on historical America) worth mentioning is "Purlie" from 1970, adapted from Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee's play, "Purlie Victorious." Cleavon Little dazzled in the lead role. Sherman Hemsley & Melba Moore were fantastic new talented soon-to-be stars and not to take anything away from Ossie & his wife, the musical was better than the play.

Sorry to digress from movies to live theater, but seeing it in person gives one a true appreciation of the talent, strength and skill necessary to sing, dance and navigate stairs in one take! Oh, to be so gifted!!

Thx for the memories!

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