Dandy certainly describes the footwork of the agile and energetic James Cagney in Yankle Doodle Dandy,  the 1941 patriotic and fun musical starring James Cagney as a singing, dancing fool exceptionally light on his feet. You'll be singing "Give My Regards To Broadway" when it's over.

Yankle Doodle Dandy won three Oscars, and Cagney, known as a tough guy in most of his films, took home one of those as Best Actor.

Told in a window through window flashback style, the movie stars Cagney as music legend George M. Cohan . The film opens as George is summoned to the White House, where he presents his life story to President Roosevelt (Jack Young).

The Cohan family of four - mom (Rosemary DeCamp), dad (Jerry Huston), George and his sister Josie (played by Cagney's real-life sister Jeanne), is a vaudeville act that travels on tour performing song and dance routines. But at an early age, George is a little too aware of the financial arrangements concerning the family's appearances. Peck's Bad Boy, he's soon labeled. Each time he opens his mouth and butts into his dad's negotiations, it usually sours the deal.

When George overhears his family complain about his over-bearing attitude, he tells them he's going out on his own, and they agree it's a good idea

George On His Own

They do okay on the road, but George does even better. With a sharp eye for business, he partners up with Sam Harris (Richard Whorf) and the two of them begin writing and producing music for some of the best shows and most well known-tunes of the 40s and 50s.

Many of Cohan's songs are infectious, and Yankle Doodle Dandy hit the big screen during wartime, when a patriotic boost was much needed. One could hardly listen to "The Yankee Doodle Boy," "You're a Grand Old Flag" or "Over There" without almost standing up and saluting. And watching Cagney and his amazing dancing abilities is mesmerizing. It's easy to forget the depths of his talent until seeing his exceptional performance in this film.

Cohan wrote loves songs as well, which also fits into Yankle Doodle Dandy in the subplot of George's romance with Mary (Joan Leslie), for which he wrote the song, "Mary."

Mary and George get married and she joins him and his family on tour. Watching all of these talented actors sing and dance is such a delight.

Film Awards

Musical arrangements by Ray Heindorf along with Jack Boyle's dance choreography certainly are part of the reason Yankle Doodle Dandy earned eight Academy Award nominations. In addition to Cagney's win, Nathan Levinson scored for Best Sound Recording and Ray Heindorf and Heinz Roemheld won the Oscar for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture.

Michael Curtiz earned his nomination for Best Director, as putting a film with so many levels together was certainly no easy task. Walter Huston deserved his nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Never over the top, he portrayed Jerry as a kind-hearted, sympathetic, hard working family man.

You don't have to watch Yankle Doodle Dandy to get revved up by "Give My Regards to Broadway," but it sure ups the fun. Anyone who loves James Cagney must see this musical, he is amazing in his singing, dancing and portrayal of George M. Cohan. A very patriotic movie with lots of good Cohan tunes.