Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942 – DVD 2003, G) 5/5 stars

Biopic of the father of American musical comedy George M. Cohan covering his childhood vaudeville days with his performing family to hiACs acceptance of the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of his contributions to World War I morale.

James Cagney dominates the screen in his academy award winning, energetic and nimble performance as the playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer, diretor and producer.

This movie remains as entertaining as ever and was choosen as the first black and white film to be colorized and rereleased (but thankfully is generally seen now in it’s original form). Memorable song and dance numbers like Yankee Doodle Dandy, Over There and You’re A Grand Ole Flag still move audiences with the urge to wave a flag.

Cagney’s brother produced the film and his sister portrayed one of Cohan’s sisters. Cohan was also a founding member of ASCAP and his bronze statue in Times Square is the only statue of an actor in New York City.