It's now officially the Fourth of July ... I just finished watching "The George M. Cohan Story" with James Cagney. I've watched it every 4th of July for the past 30 plus years. I loved Jimmy Cagney as an actor and especially as a song & dance man and this movie is special, it renews those feelings of patriotism that the politicians work so hard to kill.
The movie was made in 1942 and released just prior to the start of WWII. It told the life story of Cohan and his contributions, through his music, to the war (WWI) effort. He wrote, he acted, he sang, and he danced ... and he entertained the troops. He was the first, if not the only, person to receive the congressional medal of honor for his musical contributions.
I run the total gamut of emotions watching this movie. I love to sing along - loudly (used to like to dance along). It makes me smile and laugh and it brings out the tears. Want to revitalize those deeply patriotic feelings again? This is the movie to do it for you.
For you youngsters, George Cohan wrote songs for World War I; "Over There," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Grand Old Flag," and more. He later wrote a number of broadway musicals as well. And Jimmy Cagney, who portrays Cohan, was one of the finest hoofers ever to strut across the stage or screen.
If you haven't seen it, where have you been? Rent a copy or borrow one from the library. Ted Turner, in his infinite wisdom, colorized it some time ago. I guess I'm a purist, I prefer the original black & white version.
Hope you're enjoying the Fourth and the long weekend.
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