James Cagney Accepts the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1974

[@ktctgrl4jsus]

The childhood friends he speaks of, I'm proud to say also includes my grandfather.

[@moc7323]

Hi , I’m from Ireland, we have a saying Show me your friends and I tell you who you are ... I can tell your grandfather was a gentleman .. who kept great company. Stay safe ..

[@Сашаромисмерть]

Ok

[@poppykok5]

mmmm...

[@ktctgrl4jsus]

@@moc7323 Yes he definitely was a great man. Thank you. And I like the saying that you have in Ireland. I'm Irish, but from America. So I will have to keep that saying in mind. Stay safe your self.

[@RCAWHICK]

Awesome!

[@alangranville284]

I didn't think my admiration for him could get any bigger. I was wrong, it just did. When Robert Redford was asked who was the actor he most admired he said "James Cagney, not only for his wonderful career but how he led his life". Amen to that.

[@robertroberto2487]

James Cagney Inspiration As A Gentle Man, Actor, Great American.

[@avyrose9198]

Pour Clint Eastwood également.Il à déclaré récemment dans une interview qu'il admirait plus que tout James Cagney.

[@JuneSnell]

​@@robertroberto2487l 😮😅

[@jeh500]

Has there ever been a classier, more grateful, authentic or more perfect acceptance by an actor? This man is so deserving.

[@stephenford5839]

Nope Best ever.

[@15packman]

I’m thinking……………………………….

[@tomcon5607]

James Cagney, one of my good heroes, from the time I was a child watching his great movies with my family, I also have a book about him and his brothers as well, great actor and person who fought for fair pay for all actors, and that's the truth.

[@virghammer1]

I really don't see how there ever could have been, @jeh500, you are exactly right! James Cagney ... You led the way for ALL of us .. Such a Green Conservationist he was, too ... 💚

[@frisco21]

This dear man _owned_ the room that night. To say that his speech hit it out of the ballpark before an adoring crowd would be a gross understatement.

[@johngalvin3124]

'That unmistakable touch of the gutter', takes one of nature's gentlemen to acknowledge. Truth and honesty was coming over the footlights in waves. Perhaps the most sincere speech I've ever heard.

[@razorback9926]

My all-time favorite actor. I wrote him a nice letter in 1981, and he (eat your heart out) sent me an autographed 8x11.

[@johndanielharold3633]

You jammy bastard! Eating my heart out as we speak!

[@ramonrodriguez8554]

You're a lucky bastard, you dirty rat!!!

[@andyokus5735]

That is wonderful. God bless you!!!

[@spockboy]

"So's your thick skull copper!" (he said jealously)

[@vincentdefeo5917]

You want to sell it

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

Mr. Cagney doing Mr. Cagney for all of us one last time. When he hitches his trousers...I mean, it's all there. The shoulder shrug, the stance, the moves. What a beautiful farewell to everyone who loved him.

[@michaelwhalen1201]

ONE OF A KIND😎

[@gazebo46]

He's so funny and fiercely intelligent! Definitely one of the most remarkable actors in the 20th century!

[@bruceapar398]

... of any century.

[@audreydaleski1067]

True.

[@tomjones2202]

Notice how many people he mentioned who effected his life... Giving thanks to those who helped make him one of the most outstanding actors of ALL TIME! Great Man!!!

[@philiphalpenny3783]

So sweet of him to mention his childhood buddies...

[@berniejacque4544]

They just don't make them like this anymore, a humble man who without a doubt is a superstar. God bless you Mr. Cagney, you are missed.

[@Singpraise11]

They just don't make 'em like Mr. Cagney anymore. He was truly a treasure!

[@jamesmongan7967]

That's CLASS. Thats James Cagney. That acceptably speech was 44 years ago and still holds up today. I'm 62 and loved that speech. The tough little guy in pictures had a big HEART. Many in the motion picture business today still try to emulate him. They are unable cause there was only ONE JAMES CAGNEY. Thank you "T.M.C" for keeping him alive forever. By the way, the dance scene in "Yankee Doodle" is one of his best scenes.

[@brucescott4261]

James Morgan ...And James Francis Cagney wasn't afraid of Jack L. Warner.

[@michaelceraso1977]

I was in high school and never forgot this CBS special, the love and tributes all the stars EVEN the loud mouths gave him respect, THats some speech as you listen to him, and even how he read about ART, One of a kind!

[@mwilliamshs]

Acceptance >< "acceptably"

[@virghammer1]

HEAR, HEAR, James! - You must be proud to bear his same name, too. (smile)

[@mikebradshaw6484]

Now we have Will Smith talking about everything about love during his acceptance speech AFTER slapping Chris Rock.

[@lonestar6709]

A wonderful actor. A wonderful human being. And a great dancer too. _"Made it Ma! Top of the world!"_ You were top of the world, James Cagney. The absolute top.

[@skiz72]

He looks great here at 75 years young.....I notice he gets emotional at 7:35 when speaking of his wife,brother and sister but some laughed (he wasnt being funny) Rest easy Mr Cagney, you were loved by Many!

[@TheGlass50]

James Cagney was the man. Unbelievable performer. I'm still in awe of his work..

[@bkavanaugh863]

Brad eat your heart out.

[@elliemurphy5383]

Greg gutfeld segments

[@peterdyer3864]

An extraordinary actor a complete joy to watch an artist and what a great speaker. A true gentleman and one of the best

[@bryanburston7804]

Wee

[@hairyscotman]

the BEST....!!!

[@hiyadroogs]

Like so many men & women of that era, James had class & humility. His acting was underlined by the fact that he personally was a great human being. The way he thanks everybody, especially his early boyhood pals, shows that he understands exactly how luck & the influence of others shapes our path in life. We will never see the like of these people again. They knew how to conduct themselves with civility & charm. A perfect example of a disciplined parental legacy.

[@emeraldcityentertainment]

Yes I was just about to say that!

[@Minime163]

Very true

[@roseterry2744]

You couldn't have said it better!!!

[@kimbradley9595]

He was certainly a good and the gentleman which I can't say for now

[@markrene6108]

There are people like him as in a great human being, just not as talented, he had it all.

[@Samantha38504]

Always adored him, and still do. Talent, charisma, charm, truthfulness, genuineness, and real class. May he rest in peace.

[@TheDAT573]

I am thrilled that Hollywood honored Mr. James Cagney this way and that all the major stars came out to share this with him.

[@kathymarik1932]

A great actor and dancer A very humble man. R.I.P.

[@michaelangood]

he was so good i forgot it was a film

[@jamescole5040]

Why can't you find that type of class act now? It seems we've lost that as a society . James Cagney is one class act .

[@hughkane3213]

James Cole mayor of hell

[@scottmiller6495]

Because this world stinks now and its too late for people to admit how wrong they have become !!!!!

[@davidbethune7860]

Among the best

[@jerryb3838]

It's rare in Public life but the average Joe lives his and her life in the class act that doesn't get the limelight.

[@jeffshannon6914]

4 BIG STARS JAMES! *"THE GREAT SPENCER TRACY-(l900-67) DUIED BEFIRE THEY STARTED THIS AWARD IN 1973 BUT, HE WOULDN'T HAVE ACCEPTED IT ANYWAY BY THEN

[@katb945]

James Cagney never to be forgotten, a great entertainer!! Yankee doodle dandy one of the best movies ever made, and he made it!!

[@reference2me]

I saw it as a child and I remember the endless energy he had ...

[@moc7323]

He was pure class ... what a dancer

[@robertpalladino6276]

The man could dance breathtaking

[@cvonantz]

With only one error in the biographical storyline. George M Cohan received the Golden Medallion of Honor, ratified and awarded through Congress and presented by Roosevelt. The CMH is only given to service members who are or were active or posthumously. It is entirely possible that neither men knew this at the time of the meeting.

[@cvonantz]

Interesting tidbit... The scene when he walks out of the Capital and a man turns to look at Cagney with surprise... Ladies and Gentlemen... Mister George M. Cohan himself... And the look of surprise was real, shot in one take.

[@johnstevenson2890]

Orson Welles once said,that James Cagney was the greatest actor to ever appear in front of a camera,so it's official James Cagney is the greatest

[@jerrywilson5880]

John Stevens

[@lynnturman8157]

Hiram McCalister...

[@mablesims3589]

James Carney was the best actor there was. These actors today cannot touched him!!!!!

[@khizarfarooq6778]

Don't forget about Brando that easily mate

[@dawsondjodvorj2408]

@@khizarfarooq6778 Brando second, the first spot will always belong to Cagney.

[@pjk9056]

As Orson Welles said “He was never real, but he was always truthful”. A small man of huge talent!

[@pollydickinson4789]

Has anyone else warched the clip of James Cagney dancing with Bob Hope? What a treat that was, RIP James and thank you too.😊

[@jamiesmith5220]

James Cagney not only defined "American", he was and will always be the greatest movie star of all time...did you see the looks on the faces of John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, etc?? Other film and American greats looking upon him with awe...RIP sir..you will always be my Yankee Doodle Dandy.

[@MerleOberon]

Jamie Smith Strange he didn't mention Ronald Reagan who was at Warner Brothers at that time....

[@dwighta8655]

Cagney was friends with Reagan. If you're implying there wasn't a friendship between Cagney and Reagan, you're sadly mistaken.

[@aleccaprari8664]

He and Jack Oakie were the most brillant movie guys from 1930s

[@bryanismyname7583]

Ronald Reagan made one film that starred James Cagney, in a small part as a radio announcer for the movie "Boy Meets Girl" (1938). A few months later, Reagan would star in the hit comedy "Brother Rat" with Eddie Albert and future first wife Jane Wyman.

[@randyacuna3248]

Alec Caprari jack oakie was a character actor, one in hundreds of them when they were common in movies.

[@BallymurphyBabe]

A real class act. There won't be another like him not now not ever! A true gem.

[@MikeWeiner]

BallymurphyBabe Not ever. We were blessed we had him.

[@ericthered760]

A million laughs - and not a single dirty joke or F-bomb! How on earth did they manage it ? With class !!

[@justafanintexas7913]

Because in the day if they did, the picture would get a strict rating and limited screen opportunities.

[@justafanintexas7913]

@@PenzancePete - It also helps that they had restrictions, too.

[@randyacuna3248]

@@PenzancePete right on, there is always other words to use to make your point, you don't need f-bombs.

[@scottprice9584]

Command of the english language brother, great speech!!

[@randyacuna3248]

Anybody can speak without the f-bombs, they just don't want to.

[@danielfronc4304]

When people talk about a man that men wish they could be and women wish they could be with, James Cagney is in the upper strata. What a fine example of a man.

[@lizdouglas1952]

The Great Cagney. Never another. He was my late father's favorite actor. My father, as a young boy in the late 30's worked at the famous Uptown Theater in Chicago, as an usher. He watched all of the great movies. During, WWII, my father was serving, and met James Cagney. When I was born 3 months premature, I grew up with flag in hand, celebrating my birthday on the 4th of July. I never miss watching Yankee Doodle Dandy. Cagney's favorite. God rest his soul.

[@virghammer1]

WOW, Liz! --(I was born 3 mos. preemie, too, btw) - Your Dad MET him?! I'm agog. He's been my favorite since I was 16 and saw "Angels w/ Dirty Faces." Now I've seen all his films, except for about 7 (GOT to see those). That's magical! HOW WONDERFUL! Can you share anything more that your Dad said abut him? I'm so wistfully jealous of your father ... (hee). - My own father carried Louis Armstrong's trumpet for him, when he did a concert @ Colgate Univ. - My dad was the trumpeter in a small jazz band there -- I go GAGAGAGA over that one, too !!! (chuckle) and my Dad just simply shrugs and says, "Yeah, he was a real nice guy.'" Drives me nuts! lol. Thanks, though - Keep well and safe, - VCH.

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

@@virghammer1 What I understand about Mr. Cagney was he was a simple man from a classic old Irish Roman Catholic background, who was a tremendously hard worker. He did his best to be humble and just called acting another job. You should learn about his relationship with little John Travolta, hehehe. His mother somehow knew him. If John Travolta did not brush his teeth, Mrs. Travolta called up Mr. Cagney. All over Hollywood, there was heavy admiration for him. He was a very special man within that community.

[@ediekoller2636]

Without a doubt One of the greatest actor of our time. In all categories..drama, comedy and music. You will be missed forever Jimmy. A very kind and humble man too:)

[@rubydawn1]

so cool that he thanked his childhood friends

[@lindashelley3635]

Marlene Ful And that he recognised the influence that the people he knew back then had on how he grew up. It just goes to show the truth of the old adage; ‘Give me the boy until he is 7, and I will give you the man.’

[@johnlorenzen4633]

@@lindashelley3635 amen!

[@ashleycruze9003]

OMG!!! Mr Cagney!!!! I NEVER knew! YOU JUST TAKE MY BREATH AWAY!!!

[@italy4blktop]

''unmistakable touch of the gutter'' .....has anything ever been so well spoken......simply too much talent for words really.......

[@davidcullen6797]

I cried through much of this. What a dear man and a great performer. As a kid, I watched his films and I remember many of those he thanked and honored. "Names. Names." Most now gone but alive in my heart.

[@virghammer1]

and that's OK! It sure IS! James Francis Cagney ... The best we ever had.

[@dorothyaguilar5639]

Oh this man I admire as a young child I was so in Love with him staying up late to watch his movies .RIP 👼 James Cagney 👼

[@russellcampbell9198]

Who could possibly not like this clip? Great speech delivered by an enormous talent.

[@mjsamm1]

The best there ever was and ever will be. Not a phony bone in his body.

[@tuxguys]

What an astonishingly classy and elegant acceptance speech. John Wayne and Bob Hope give HIM a standing ovation: That is HUGE. Delicious moment: At 4:55 he does a "James Cagney" imitation.

[@jaketanner20001]

One of the best actors that ever lived. Being 71 years old most of the great actors I got to enjoy and admire are all gone now but their memories will go on and on.

[@wendyqallab6906]

I never get tired listening to this. What a great thoughtful speech so touching.

[@johnsrabe]

Great speech. I wonder if it was written with his biographer, Jack McCabe.

[@senior_ranger]

I agree. I've watched it several times.

[@virghammer1]

@@johnsrabe I do 100% doubt that. - That came a bit after, anyways, I believe.

[@johnsrabe]

@@virghammer1 I was joking.

[@virghammer1]

@@johnsrabe Oh. Lol. OK. Duh on me. (chuckle)

[@citizen1163]

i want to go down the comments and agree with every one of the fantastic remarks about james cagney...his excellence in every sphere of acting is awe inspiring. for me, no actor in modern time can come anywhere close.

[@josephpanzarella1417]

As this speech proves Cagney was often at his best when he did comedy. His performance in Billy Wilder's "One Two Three" (1961) is incredible.

[@tomrussell5655]

I love that flick

[@anasella3]

It seems that 24 people (who gave thumbs down) have NO clue OR understanding of what CLASS and ARTISTRY is defined as!

[@vincentsartain3061]

At today's date (7/28/19) there are now 217 "thumbs down" by 217 people who can all go play on the freeway as far as I'm concerned.

[@bojon0307]

The thumbs down by those who chose to just react rather than research. The cluelessness of so many makes me glad that their only real ability is to anonymously be fools and then we never have to deal with them again. James Cagney was as wonderful a man as he was an actor. That is a rarity when referring to the film acting community.

[@michaelnaisbitt1590]

The stupid moronic snowflakes of today who don't even know their own SEX have no idea of what class really is Todays films are crap with only a handful of people who can actually act this man and his ilk made the movie industry in the early years

[@TheTigersbay]

Well said 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. God bless

[@Corinthian44]

These people are not old enough to know . They have only ever known mediocrity , so can only compare the mediocrity they have seen , with the mediocrity they are watching .

[@eargasm1072]

James Cagney had some serious acting chops...could do it all: sing. dance, comedy, drama, tough gangster what a performer

[@patriciacolombini6567]

Guess we will never see an actor like Cagney again. Glad we had him .

[@marijooneill8015]

Don't know too many today that can compare.

[@danielcorreard3746]

I have to admit I though cagney only played the tough guy until I saw him in yankee doodle dandy great actor fantasitc movie.

[@paulcarter2907]

Yes, You Tube him tap dancing down a flight of stairs, remarkable....

[@lpowers]

Orson Welles called him the best actor of the Golden Age.

[@douglasthompson9482]

A classic icon that will never be forgotten. What talent and passion. My all time favorite.

[@richardcandioti7273]

One of the best tough guys of his era bless you James Cagney

[@bojon0307]

Having watched so many of his films, it’s easy to say what a talented and natural actor he was. Having heard and read so much from those who knew and spent time with him, it becomes clear what a treasure he was. It’s not as often as we may think that the talent is contained in the body of a beautiful soul.

[@TheBlodgett3]

Perhaps one of the best acceptance speeches. I remember watching this when it was first on CBS and mesmerized by the cavalcade stars and James himself. What a fabulous actor and human being. The wonders of KZbin now give a new generation a chance to see it. I recorded the event on my cassette tape recorder with a cheap mic, like did many shows back then. Video recorders were not common place in the 70's mind you. I listened to it over and over. All those he mentioned in his speech all but gone now. The golden age of Hollywood was the pinnacle of picture making in my opinion. When he died I tried to get to the church service, which was in his old neighborhood on the upper East side. I drove up the FDR, and got as close as I could. The crowd waiting outside the church was overwhelming. I got to see his coffin carried out and at that moment the crowd burst into applause. What a moment. Thanks Jimmy Cagney, you were a one of a kind. This tribute from the AFI said it all.

[@virghammer1]

Ahhhh! I got the news in England - I was on Easter break, 1st year of drama school there, @ Central School - He died on Easter Sunday, yes - J.C. (no coincidence?) - Anyway: I cried for days and days. If I'd been back in the States: I would've done the same as you did. Thanks for this memory you shared, "TheBlodgett3."

[@cjrrun]

As down to earth speech you'll ever hear. Never forgotten his roots

[@MichaelBoyce-tm2vw]

Silly too!

[@valerieothenin-girard9226]

That’s class + eloquence - qualities of the past so may they RIP too. Cagney’s humour was clean + sharp and everyone got it... BRAVO!!! 👏🙏🥰💕

[@theolamp5312]

James seems like such a genuinely nice man. And when he read all those fine names it was like a trip through the nostalgia of the indelible history of Hollywood.

[@patriciasullivan3908]

A class act if there ever was one. Can you imagine any of today's "stars" giving such a speech. No vulgar language or political rantings.

[@marlenemalaglowicz8954]

A man to be loved and respected.He has given his audience many hours of enjoyment in his movies.They sure don't make them like that anymore.Thankyou.Mr Cagney from myself and from generation s to come.

[@chrisgreulich]

I have watched this over 30 times. One of the best, funniest speeches ever!

[@atiboyful]

This man has more charmisma on in his pinky finger than all the rest of Hollywood have on their entire hand

[@bwortham565]

a real man mans.

[@bwortham565]

a real man man.

[@johnmagill3072]

+atiboyful So true, he was one of our nations all time great entertainers.

[@Gravydog316]

+atiboyful i could not agree with any more!!

[@monirosa9]

Truly he did

[@63bplumb]

Watched this a number of times. How wonderful it is! He talks about tough times. Early influences. With such dignity and a wealth of talent. Don't like particularly to denigrate recent actors but it's hard not to. There isn't one that could shine his boots.

[@spidrawebster]

I really loved the speech. These days everything is built around the commercial breaks. People get so impatient with speeches of thanks. But that's the entire point of awards ceremonies - not just honoring someone, but that someone acknowledging the people that helped them develop. It's so refreshing to hear a speech that's given room to breathe.

[@Cavallaro2376]

One of my favorite actors of all time, pure class all the way...Mr James Cagney, rest in peace, Sir.

[@REALDEALRIPTV]

James Cagney was a man among men

[@bre_lolly3013]

Treorchy male choirs Ella fitzgerald

[@marybyers6483]

What a strong heart in a small man and the world was in love with him

[@ontologicallysteve7765]

Aaaaaand a minx is a moose amongst mice...

[@albertbroussard5555]

One of greatest actors I have ever seen

[@elvicare35]

Top of the World!

[@nickpug]

elvicare35 mother

[@reginaldstyles3129]

The Greatest Actor Ever ❤❤❤❤

[@wimgrundyearth5753]

Orson Welles loved him above all other actors.

[@raymondsteen5316]

@@reginaldstyles3129 - Well said as I agree with you on that one bigtime!!!!

[@stevecook8941]

Mr Cagney remains my favourite movie actor, many come close but no one has ever matched his superb skills and modesty.

[@KkOhsnapKK]

He had a lot more then acting chops. One of rare truly multi talented performers that ever lived.

[@sfrom1542]

When I was a child I watched his movies and thought, wow this is what acting is all about. At 58 years old I see that the actors of those days are gone for good because film simply isn't even close to what it was in those wonderful days of film. This man was and always will be one of the greatest actors the world has ever seen. James Cagney is an all time favorite of mine.

[@baymaxc1647]

I watch this award show from 1974 and just want to cry! What the hell happened to Hollywood in a short 47 years. God bless Jimmy! RIP

[@waldolydecker8118]

Hollywood, like everything else is a subset of larger picture - you can't expect Hollywood to remain the same when most every other segment has also deteriorated. Don't look now, but approximately half the country - quite possibly including yourself and family - are yearning to elect a convicted rapist, convicted tax cheat, and 91-count insurrection related indicted felon, President. You can't lament Hollywood's decline when more important areas have deteriorated far worse. Hell, vis a vis the state of moral leadership in politics, you might even argue "Hollywood" has somewhat comparatively held its own.

[@cag758]

Without a doubt.. The best there ever was... James Cagney!

[@Theresa-yo2sf]

I fell in love with Jim Cagney every Saturday night as a teen in the 70s, watching the late night movie channel. He was always so electric in his roles, never static or dull. And no matter how naughty his character was, you rooted for him and wanted him to come out on top.💕

[@allentisthammer4763]

What an event to be in attendance at! The sheer number of stars recognizing this great man, and what a entrance and speech! Thank you for airing this.

[@pipeandslippersman]

that laser stare with just a hint of mischief behind... wow. star quality. there will never be another!

[@virghammer1]

Yep! Well put, "P&SM!"

[@frisco21]

Of all the legends Cagney mentioned in his speech that night, only one --- Olivia DeHavilland --- is still living, at well over 100 years old.

[@philiphalpenny3783]

Alas, poor Olivia recently passed...

[@nobodysperfect1959]

Shirley Maclaine is still alive hehe

[@MrImiller07]

Cagney's acceptance speech for the AFI Life Achievement Award was arguably the best in the history of the presentations. Bette Davis was a close runner up, but Cagney made it a point to emphasize the contributions of his co-workers at Warners, the presenters, including Bob Hope, Doris Day, George C. Scott and the host, Sinatra, as well as quotations from poets and authors who were meaningful to him. A class act all the way.

[@JRobbySh]

Even Doris is now gone. “Nothing gold can stay.” as Robert Frost put it.

[@darrenheadrick3669]

I loved hiw he called Sinatra "one of the neighbors kids".

[@elvicare35]

Frank Gorshin, people that he observed and their mannerisms, childhood friends!!!!!!!!

[@dorothylingwood9926]

An absolute legend - dead ringer of my dear father. He could also tap dance. Jimmy you were so gifted and a natural and a very humble guy too. Never be another Jimmy Cagney. I simply adore your class versatility act. Anyone’s watching this legend. 🥰x

[@sophiaraniuk2665]

What a national treasure .....I have so much respect for this man ...as big as the ocean ...and that’s an understatement....what a great man .....I salute James Cagney ....

[@jarac1357]

Wow, what a class act . They just don't make them like that anymore.

[@karlabufka]

Wonderful, thoughtful, insightful acceptance speech many could learn from. There are too many people who act and too few that are actors anymore. The Golden Age of movies created men and women who still stand the test of time. There aren't many today that will.

[@davidbethune7860]

So true

[@nancywood9027]

Kitty Hates Google+ So true, so true!

[@angelacarleton9575]

It's sad to learn this is true.

[@randyacuna3248]

Kitty Hates Google+ very few actors and actresses are staged trained today. They don't put in the time to develop their craft. Perhaps we should go back to the studio system which wasn't always popular but, look what kind of movies were made compared to today's films.

[@annenorris8723]

@@davidbethune7860 b

[@atiboyful]

The most versatile actor of all time

[@raoulbataller6883]

To be young again and see Cohan is to have love of country burned into you indelibly, hard and forever, with that "touch of the gutter."

[@danielsparks8407]

The man was all class.

[@Bill23799]

I half expected Mr Cagney to say... " My Father thanks you, my Mother thanks you, my Sister thanks you, and i thank you. "

[@lindashelley3635]

Bill23799 That would have been great - and would, I’m sure, have garnered another appreciative laugh from the audience. But I guess that Mr Cagney made so many wonderful movies that he just didn’t have time to reference them all.

[@Bill23799]

@@lindashelley3635 Linda i got a little kick that the last film James Cagney made before he passed from us, Ragtime, took place partly in the City where I grew up. New Rochelle, NY which is 45 minutes from Broadway.

[@philiphalpenny3783]

@@Bill23799 " imagine the changes it brings..."

[@oldiesbutgoodies52]

Those were the days my friend, I wish they had never ended. James Cagney one of the greatest!! There's only a handful left with class like his.

[@capitanfuturo594]

James Cagney was the best actor in the golden age of Hollywood.

[@joshuawaltz9484]

One of the greatest actors and performers of all time.

[@reginaldmolethrasher437]

Christ, so embarrassing to compare a celebrity like this with what passes for such these days.

[@joeblank618]

Amen to that !

[@leighwhite3052]

Absolutely agree amen

[@SAVETHEKIDS-bn5zo]

Teresa Guidice is listed as an actress, author and chef no joke

[@lindashelley3635]

Ken Shersley And how many of today’s so-called ‘superstars’ would even BEGIN to understand the quotation he reads @2.00? Or ever become as beloved as Mr Cagney, and so many TRUE entertainers of his generation were?

[@jeancoughlin5490]

Reality tv created "stars" who weren't required to have any particular talent other than self promotion. Some like Trump and the Kardashians were better at it than most. I prefer people with talent.

[@Anthony-fb2yr]

I'm 65 yes old I used to watch is old Movies on TV black and white tv they were priceless.

[@indieshack4476]

What someone else said - class act, thanking those who help put him in that position - absolutely wonderful stuff, great guy.

[@adelcarcatalan7267]

So true

[@adelcarcatalan7267]

Admirable

[@BigMoney21]

Absolutely so it is ❤️🦁👑

[@TheBlodgett3]

OH MY, I recorded the audio from this off the TV in 1974 and used to listen to it non stop. Yes cassette tape. Ahhh yes. Soooo, happy to have found it posted here on the wondrous world of KZbin. Thank you! I adore Cagney. Would love to see this entire show. His kind of star not to be seen again, Bogart, Robinson, Greenstreet. Lorre. Just about everyone he mentions, if not all. are now gone. Damn I'm getting old. When he died in 1986, they had the funeral in his old neighborhood uptown NYC. I drove up there, but couldn't get near. I did see his casket carried out and the crowd started to applaud. It was very moving. Top of the World, Jim!

[@elvicare35]

I used to tape shows like Columbo on a cassette tape!!!!!

[@JRobbySh]

If you happen to read this, thanks for very classy remarks. Applause for his casket! Just in case he could hear, which I believe could.

[@davidbethune7860]

A class speech and acknowledgement of those he recognizes for his success and friendship. A type rarely seen today

[@bathtangle]

He was Spencer Tracy's long time friend. He once said that Spenc would call him in the middle of the night and it was like continuing a conversation.

[@jsteed44]

Heard George c Scott was close to him as well

[@talalahmed608]

Whaddya hear whaddya say.... This guy is the definition of charisma.

[@patgogan7324]

When men were allowed to be men and not watered down shells

[@H4CK61]

Rocky Sullivan.

[@edwardstawarz6705]

James Cagney my favorite actor of all time None of the so-called actors today could carry his shoes.

[@francesmagro5468]

This MAN always gave us his Best! Cagney, you are so very loved forever & for always!

[@arthurmullard2788]

Simply the best - RIP Jimmy.

[@stullyo2003]

This guy was such class and talent! Truly one of Hollywood's best. I've admired him for years. When He, Stewart and Grant passed away, they took most of the class Hollywood had with them.

[@ericbutler7603]

James cagney a true star and a gent r.i.p

[@TheCliffandPhilShow]

"Duke Wayne,God bless him!" What a class act Cagney was.:)

[@Camop-iz9kt]

The smiles on everyone's faces says it all.

[@grampy2014]

One of Mr. Cagney’s many talents was his mind. A great human being.

[@rickw1100]

I could listen to him speak all day..

[@andrewwilczynski2056]

Total class act... incredible actor and truly one of the best. They simply don’t make actors like this anymore

[@santabarbaraca2010]

I love this Man,to know end.Truly one of the great ones

[@BigMoney21]

My favorite actor of all time God Bless You RIP KING 🤴🏻 JAMES CAGNEY BLESSINGS TO EVERYONE AND GREAT LUCK 🍀 SO IT IS THANK YOU FATHER ❤️🦁👑

[@estherweisberg6672]

James Cagney was always my favorite actor when I was growing up.

[@vietwarriorvet]

July 4th, 2016. Another day of celebration for our country. At the age of 70......I no longer look forward to too many holidays like I used to. HOWEVER, on every 4th of July...I have been able to find a TV station that is showing "I'am a Yankee Doodle Dandy" starring James Cagney in what he always said was his favorite roll and he received the "Best Actor" award for his efforts. For all your years of outstanding acting and staying true to yourself as a human being with your grade "A" humility....I would like to say....."My mother thanks you, my father thanks you , my sister and brother thank you....and....I thank you!" I look forward to watching you again tonight. Rest In Peace!

[@deserthound2605]

My dad as well. We used to watch it on every Fourth. Dad's been gone for 30 years, but your comment brought it all back. Thanks, God bless and thanks for your service.

[@lovesmerlot]

+vietwarriorvet, That was a lovely message. He was one of the best performers I have ever seen.

[@barbarabertke8571]

vietwarriorvet what a absolutely PERFECT tribute your comment is! I, too, do not feel the 4th of July is a holiday without Yankee Doodle Dandy....JC lives on in our hearts forever!

[@H4CK61]

Im a Londoner and was brought up on Cagney films by mum and dad in the 60s. The best actor ever. And yes Yankee Doodle Dandy was just amazing to watch and to learn that Cagney could dance with the best of them. A truely amazing man that no other will ever match.

[@alvinpetow8586]

E wa

[@WillScarlet1991]

When movie stars *were* movie stars. Love you Jimmy :)

[@coachm4770]

When movie stars were myopic, reactionary cowards, you mean? Cool actor though, but not much of a fuckin role model.

[@JRobbySh]

WATCHED THIS MANY TIMES. What a performance. He was truly one of a kind.

[@ericbush6124]

I remember the First movie I Saw Him in as a kid in front of TV in the 60s The Fighting 69th cowardice Bravery redemption I was about 11 a Fan since a true Renaissance Man rest in Power James Cagney

[@kirkclifton70]

You couldn't name one actor today to compare to James cagney, a true gentleman, and very humble