James Cagney at 80, Interviewed by Tom Snyder.

Tom Snyder interviews 80 year old James Cagney on his farm on "Tom Snyder's Celebrity Spotlight". Video recorded June 23, 1980.

[@frankjrtagliareni6307]

I met James Cagney on his farm in Oct. 1979. He was my idol my whole life and to meet him, talk to him and make him laugh, was an honor I'll never forget!

[@cf9017]

Wow!!!! I wish I could have met him. I was always a huge fan of him.

[@TheSharron]

Me,too...loved him since I was a child.

[@mrDCunningham]

You are so lucky

[@debbielouisebrand8969]

So lucky

[@pjk9056]

I was 8-10 feet away from him. I worked as a vendor at Yankee Stadium. Unlike many famous people he sat in lower box rather then in lodge level luxury boxes. He had a police escort and sadly was walking with a cane. You always think of him as a tough guy or the wonderful dancer in these clips. Nobody got too near to him because of the cops but he got a huge ovation and waved and smiled at everybody. We know we all get old, none escape it, but some are so special it’s too bad we can’t keep them forever. What I love about this interview is you see a modest, confident man but no ego.He declines to admit that he was anything special. A star of stars and a man’s man.

[@kevinjackson591]

What an absolute legend. They don't make actors like him anymore. What an humble and modest man he was.

[@jrcenteno1896]

Very , VERY TRUE ! 💯%🙏

[@clifftanton8385]

Thank you you are correct serious man when he worked but a truly humble and gracious man the epitome of greatnness

[@kimbradley9595]

THANK you James Cagney

[@15packman]

What a legend….I was born in 61, but I loved those great movies of the 30’s and 40’s…..rip, Sir.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

A rare man - he was married to his one and only wife till his death and she never left him. A preciously rare diamond of a couple indeed.

[@rubydawn1]

He would have been a good provider and loyal partner no matter what job his was there are many good men out there just like him.

[@FrancieIrish]

He played a gangster , it's fiction the man was adorably kind and so good and down to earth

[@jrcenteno1896]

@@FrancieIrish That's very true 💯% 👍 He was nothing like the Gangsters he portrayed in movies. And ,ironically , James Gandolfini , was nothing - what-so-ever , like the Gangster , Tony Soprano , that he portrayed... 2 - True Legends ! RIP : James Cagney 🙏 James Gandolfini 🙏

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

@@rubydawn1 I didn’t mention anything about his jobs. I commented on how, in spite of everything, he remained married to his only ever wife and didn’t fall into the toxic practice of divorce and remarriage. So I give him much credit and respect, as he deserves.

[@essessessesq]

@@FrancieIrish and he insisted that his gangster characters never be idolized into heros in the films he mad

[@justabaker5609]

80 years old and still sharp as a tack. A true legend. Gotta love him. The original original gangster.

[@maggiesace389]

Acting skills, personality, dancing, singing, and humility!! James Cagney = LEGEND!!!!!

[@albietide]

Agreed!

[@ew1068]

The interviewer was trying to butter him up

[@patkeeler6645]

Dancer🌺😌

[@prospectsinc]

You forgot; true Professional.

[@jamesbowen8960]

My favorite film of his is 13 Rue Madeline. Fabulous movie.

[@Tom-yr1mp]

Thank you for keeping this wonderful person and actor in the spotlight. He died at age 86 of a heart attack in 1986. RIP Mr. Cagney.

[@kellyjorge3850]

James Cagney had the same birthday as my grandmother she died in 1987

[@bbmtge]

Gee, thanks. Thought he was still alive.

[@antoniospanayiotou8619]

How can James Cagney die...get real😊

[@kashu66]

Cagney - will always be remembered, if only the 'so-called celebrities' today had the grace and charm of this gentleman. RIP Jimmy!

[@alanwilson149]

Denzel does!

[@garusbe1620]

@@alanwilson149 SO VERY T.U.R.E.......

[@snafu7691]

They do

[@hdz3169]

True that.

[@roseterry2744]

James, You are sorely missed and needed nowadays.. aI will always remember, "our Yankee Doodle Dandy" The greatest Dandy of them all! RIP🇺🇲💖

[@j.jester7821]

Cagney was the epitome of a grounded person. American legend.

[@energyasylum997]

Pesci would be the first to say “The original gangster in motion picture history goes to James Cagney!!!” A true legend

[@ElectionFraudHasConsequences]

Peshi couldn't shine Cagney's shoes. Absolutely no comparison. A talent giant and an also ran. Cagney did movies until his 60's and then did one at 80. Where has Joe Pesci been for the past 20 years? He was right though, Cagney was the original gangster, just far more talented and achieved with much more range than just playing a gangster.

[@DarkeningSkies1]

Pesci himself would agree that he couldn’t touch Cagney, talent-wise. Why would Pesci complimenting Jimmy turn into an excuse to shit on Pesci? JP is quite a good singer/musician, so not quite as one dimensional as he may occasionally appear.

[@THEBANDIT7979]

Please don’t compare that b level actor to James Cagney. Pesci would be nothing with out Martin Scorsese’s work.

[@noBearAdventures]

@@THEBANDIT79793 Academy Award nominations, 1 win… absolute beast of an actor who arguably retired in his prime only to come back for one more film. And the same with Cagney. Almost the exact same thing. With the same amount of nominations and wins

[@rossfoster5897]

Why is it when I watch James Cagney I just feel good? I think we all know why. Class!! A TRUE professional.

[@philiphalpenny3783]

True, he always had that jovial, life- affirming spirit about him. Natural born entertainer who energized his audience with every gesture...even immortals like Bogart seemed a little flat footed & pedestrian in comparison!

[@desertbloom12]

Because Cagney is just a brilliant and a very kind and compassionate gentleman and if u look at how he lived it wasn’t a eye popping estate, just a beautiful country home NOWHERE near Hollywierd!

[@Redemption7825]

ROSS FOSTER, I am 52 years old and a life long Cagney fanatic. I smiled through this whole piece here and I saw your comment. I loved it! That summed up how I always felt without even realizing it! He really does just make you feel good. So humble. What a man! He has that magnetism. I hang on his every word. Thank you for your comment! Made my day!

[@Redemption7825]

@@philiphalpenny3783 because he didn’t have the enormous ego of Bogart. Bogart was a wife beater. Look at Cagney. Been with his wife for 50 years.

[@Redemption7825]

@@desertbloom12 “Kind compassionate Gentleman”. No truer words can be spoken of him. And tough as they come.

[@trina415]

Who doesn’t love Cagney finest actor of his time

[@connienewman8215]

I love this man so much!!! I could watch him tap dance all day. I can’t count the times I’ve watched Yankee Doodle Dandy. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸

[@garyhanlon6055]

God Bless you Mr. Cagney, thanks for the memories . You've made me proud to be an IRISHMAN. Erin Go Bragh and rest peacefully 💖 🙏

[@spiritualED]

He WAS the man. What an all around actor. He could do ANYTHING. 👍 RIP Mr. Cagney

[@timirish2563]

The one actor who deserved immortality--and got it. No person has ever entertained me more.

[@peterlfc1387]

Not only was he a legend in his films but he also set up the union for actors. What a brilliant, humble and great man he was.

[@lalani888blue]

...and he clearly respected Ronald Reagan 👍

[@rafaelramirez1507]

James Cagney I salute you ... R.I.P. 🙏 .... greetings from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@thomasdbrady3696]

I’m strolling through this these old videos and I have a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. Please God don’t let these giants ever be forgotten.

[@clifftanton8385]

Legendary man

[@clifftanton8385]

A truly humble serious man did not take himself too seriously funny and witty man to

[@martinadams205]

My long-deceased dad, a man of modest physical statute like JC, adopted him as his favorite movie star. Watching this 15 min. clip gave me my dad back. OMG but I am grateful.

[@cybrarian9]

What a privilege to talk to a legend like James Cagney! And I suspect at 80 he modestly accepts the term "legend." (1/6/2023)

[@stevehealey7980]

What a humble man. This is what today's generations lack.

[@brucemarsico6]

The entertainment and the actors/actresses that participate in the current culture are just mirroring what the society is in 2021. No civility or class or consideration for others....that's what the U.S. is and what is valued....and from the U.S. it spreads all over the world....it's the way it is....

[@anthonycrnkovich5241]

Agreed. A loss of dignity and respect has permeated every facet of our society.

[@heartbreak71]

boy do they--he was fabulous wasnt he

[@reidwhitton6248]

@@brucemarsico6 Blanket generalizations like this mean very little. I don't care for many of the current films but to say the actors of today have no class, civility or consideration for others is ridiculous. Each film and its performances must be judged individually.

[@brucemarsico6]

@@reidwhitton6248 Reid, such an unbiased and fair assessment of todays state of entertainers. For such brave valour I nominate you for a seat at the gatherings of fair judgement at The Hague in the Netherlands.

[@jimfiedler2704]

Just ONE of the many examples of class, grace and talent that will never be replaced...RIP Mr. Cagney!

[@davidroman1342]

Great actor. Great dancer. No secrets. No bull. Just a great actor. A legend. 👍

[@rubydawn1]

I think no matter what job he did he would be amazing at.

[@akrenwinkle]

@@rubydawn1 I wouldn't say what Cagney did was really dancing, at least not what I've seen on film. I'd call it what would later be called performance art. Whatever it was, it was perfect for the character he was portraying.

[@susannatuttapanna2010]

​@A Krenwinkle he was a trained dancer. You should watch The Seven Little Foys for his dance cameo.

[@larryhyatt1676]

A man that always had your attention on the screen.. a great one for sure...

[@jacksmith5692]

I love guys like Clint Eastwood still acting in his 90's but this guy could do everything. Drama, comedy, action, singing, dancing, he did it all. Loved him in Mr. Roberts!

[@gabriellefagan1014]

3 great actors in one fabulous movie!

[@jacksmith5692]

@@gabriellefagan1014 True!

[@TheRKae]

Have you ever seen "Boy Meets Girl"? It's a zany flick where Cagney and Pat O'Brien play wild, uncontrollable screenwriters who are always running scams. Funny stuff.

[@jacksmith5692]

@@TheRKae I need to look it up, thank you!

[@Jameschewingfoil]

Now I want to watch Mr.Roberts.

[@jonkline709]

Thank you for posting this.I’m 67 now grew up watching this man. I don’t remember him telling anyone how to vote!

[@emilfrederiksen.1622]

Hollywood actually focused on making good movies back then not push political correctness.

[@jeremybrownfield1025]

Well said

[@janinewetzler5037]

When he spoke of 'Ronnie Regan', that made me laugh. Just the familiarity of their obvious Hollywood connection.

[@robertrockwell7581]

I'm 63 and still love Mr. Cagney too this day. one of America's Greatest Actors.

[@lawrencefeeley141]

My wife’s grandfather was a boyhood friend of Mr. Cagney. His name was George “Specs” Toporcer, who played baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 20’s. They remained friends their entire lives. George eventually went blind and Mr. Cagney sent George a nice big comfortable chair so he could listen to the ballgames. I remember the Toporcers saying how they used to travel upstate to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Cagney. Wonderful people, wish there were more like them today!

[@MsVirginiaHammer]

@@lawrencefeeley141 Ohhhh, how WONDERFUL! What a fantastic honor ... He has always been my favorite and idol. What an angel of a powerful man, James Cagney. Thank you for this, Lawrence! Love and respect to your grandfather's lovely, strong spirit!

[@philiphalpenny3783]

@@lawrencefeeley141 Cagney mentions by name "Specs" Toporcer" in his A.F.I. acceptance speech along with some other childhood buddies. Who else but Cagney would do that?

[@virghammer1]

Man! Lawrence! Your wife's grandfather! That's FANTSTIC. He was: such an angelic guy. (Wel ... siiiigh. .. the one blot on my Life's Idol, Cagney is: he wasn't the greatest father? Siiiigh. Alas. But: part from that: a SAINT of a human, really, imho. - Stay well and safe, - VCH & Midlantic Theatre Co., Newark, NJ @@lawrencefeeley141 💙💜💚

[@virghammer1]

Wait. Phillip. To be honest: I don't really think here's in that list. PIcky Houlihan is ... Pete Lieden ... and Artie Klein. But Torporcer? Not sure. (Guess I have to go and re-watch i? now? lol. For the BILLIONTH time) - But anyway. NO biggie! @@philiphalpenny3783

[@candy9986]

My lifetime fav . The U.S. stamp of him has been on my refrigerator for years. No stress. No strain 💖

[@jayceewriter7826]

I love him and will forever

[@woodrowcall3269]

I'm in my early 60s now, in the mid 1960s I saw Angel's With Dirty Faces. To this day it's my favorite movie. I've seen him in almost every movie he's been in. This man is a national treasure, from any interview I've seen he seems like a genuine man.

[@lovesmusic36]

Angels With Dirty Faces is my favorite Cagney movie. I always wondered about the ending, if his character was really "yellow" or was it done for the kids so that they wouldn't worship him. An amazing actor who is so very deserving of all the accolades which have been bestowed on him.

[@MatthewCaruso-ky4uz]

i was thinking its kinda funny he is known more for the other movies than the one he won the oscar for

[@susanb2015]

​@@MatthewCaruso-ky4uz Because they did not give Oscars to someone playing a gangster back then. He should have gotten one for White Heat.

[@clifftanton8385]

​@@lovesmusic36you touch my ❤️ what a legendary man

[@leighskinner9942]

Cagney is my very favorite actor of all time. He told aspiring actors to enter the scene, plant your feet on the ground, and tell the truth of the scene. An incomparable person.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Indubitably !

[@VicMartino]

James Cagney was truly one of a kind and he was one of the most versatile actor performer's of them all. A legendary actor all around performer. A true legend!

[@stevecook8941]

I've never been one for fan worship but in James Cagney's case I make the exception.....great actor and wonderful human being.

[@mibeatleman6767]

They don't make stars like James Cagney anymore. Rest In Peace, 🕯

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Orson Welles said he thought Cagney was the most talented American movie actor he had ever seen.

[@tracypfau3896]

I had a life-size poster of James Cagney in my room growing up in the 1970s, I ADORE him to this day. So talented and kind. It's an honor to be in the same union as he was. I wish I'd met him before he passed.

[@philiphalpenny3783]

The esteem in which Cagney is held can be gauged by the serious A- listers with busy schedules who found the time to turn up up in droves in 1974 when he was awarded the A.F.I. honour...even rock legends Mick Jagger & John Lennon were among the movie royalty that night!

[@jeansiegel4128]

I had the same poster and Bogart too.

[@lynngregory393]

I admired Cagney since 1960s when local tv repeatedly showed Yankee Doodle Dandy! I am 67 now and I still love him!

[@philiphalpenny3783]

@@lynngregory393 Was that the Million Dollar Movie series? John Travolta said he would study Yankee Doodle Dandy as it was on twice nightly in the '60s...must have been a real thrill for John to have befriended the great star late in life...

[@jeansiegel4128]

@@lynngregory393 I’m a year younger than you! Still watch him etc. on TCM.

[@TheSharron]

How could anyone not love this man?I cried,the day he left us.Teach your children and grands about him and other wonderful celebrities who are no longer with us.They Will thank you... Rest in peace,Jimmy...you are truly missed.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jrcenteno1896]

Agreed - 100% 👍🙏💙

[@maryvitale9264]

Thank you so much for showing this long ago interview with the late great Jimmy cagney

[@leemclaury6251]

They don’t make movie stars with class like he had .

[@skyry101]

Don't discount Hugh Jackman!

[@leemclaury6251]

He no where ranks in the likes of a James Cagney , Bogart , Davis or Hepburn (4 Oscars) ot today Meryl Streep . He has not made the types of movies that Cagney made or a claim . Time will tell .

[@keetonplace]

No, stars today don't compare in any way to the great ones of yesteryear. I have seen them all. I don't go to movies today.

[@raylenenielsen5943]

The “class” that he possessed came from within. He was a morally good man.

[@lt4324]

@@skyry101 lmfao, not even close!

[@westfield90]

They just don’t make stars like him anymore. They truly were the greatest generation. Decent, humble and love of country and values.

[@simba30]

He is an American treasure, never to be seen again. The world embraced this wonderful Irishman

[@jpmcmotor6890]

Irish?

[@heartbreak71]

you bet the best

[@jpmcmotor6890]

@@heartbreak71 well there was me born and bred here never left never took the queens shilling or uncle sams dollar one one foot in the grave and begob i never knew that!

[@danatersigni6650]

I agree 100%

[@danatersigni6650]

Very humble man, unlike some of Hollywood actors today

[@scallaghan2118]

This man was born and bred with character. All the hype that comes with his career in show biz meant nothing to him, even though he left us with so much. One of a kind you were, Mr. Cagney.

[@brucesteele3052]

Cagney never walked anywhere. He danced. He glided. Never walked.

[@flyby8461]

I met Mr. Cagney in 1964 at the Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, Vt. where I was running the elevator. I consider it one of the best experiances of my life..

[@lexawetterman1131]

Nobody as all round talented in singing, dancing, painting, charming orator as James Cagney!

[@joshuawaltz9484]

Always loved James Cagney. He was a once in a lifetime talent. He could do any movie.

[@williamoleary9330]

Get chills thinking about his career. Could you imagine the excitement on the set of Ragtime when James Cagney shows up?? It must of been incredible

[@levenscott645]

One of the truly great talents of the Golden Age. Thanks for posting.

[@Sheila3444]

Cagney was the greatest actor of all time. He could do anything comedy, musicals, drama!!

[@michaelthompsonel7929]

Coming up watching James Cagney was one was a blast. I'm out of Detroit We had this thing Television invented called Gangster Week Me and the Fellows used to sit and watch every Movie that Mr. Cagney played in My favorite movie that James played in was White Heat, Wow those were the Days! I salute You Mr. James Cagney You were the Best of them all that being Edward G Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, and George Raft what a group of Actors who played Gangsters. You all will be dearly missed but Remembered forever Travel well Soldiers!

[@sandrahoward5695]

The legendary James Cagney! RIP to a total legend x

[@FrancieIrish]

Madonna true blue album has a song called "white heat " listen if you can , James Cagney in the beginning of song , even madonna loved j.c

[@IslandDigital]

What an American legend. Outstanding entertainer, what a gentleman. Crazy insane career. God Bless him, Rest in Peace Sir …

[@vicmartinoofficial331]

James Cagney was a great actor and a great human being. Cagney was truly one of a kind! One of the most talented men in show business.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I heartily concur ! Well said and well put !

[@brianm.6271]

James Cagney and Tom Snyder: Two national treasures!

[@baymaxc1647]

Totally agree Brian! Miss both these great Men!

[@manofiske3318]

Easy now... the only thing one might treasure regarding Snyder would be discovering the origins of that monstrosity sitting atop his noggin

[@jeffreylombardo782]

@@manofiske3318 HaHa. I couldnt have said it better!

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

There were only a few. Bogart. Jimmy Stewart. Orson Welles. John Wayne. James Cagney. Legends. Larger than life.

[@fixedgearfever69]

TS is larger than life now.

[@aurelian7831]

@Leo Peridot Great list. I would also add Katherine Hapburn, Barbara Stanwick, Henry Fonda and Gary Cooper.

[@aurelian7831]

@Leo Peridot I forgot James Stewart.

[@gerryward9272]

Fred Mcmurray as well, Jennifer jones ,Olivia DeHavilland

[@kennybluet5527]

Errol Flynn

[@sharonnorthern1525]

He was adorable both young and old. Age did not diminish his charm.

[@kathrynbellerose6216]

Humility, class, and talent. 🌞🌞❤️🌈

[@maet8050]

He’s a very humble man. We’re blessed to have grown up with people as James Cagney. ❤️

[@SD-lw6uc]

He was a real actor not the crap we have now RIP Mr. Cagney❤ I still watch your movies never tired of them!!!!

[@ofthedifference]

James was quite a handsome young man in the film clips - and a good hoofer too! He sure didn't look 80 in the interview, and his mind was sharp as a tack. Thank you for uploading this to keep his legacy alive - it is very important that James Cagney not be forgotten.

[@eamestv]

Great actor and dancer.

[@reviewswithpappy8058]

I loved James Cagney a proper star ⭐⭐ unlike these days man

[@dabprod]

One of a kind!!!

[@lightshadow44]

I met his great grandson in Chicago at a golf outing about 20 years ago. He walked in the room with a aura that I have never seen in my life. The Room changed even though he spoke hardly a word and never about his iconic relation to this wonderful man. It was magical really.

[@jbyesterday3959]

Anytime his pictures are playing on TV, I gotta watch 'em - no matter how many times I watched them before. A true legend !

[@virghammer1]

Me, too! EXACTLY. Cagney NUTZ we are! and SOOO much luckier for it. xo, VCFH & Midlantic Theatre Co., Newark, NJ

[@chrisbrimhall6323]

One of the best things Cagney did was listen in a scene....truly a gift

[@rickbailey189]

James Cagney. So humble. What a class act of a man. One of the last of the great Americans. He's was still sharp mind for 80.

[@tedcantu1]

I love James Cagney. He was amazing in his prime. I loved all his films

[@scotnick59]

His kinetic electric energy and rapid-fire delivery was a joy to observe in (especially) the pre-codies

[@philiphalpenny3783]

True, he would have just as easily shone in the silent era. Hard To Handle, Footlight Parade, Picture Snatcher, Blonde Crazy etc display his inspired sense of motion. He energized the audience with every look & gesture...

[@memorialled_zeppelin-warew1346]

There was such a softness and kindness about him. Not just his voice. There is no hardness In his eyes. So much talent . Could have thrown any role at this guy. And he'd have made it ideal. Not only could he act but he could dance and when the occasion took him sing.. Back when actors had to be a real performer. Miss you James Cagney. You were a very special guy.

[@24166088]

Humility personified.

[@donaldwilliamson4150]

They made Tom Snyder and then they broke the mold they didn't have a mole for James Cagney he's a miracle from God I used to watch Tom Snyder about 1 in the morning always loved his show James Cagney I've been in love with all my life I was just a little kid when those movies were coming on TV as reruns no one like him thanks for posting

[@olderthanyoucali8512]

Tom Snyder was a talking head, who interviewed the people who have actually accomplished something. Things that benefited other people. Without those people he'd have nothing to do. Nothing special about him. Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite, although much better at what they did, are the same

[@JOEZEP54]

He was right here in Dutchess Co. Would have been great to meet him. Both of us from NY & settled here. That as close as we got. Loved his performances, for me timeless. Talent, grace and charm.

[@Yolanda_Ortiz]

James Cagney was my moms crush. We watched his movies growing up. And I raised my children the same way they're young adults with the love for old movies

[@afellowamericanafellowamer5317]

When my mom was just out of high school she worked as the elevator operator in the nice hotel in town. Jimmy Cagney came to town to sell war bonds. He got on moms elevator. Mom said he was the nicest guy ever, for real. She politely asked for his autograph. He said: "Sure honey" and wrote it for her.

[@virghammer1]

O, man! Your LUCKY mom! That's TERRIFIC. 🍀🌳🌲🌺

[@user-zj1ft5tx5f]

He was wonderful. I envy your mom.

[@gerardmcnally]

Another unreal icon that I was privileged to enjoy in my life time !

[@mariovercillo1319]

its hard when we see these giants of our youth, our parents' and grandparents' youth, what they did, what they represented, our children will never understand this, and we can never express it to them in a way they can appreciate.

[@nancyrafferty6960]

I have watched Yankee Doodle Dandy at least 100 times. Love Jimmy and saw a lot of his movies. I am 83 so have followed him. Too bad we don't have talent like this today. Have the clip of him dancing with Bob Hope, watch that a lot. Makes you feel great. Jimmy, God Bless you , you are great. Keep making people happy.

[@philiphalpenny3783]

Keep watching for that sky rocket which clears Little Johnny Jones' name, Nancy...

[@jamesmcmenamin6870]

My favourite actor of all-time. Superb.

[@LIVEANDLOVEART]

I watched this at least 1000 times !

[@MsVirginiaHammer]

Lol! I'm working on that, too!

[@kevinlucas8437]

Is there a bigger name in Hollywood than James Cagney !!!! Wow, what a legend !!!!

[@elisolomon8741]

So much time has passed that a lot of people don't know who this great man was. Thank you for presenting this. Absolutely wonderful to catch a glimpse of him in his latter years.

[@duchessnanciann9592]

My same exact thoughts 💭

[@cultfilmfreakreviews]

most people know

[@larrytucker6135]

Even the greats are forgotten after time. Maybe with all the high technology today these people will remain as part of our history

[@wendyqallab6906]

Simply the best he was.

[@elisolomon8741]

@@wendyqallab6906 I rate 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' as one of my all time favourites. He played the character so well. Cagney was one of a kind. Wendy, I hope you have a lovely day wherever you are. 🙂

[@aurelian7831]

He could do it all. I always thought he was in the same league as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly as a dancer, maybe even better. I loved his dance routine coming down the White House steps in Yankee Doodle Dandy, CLASSIC! His acting was also outstanding. His role as Admiral Halsey in the Gallant Hours, was great. Never will be one like him again. Happy that we can always see him due to the magic of film. Whenever TMC shows one of his pictures I always watch. Yankee Doodle Dandy is my favorite.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

He could almost fly, on stage 💚🦅

[@nspector]

Yes. Great way to put it.

[@jamesbedding]

Talented and classy - loved him in angels with dirty faces - humility is king

[@duran007fan5]

Angels With Dirty Faces is my favorite movie the ending is fantastic.

[@definitiveenergy1878]

The humility guys like Cagney, Brando, Mitchum had was priceless

[@virghammer1]

GREAT trio there! JC, Mitchum and Brando. AGREED!

[@petecernan2568]

I watched a short selection of his films one wonderful Christmas in the seventies with my dad who loved Cagney and films in general we sat there late at night for five or six nights glued to the screen I didn’t want it to end,great films, we watched some again together 40years later as my dad battled cancer we were together again enjoying Jimmy Cagney,my dad died shortly after I was with him to the end I don’t suppose I will watch them again it’s not as good by yourself

[@philiphalpenny3783]

Was that on the BBC? They had a season of his films in about 1976 calling it ''Christmas time with Cagney'. Imagine the excitement when Cagney appeared on the Parkinson show in 1981 as he & Pat O'Brien were in London to film Ragtime...sorry to hear about your dad, Pete...

[@petecernan2568]

@@philiphalpenny3783 thanks for the reply yes it was on the bbc and we watched him on Parkinson’s he was very old but still I was excited to see him on tv being interviewed great memories best wishes to yourself

[@Joe-gu6oe]

Just when I needed a pat on the back, there was "Yankee Doodle Dandy"!! Thanks be to James Cagney!

[@BELCAN57]

Cagney was a real craftsman. Honest and unassuming.

[@barraabus]

Many great memories of this man,,, thank you.

[@ericthomson710]

A Remarkable talent. Never to be duplicated.

[@andrelloyd4010]

I loved James - he could dance - he could act and he could sing. He had a command of character in every character he played and projected a powerful presence in his roles. God bless him for all he has brought to the screen ! 🙏

[@racourdav]

Had an older brother growing up who watched old movies and I started watching with him. Mr. Cagney just stood out, loved his voice and facial expressions, he was magnificent! All these decades later he’s still my favorite. He was just about the only ‘star’ who showed up at Hattie McDaniel’s funeral, that made me like him even more.

[@philiphalpenny3783]

Agreed...they were wonderful in the gentle film 'Johnny Come Lately'. Shame "Hi Hat" Hattie & Jim never made a musical together as the both had an inspired sense of timing...

[@virghammer1]

You're so right, Phillip - Hattie McDanile and JC in a musical would' ve ben PERFE CTION! @@philiphalpenny3783 @racourdav

[@d23bw]

Orsen Wells opined that James Cagney was, by far, the best film actor ever. He begged (Michael Parkinson) for a season of Cagneys' movies to be shown. Now that would be a treat.

[@ralph3986]

Just as humble as they come. How different Cagney was from the Hollywood crowd, now. Then there is Tom, with that solid and intelligent interview approach that you don't get from anybody now a day's.

[@leftyspade]

I was a depressed kid for many reasons, but as a 4-year-old, I remember seeing Yankee Doodle Dandy on TV. It changed my life, and like many folks with this "gift." I had glimpses of happiness. Fast forward to 1973, the breakdown year and living in Hawaii. Went to the Kuihio Theatre and saw Sound of Music, which completely changed my emotions. Amazing what music can do.

[@jujuoliver6959]

Just idolise this man, incredibly talented, intelligent, modest and cute as anything in the looks Dept as a young man and just adorable and wise in his later years, and so incredibly humble, ordinary, no nonsense character. Favourite actor of all time. I was a young woman when he died but he has always had far more impact than the stars of today.

[@MrRuplenas]

They don't make 'em like this anymore - modest, humble, self-effacing, grateful for his blessings. A great actor and a great man. Ave, atque, vale.

[@gregoryforstner9213]

My very favorite actor of all time. I just love his singing and dancing in Yankee Doodle Dandy! Just seeing "Cody Jarrett" singing and dancing makes me happy!