Top 12 Favorite James Cagney Performances

A countdown of my favorite performances by Academy Award winner James Cagney.
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[@CraigHart-sq7mz]

“White Heat”and “ Angels with dirty faces” were my favorite James Cagney films. One of the greatest Irishman on the planet.

[@randycunningham7318]

Great films. How about Public Enemy?

[@ericthiel4053]

I was born in 81 so his moivies were before my time but when I got older into my 30s, I realized just how great he was! That and most old films of the 30s and 40s were just awsome. I barely watch anything else now days, there just something about the way the producrtion, scripts and Cagneys acting were back then that will never be copied. What a time for films!!

[@susanb2015]

It was the best time for films. I was born in '67 and old movies were always on TV in the 70s and 80s.

[@P.Galore]

I owned James Cagney's 1930 cabin in Lake Arrowhead, CA- a beautifully restored modest but charming lakeview property with an interior entirely made of heart pine, which went extinct shortly after. In the living room hung a huge white tail deer antler chandelier which had been electrified, which I still have today. It was a wonderful place and I wish i still owned it.

[@rmorton8281]

What happened did you sell?

[@kellyanastasia2752]

James Cagney was more than an actor, he was a force of nature.

[@barbaraawalsh7407]

Every movie he made were great. Cagney gave his all to every movie he did. That's what made him a star to be remembered.

[@firstsergeantcandiobelleus6546]

IDK what anyone says, James Cagney was the greatest actor of a generation, period!

[@andrewbutcher3391]

Yankee Doodle Dandy was extraordinary..Definitely Number One…

[@suesmith3744]

Never be another like Jimmy ⭐️⭐️

[@joecap4372]

James Cagney was a natural.. the greatest actor and that's an understatement.. James Cagney didn't like to do gangster movies and he won the Oscar for Yankee Doodle Dandy.. you'll never see an actor like James Cagney if you live a hundred lifetimes...

[@williamschlenger1518]

My cousin Pat O Brien played in quite a few movies with him.They were life long friends.

[@anneroy4560]

part of the Irish Mafia ... no harm in that ... have an Irish granny myself ...

[@BrandonLee-dr1vj]

James and Pat were very close friends.

[@johnzeszut3170]

I liked it when he was wrapped up like a mummy and collapsed into this mothers' house when the door was opened - a cloud of dust was raised from the floor!

[@catdog2706]

James Cagney was the greatest actor always loved him ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@allyp1088]

Angels with dirty faces lost count of the amount of times I’ve seen this ❤

[@gjk540]

James Cagney is my all-time favorite actor.

[@armpitfuzz]

I LOVED watching James and Pat O'Brian. I think the first time I cried watching a film on Saturday afternoon, was when I watched Angels with dirty faces, it broke my heart..... It STILL gets me !

[@jakewelsh6930]

Simply the greatest actor I've ever seen, and being a lover of movies and 70 years young, I have seen a hell of a lot of them. I really enjoy Cagney in Yankee Doodle Dandy the way he danced was like watching a puppet on a string. Cagney was the MAN.

[@lyvonneberrios4159]

The greatest actor of all time!!!

[@mikeames1427]

He was the very best. Did it all and better than anyone. A legend.

[@dorisbiggins2708]

We need a movie like Yankee Doodle Dandy now ❤

[@AlwaysASunnydayBuster]

He’s my fav actor ever 100%

[@jamessatter7418]

Angels with Dirty Faces is one of the best film titles. I also like Each Dawn I Die.

[@feedogg3946]

Each Dawn I DIE is one of my all time favorites. Cagney said he regreted allowing George Raft to play the gangster instead of him.

[@jerryblair4106]

James Cagney one of the all time greats.publc Enemy, the Man of a thousand Faces.

[@gregary100]

Brilliant ... thanks for making the video... really enjoyed watching ... 👍

[@franciscod.irlandamendez6727]

The best natural actor ever

[@MK-he8xm]

You missed my fav! FOOTLIGHTS PARADE with JoanRondell, Dick Powell, RubyKeeler! Cagney's dancing in this is superb! He does a duo with Keeler on a bar with a fabulous tap dance. This was a GREAT MOVIE!!! It has hilariously good laughs, great song/dance scenes,romance& patriotism.

[@LA_HA]

This man was a Beast. Very few have what he had. Amazing actor

[@uwsgrrrl9981]

Great actor and dancer.

[@LA_HA]

@@uwsgrrrl9981 He had it all

[@carolperczak9938]

The Captain in MR. ROBERTS.

[@daveerhardt1879]

'Yankee Doodle Dandy' makes me to feel proud to be an American too. Love this movie, I watch it every 4th of July. Cagney was a great actor and I love his movies too.

[@AgnesC1111]

Would be interesting to have a more truthful biopic of Cohan.

[@dougreed2257]

Not exaggerating, but this guy was the greatest movie actor of them all!!!!

[@dianahohimer1107]

Hes mine too.

[@cjlowe1650]

DITTO

[@robertpaciullo1540]

I agree he's the best actor of alltime CAGNEY

[@lenhummel5766]

Cagney clearly had intense, dynamic presence on screen. A truly great, multi-talented actor. Great compilation, btw. Well done.🎯✔

[@thenewmodfather]

No exaggeration just the truth

[@reginaldstyles9549]

Love Cagney Since I Was A Child, Not Only A Great Actor But A Beautiful Human Being 🙏💕🌹

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Came from the streets, had the world in his palm, retired to his farm, never looked back until Ragtime, always been a part of my life and always will be, movie Hero!

[@mariocisneros911]

He had many good memorable films . My list 1-12 : Yankee Doodle Dandle , The Strawberry Blonde, The Roaring 20's, Angels with Dirty Faces , One Two Three , G Men , The Fighting 69th , Here Comes Navy , Public Enemy , Blonde Crazy , The Man with a Thousand Faces , and White Heat.

[@jonathanlane5432]

Orson Welles made that statement about Cagney several times in different interviews.

[@williamrodriguez7551]

James Cagney George Raft Humphrey Bogart Three of the greatest Actors Ever Ever In this or any lifetime To We will never see Have Actors like them again Ever

[@judythompson8227]

"Angels" was a perfect movie. I loved the up in the air ending... and the other one, Yankee Doodle Dandy, stays with me, always

[@sandyumerley3506]

Yankee Doodle Dandy, I watch this ever year!!!

[@brijones]

grew as a young boy watching his films my mum liked his films

[@jamessatter7418]

Yankee Doodle Dandy is an amazing film. I have seen it more than any other Cagney film!

[@unclecreepy4324]

My favorite James Cagney movie was any movie he was in.

[@josephdaviddefrancis2687]

He was the greatest.

[@aldicanio930]

He never forced anything it always looked like he was a natural loved him!

[@jackmackenzie2482]

Have been a James Cagney fan since I was a kid. He was such a believable tough guy. He seemed to never let anything or anybody shake his confidence!! Even coming up in an era of many a tough guy- Cagney stood out!! Loved this video.

[@tombasye1016]

He Was A Pure And Complete Great Actor, And Amazingly Talented, ' YANKEE DOODLE DANDY ' Was An Excellent Movie He Made, He Will Never Be Forgotten.

[@IvanRodriguez-hl4pg]

Cagney is my favorite dramatic actor. How can you not love a tough guy who can do a soft shoe?

[@palerider964]

My Mother thanks you, My Father thanks you, My Sister thanks you and I thank you. Excellent job, Mr. Pultz.👏👍

[@billymoffat4744]

A true Genius All American Hero RIP James Cagney

[@ROCKIN-AL]

Excellent choice for #1, he was a skilled dancer originally, and he loved that side of his carreer, I've been waiting throughout the documentary for that side to be coveted

[@stevecunningham5598]

Nobody comes close to James Cagney he's the greatest actor ever , there's not a thing he couldn't do , from Angels With Dirty Faces , to Yankee Doodle Dandy his range of roles held no bounds to him , Legend.

[@conortimlin1447]

When I was 20 in 1999, I was flicking through channels and the title 'Angels with dirty faces' engulfed the screen. I thought it was an interesting title so watched on. I had never heard of James Cagney before. Since that film, I was an immediate fan. Loved the roaring twenties, The Public Enemy and White Heat. I was lucky, my father educated me on silver screen era actors. I love Bogart, James Stewart, Audrey Hepburn, Kirk Douglas, Edward G Robinson and many more. Aside to this there's a fantastic flick with Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn 'Last Train from Gun Hill' well worth a watch. Great countdown video on Cagney. Much appreciation from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@oldschoolsinger]

I'm 69 years old and the very first movie I ever watched was with my mother when I was 5 years old. It was Angels With Dirty Faces. The next time I saw him in a movie, I told my mom "I thought he died?" lol She had to explain to me it was all make-believe. As for your 12 choices, I'd probably take out numbers 8 and 10 and insert "Each Dawn I Die" and "City For Conquest", which I thought was one of his best roles ever.

[@kat71580]

Thank you Mr. Pultz, I loved your countdown film of the wonderful Mr James Cagney what a guy...

[@humbertfernandez486]

When my mother emigrated from Cuba in 1956, she adored American films, actors and actresses--in particular James Cagney. I remember we would watch his films on a black and white television set in the early 1970's being kept magnetized by his performances. He was the first actor to use simple martial arts karate style fighting, universal sign language and even weep when most male actors of his generation were discouraged from ever displaying such emotions. He was truly an original for his time and he changed acting forever...

[@basingstoke63]

A most splendid actor and dancer of the highest calibre . Always my favourite , whether tap dancing or punching someone .

[@peterstilla8733]

Cagney was the greatest male movie actor ever. Who else could have played George M. Cohan and Cody Jarrett? No one.

[@robertjolly3021]

Thanks for those memories. He was the best 👍👍😎😎

[@jamessatter7418]

Here Comes the Navy made me a fan of Cagney. Fun film!

[@davehorton1486]

He was so good, he made it look so easy, no matter how hard the seen was. James was one of the Best!!!!!

[@petem7118]

Totally agree with your list….. all are great examples of just how good James Cagney is…… Great Actor…. Great Films…..

[@debzimmerman633]

Loved everything this man ever did!!! What a man still sets my heart aflame!

[@TerryCloth]

Yankee Doodle Dandy is the very first movie I remember seeing in my life. I believe I was six years old at the time. I'm now 70. The music is wonderful. Timeless. It's still one of my favorites and I make it a point to watch it every 4th of July, too.

[@wobblertv8083]

White heat my favourite .The meltdown scene in the prison mess Hall is awesome .

[@billyc6678]

My favorite actor, ever!! Love that man. And every movie he made.

[@h.calvert3165]

Have all these but one, & I'm planning to get that. I have around 40 of his films, & I've never seen him give anything but a perfect performance. Unlike Bogart, who would sink with the ship when the film was poor, Cagney always shone. Greatest American actor! 🌟

[@shirleyplatt9131]

Love this man he could turn his hands and feet to do anything brilliant man they don’t make them like that anymore

[@c.d.robinson3090]

i loved him. a real actor. loved his singing and dancing! 😁😆😄😃😀

[@GeorgeD1965]

Angel with Dirty Faces, the bowery boys were well known of giving actors who played tough guys a hard time. To see if they were really tough. Humphrey Bogert was afraid of them. When they tried to mess with Cagney, they met their match. Also, Cagney had said he loved playing in the song and dance movies better than playing gangsters

[@angeladennison412]

When l first saw this man on a black-and-white TV. He was the first crush I must’ve been about 12 I am now 66 years of age and nobody matched up to his personality he’s aura. I thought he was amazing then and this brings back wonderful memories of watching amazing man on screen no matter what role he played

[@Vicki1951]

Thank you. You picked my favorite too. No one else could’ve acted that part the way Mr Cagney did.

[@mr.majestic8713]

Yankee Doodle Dandy is just one of many great patriotic films that should be mandatory viewing in our schools. ✝ 🙂

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

"The Public Enemy" is one of my top 10 films of all time - everyone should see it. From the opening titles - to his death drop at the end - which is filmed from floor level! - Its fantastic.

[@lscarver5]

I started watching "old movies" as a little girl with my mom. And this was the "Pre-cable", "Pre-streaming", time period. That's when I got introduced to one of my favorite actors James Cagney. Ironically he was one of her's too. She saw many of his films as a child who would go to the kiddie matinee's on Saturday's. I'm glad he's still popular and hasn't been forgotten.

[@ewanconnolly5748]

He was the greatest actor ever

[@carlcarlson1369]

It is said the people that would taking care of Cagney's helper $600,000 home on his property with his money. Back in the early eighties a reporter tried to bring two light and was shut down. You got to remember no KZbin no Facebook no computers nothing. Rest in peace James Cagney and his wife.

[@equine2020]

He was an amazing entertainer.

[@loviedean6628]

Fabulous actor

[@melissah.5319]

My favorite. I had always wanted to meet him but he passed before I could.

[@richardnogan4579]

Angels with Dirty Faces, what a cast of great acting. Of course Public Enemy, White Heat, G Men just to name a few. Special talent.

[@mcvet57103]

I could not agree with your accessment any more. Huge huge Cagney fan. Especially your pick for his best ever film. But I would rate Angels With Dirty Faces as second. It's to bad the generation today will never see him for the iconic actor he was.

[@lisaa8795]

Unfortunately he's been gone now almost as long as his career in films lasted. Another generation and people will probably disdain the silver screen entirely. What a shame many people refuse to watch B&W films, they're really missing out.

[@gazzgazeer]

Me Moms Favourite Actor RIP James

[@silvereaglehere]

You nailed it on the number one pick!!!! Such a great actor and american.

[@michaelf6705]

I hadthe pleasurw of cooking for MR cagney about a year or 2 before his death.

[@dabol6786]

"Greatest actor who ever appeared in front of a camera" Yes ! He and Sammy Davis Junior. Both amazing performers.

[@djamelbouch3670]

You mean him and Edward George Robinson?

[@RELubber]

Sammy Davis, Jr? 🤣

[@sandyumerley3506]

This was my favorite!!!!!! I loved every Cagney movie!!! God bless him!!!!!

[@davidhansen7609]

He sent me his autograph 50 years ago

[@franciscod.irlandamendez6727]

Awesome!

[@samstone9368]

Thank you for this. I loved Cagney movies growing up and catching them on the late night movies. This brought mack memories and reminds me just how great an actor he was.

[@jerryblair4106]

James Cagney what a talent some people are born to do what they do Public Enemy what a classic made him legend with ClaraBow. I loved him in MenofA Thousand Faces playing LonChang what classic role.

[@johnc.4719]

Great video about a great actor & man.

[@skyeslaton3435]

One of the greatest actors an actor who can do anything

[@joaocanha7903]

😅

[@skyeslaton3435]

@@joaocanha7903 what's so funny

[@kosta-gf5sf]

Probably the best Actor

[@skyeslaton3435]

@@kosta-gf5sf shows you don't need method acting to become a great actor

[@jorgerobles9484]

I think that Footlight Parade, One Two Three, Each Dawn I Die, and Taxi should be in your list. Even Doorway To Hell, and Mister Roberts (where he was in supporting roles) were really good.

[@sspdirect02]

I had to pick 12.

[@timvala7577]

There wasn’t a Cagney movie I wouldn’t watch all the way through but the best one I thought was The Gallant Hours. Great line up of actors and great story of W.F. Halsey. They picked the right man for the part!

[@gmaureen]

As a kid watching the Sunday afternoon movie on TV I fell in love with Cagney. In my mind there was nothing he couldn't do, or make me believe. As an adult, I still feel the same...his talent was boundless.

[@skyavalanche]

Stellar presentation

[@kathyburke9188]

Brilliant actor

[@carlcleary548]

Love his movies ❤

[@katyevans5658]

❤ he was a real man ...end of story

[@katthefantastic]

My favorite Cagney movie is A Great Guy. But I'll watch anything he's in. Love this guy!🫶

[@robertboyle2573]

The Roaring 20's was his best film.

[@bigbandsrock1]

I am a huge James Cagney fan since I was a kid. Loved your choices and the things you had to say about dear Mr. Cagney! I thought you did a great job of choosing his best films and your narration was also very good! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on James Cagney with people of today, who may not be too familiar with his work! I will always think he is the greatest of all time! Thank you again, and have a happy holiday season!

[@sspdirect02]

That’s one of the reasons why I make these videos.

[@roymcnicholas4825]

Legend

[@vickitaylor680]

They did a poll with the actresses on the WW2 victory train about who they found the most attractive man on the tour and Cagney was their top choice.

[@moriahjacobs6131]

Public Enemy #1!

[@zzmike]

Yankee Doodle Dandy is also a great favorite of mine! It's good -- you, sounding so much younger than I (67) -- that it also resonates with your generation! It's still "A Grand Old Flag" . . . . and always will be!