Yankee Doodle Dandy

This movie shows what actor’s actually did to entertain. Todays actors and actresses don’t have much talent .This movie is truly a good movie.

Great

I love this movie I used to watch it all the time when I came out I would buy it again if I have to I rated 5

Love this musical of the composer George Cohan played by James Carney. The patriotism portrayed is what this country was and is made of. Vaudeville acts at its best. I kept waiting for this 1942 movie to be remastered in color but don't seem like that will ever happen. Who knew James Cagney could tap so well!!! Musical lovers a must see !

When "Yankee Doodle Dandy" opened in movie theatres across America in June of 1942, the country had been suddenly(and tragically) pulled into another World War with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. It was the perfect film to lift up the American spirit after such a devastating event as Pearl Harbor due in no small part by it's subject matter. George M. Cohan was not only born on the 4th of July, but wrote songs that were so patriotic that he could only be played on film by someone equal in stature. That person was James Cagney and in "Yankee Doodle Dandy" he gives the performance of a lifetime(which won him his only Oscar). He finally showed his studio that he was more than just a gangster and bad guy. Warner's has finally brought this outstanding film to Blu-ray through it's Warner Archive Collection and like their other releases, it's simply beautiful. Warner Home Video(separate from WAC) originally released "Yankee Doodle Dandy" on a two-disc special edition DVD in 2003 and as good as that DVD was it really pales in comparison to this new Blu-ray upgrade from WAC which fans of the film have been requesting for years. Warner's has given "Yankee Doodle Dandy" an above average bitrate(27.99) and the results are outstanding to say the least. The cinematography by the great James Wong Howe is really put on display with blacks and whites being sharp and detailed especially during the many musical numbers. It's those musical numbers which really shine now with even the smallest details(costumes, set designs, etc.) looking absolutely beautiful in all it's B & W glory. The only print damage(very minor) is during some of the flashback montage scenes but the majority of the film has been cleaned up of any vertical lines, specks, dirt, and other film damage and the result is a very pleasing and film like presentation. The Audio(English DTS-HD MA 2.0) has been improved too with all musical numbers being loud and clear, so much so that you'll have to lower the volume. The entire production is a joy to watch now that it has finally been released on Blu-ray. Despite being in B & W, it's one of the greatest musicals ever made and holds up well after more than seventy years. Acting honors must surely go to Cagney for his magnificent performance, but the supporting cast of the other three Cohans- Walter Huston, Rosemary Decamp, and Jeanne Cagney(Jimmy's real life sister) are just wonderful in their roles. Joan Leslie, who plays Cagney's love interest and soon to be wife, is equally outstanding. She and Cagney are just great in their scenes together. "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is 125 minutes(Aspect ratio: 1.33:1) and only contains the following subtitle: English SDH. Special features include all the ones from the 2003 DVD except the biography of James Cagney. The Blu-ray disc itself is housed in a standard and sturdy case for added protection. "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is not only one of best musicals released by Warner Brothers but may be one the greatest ever. WAC has finally given this classic film the respect it deserves with a superb Blu-ray presentation that will please anyone viewing it for many years to come. It should occupy a space in every film collectors library and comes highly recommended.

LOVE this movie, James Cagney, his dancing, and the marvelous Walter Huston. But my main reason for leaving a review is to mention Rosemary DeCamp, the wonderful actress who played George M. Cohan's mother. I started out as a film major way back when, and it irks me that for some reason she gets like 6th billing- why, Irene Manning, who played Fay Templeton and was lesser known than DeCamp, had just a few minutes of screen time, and got higher billing. Mystifying. DeKamp was a Hollywood mainstay, much loved (a favorite of mine), and next to James Cagney probably the most recognizable person in the film.DeCamp (1910- 2001) had a long show-biz career, starting in 1937 (after first working as a newspaper reporter) and continuing until the mid 80s. In addition to radio, films, and commercials (e.g., 20 Mule Team Borax), she was in dozens of TV shows, from The Life of Riley, Rawhide and Death Valley Days to Petticoat Junction, That Girl (Ann Marie's mother), The Partridge Family (Shirley Jones's mother), and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (Buck's mother). After Spring Byington (whose acting career began in 1908 (!) and lasted until I Dream of Jeannie and The Flying Nun in the late 60's), DeCamp is probably identified as "mom" more than anyone else in the 20th century. She was also famed for Howard Hughes crashing an experimental plane into her house in Beverly Hills. She and her husband were in bed and the wing of the plane just missed them. Anyway, no-one seems to mention her and she lent her dignity, beauty and quiet grace to the film as Cohan's mother (though curiously she was 11 years younger than Cagney).And while I'm waxing nostalgic on trivia surrounding the film, regarding the marvelous Walter Huston (father of director John Huston, grandfather of actress Angelica), who plays the elder Cohan- in 1909, at age 26, he fell in love with one Mina Rose, age 44. He saw her on stage, and left his wife & job as the manager of a power plant to tour in Vaudeville with her. Divorced in 1924, when he was 41 & she 59, they were together for 15 years. For me his best film was  Dodsworth , just wonderful.BTW, in Yankee Doodle Dandy Josie Cohan, George's sister, is played by Cagney's real life sister Jeanne. Cagney is over the top in this film. He began as a dancer in 1919, dancing was his real love and it shows. No-one else displays such exuberance- a joy to watch (and I'm not much of fan of dance, but Cagney's in a class all his own). If you haven't seen this you MUST- perfect for the 4th of July, patriotic American schmaltz of the highest order.Pics: Rosemary DeCamp circa 1950s, and from Yankee Doodle Dandy, from left to right- Jeanne Cagney, James Cagney, Rosemary DeCamp, Walter Huston

I didn't realize that Yankee Doodle Dandy movie was new. What a great surprise. I love the songs and the story behind how the patriotisms of George M. Cohan expressed itself. We need an ocean of this spread through out our country today. Not sure if my girlfriend will like it, but, oh well.

I love musicals, no tonsils cleaning. Just a fine picture, it's shows love and respect for the United States. We can use more of this kind of movie.

This is a review of the 2014 All Region Blu-ray from Warner Archive, in their SUPERB ‘Archive Collection’. As in this case, these are routinely shown as being Region A1 only, on the Amazon entry, but they play beautifully on our Region B2 equipment. Their edition of this 1942 film plays in 1080p HD, 1.37:1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. The B&W picture is pristinely clean and sharp, although not as intensely B&W as some films. The sound, with it’s vibrant musical score, is also excellent.I was eager to see this film, given it’s heavyweight OSCAR-nominated history ~ 8 nominations including for Picture & Director. It won 3, including Best Actor for star James Cagney, Music and Sound Recording. And made between 3 December 1941 and 10 February 1942, its production literally spanned the entry of the USA into WW2: Pearl Harbour was attacked on 7 December. The film pivots on the fact that the subject of the film, entertainer George M Cohan, had been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, for the work he did to enhance morale during WW1, particularly his 2 memorable songs ‘Over There’ and ‘You’re a Grand Old Flag’. This was the first such award to someone in the Arts and entertainment, and a measure of the vital role his music played in the earlier conflict. That the film was made when Europe was already at war again, and the US was clearly on the brink of joining in, was certainly no coincidence. It has been said that Warner Brothers essentially fashioned a magnificent recruiting poster with this film: that is no exaggeration.Cohan was of Irish extraction (like Cagney himself), and from a theatrical family. The role had been offered to Fred Astaire, but Cohan had a very idiosyncratic style of dancing, a sort of stiff-legged prance, totally at variance with Astaire’s, who turned the role down. Cohan had an equally strange musical style, which is rhythmic declamation rather than singing; Cagney mimics him, apparently very effectively, and it is quite odd.The film provides a life-long biography of Cohan, from his teenaged roots with his family’s troupe, through to his return from retirement at the start of WW2. It is a fascinating story, providing also a history of America’s Vaudeville tradition. Much is highly entertaining, some rather shocking by today’s standards ~ as when the family foursome perform in ‘Blackface’. The film apparently glosses over some facts, such as Cohan’s divorce and remarriage ~ his screen wife, Mary, becomes an amalgam of the two! And some of the chronology was finessed.However, apparently, much of the look of the film was kept very carefully authentic. The stage productions, with the help of Cohan himself, who advised, are true to life, and Cagney gives a meticulous recreation of Cohan’s look and sound. He is magnificent, a TOTAL revelation, although he actually began in Vaudeville himself.Entertaining, evocative, a tad overlong, suffocatingly ~ but entirely understandably ~ patriotic, this is a film that MUST be seen in context, to appreciate it. 4 (and a half!) spangly Stars.

YANKEE DOODLE DANDY [1942] [Blu-ray] [US Import] A Big Musical Biography! The Yankee Doodle DANDIEST Entertainment of ‘Em All!Here we find legendary actor James Cagney stars in the role for which he won an Academy Award® for the life of singer, dancer and songwriter George M. Cohan, who was the true Yankee Doodle Dandy. This non-stop musical tour-de-force is where we see James Cagney sings, dances and celebrates the life and career of George M. Cohan, who was a music man who lifted a nation, is brought to the White House to receive a Congressional Gold Medal from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Broadway legend George M. Cohan reflects on his life. Flashbacks trace George M. Cohan's rise, from a childhood performing in his family's vaudeville act to his early days as a struggling Tin Pan Alley songwriter to his overwhelming success as an actor, writer, director and producer known for his patriotic songs like "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Over There." Now fully restored and remastered.FILM FACT: The film won Academy Awards® for Best Actor in a Leading Role for James Cagney, Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture and Best Sound, Recording for Nathan Levinson. It was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Walter Huston. Best Director, Best Film Editing for George Amy, Best Picture and Best Writing, Original Story. In 1993, ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’ was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."Cast: James Cagney, Joan Leslie, Walter Huston, Richard Whorf, Irene Manning, George Tobias, Rosemary DeCamp, Jeanne Cagney, Eddie Foy, Jr., Frances Langford, George Barbier, S. Z. Sakall, Walter Catlett, Jo Ann Marlowe (Josie Cohan Age 6 uncredited), Douglas Croft (George M. Cohan age 13), Eddie Foy Jr., Minor Watson, Chester Clute, Odette Myrtil, Patsy Parsons (Josie Cohan age 12), Jack Young, Henry Blair (George M. Cohan at 7 uncredited), Eddie Acuff (uncredited), Murray Alper (uncredited), Ernest Anderson (uncredited), Vivian Austin (uncredited), Georgia Carroll (uncredited), Wallis Clark (Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt uncredited), Frank Faylen (uncredited), Pat Flaherty (uncredited) and Art Gilmore (Franklin D. Roosevelt (voice) uncredited)Director: Michael CurtizProducers: Hal B. Wallis, Jack Warner and William Cagney (Associate)Screenplay: Edmund Joseph, Robert Buckner, Julius J. Epstein (uncredited) and Philip G. Epstein (uncredited)Composers: George M. Cohan (songs); Ray Heindorf (uncredited), Heinz Roemheld (score) (uncredited)Cinematography: James Wong HoweVideo Resolution: 1080p [Black-and-White]Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1Audio: English: 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio MonoSubtitles: English SDHRunning Time: 125 minutesRegion: Region A/1Number of discs: 1Studio: Warner Archive CollectionAndrew’s Blu-ray Review: Producer Hal Wallis originally envisioned 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' as a straightforward biography of one of Broadway's most successful and prolific impresarios, George M. Cohan, but America's entrance into World War II a few months before its release transformed this lavish musical into a rousing, flag-waving propaganda piece that stirred the passions and stoked the resolve of a nervous, uncertain nation. Like his titular alter ego, Cohan claimed he was born on the 4th of July (3rd of July is his actual birth date), and for most of his life the pint-sized dynamo symbolised Americana. Though George M. Cohan wrote his most famous and patriotic songs like 'You're a Grand Old Flag,' 'Over There,' 'Give My Regards to Broadway,' and the timeless title tune. In the early part of the 20th Century, they all struck a renewed chord with 1942 audiences, propelling 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' to monumental success. Yet despite its eight Academy Award® nominations, including one for Best Picture, some of the film's lustre has faded over time. 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' still entertains today, but seems more old-fashioned than most musicals of the era; a quaint, featherweight period piece that sadly lacks any emotional pulls beyond love of country.George M. Cohan once said about himself: "Once a song-and-dance man, always a song-and-dance man." And the same holds true for the actor who immortalized him on screen, James Cagney. In his autobiography, James Cagney writes, "Psychologically I needed no preparation for 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' or professionally either. I didn't have to pretend to be a song-and-dance man. I was one." Cagney, of course, rose to film stardom playing gangsters and wise-guys, but was also an adroit hoofer and he showed off his tapping skills most notably in Busby Berkeley's 'Footlight Parade,' and cut his theatrical teeth on Broadway musicals. George M. Cohan even rejected him for one of his shows when James Cagney was first starting out. Though smashing a half-grapefruit in Mae Clarke's face in 'The Public Enemy' put him on the cinematic map, portraying a Broadway legend would win James Cagney a Best Actor Academy Award® and cement his reputation as an immensely talented, multi-faceted performer.Ironically, George M. Cohan was not too far removed from the pugnacious punks James Cagney often played on screen. Instead of a gun, George M. Cohan wielded arrogance, and his cocksure attitude alienated many a Broadway cohort. Refreshingly, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' doesn't shy away from depicting George M. Cohan's abrasive personality, insufferable ego, and brazen ambition and quite a feat, considering George M. Cohan's contract granted him complete script approval and the power to cancel the film's release if he disapproved of the finished product. The unprecedented deal completely stressed out studio chief Jack L. Warner, who heaved a huge sigh of relief when George M. Cohan at last gave the movie his blessing. George M. Cohan adamantly opposed any depiction of his domestic life, so the writers merged his two wives into one, and created a new name for the character Mary, after the popular George M. Cohan song, “Mary's A Grand Old Name.” Sixteen-year-old Joan Leslie landed the part, playing opposite the 42-year-old James Cagney, and in keeping with Cohan's wishes, the two rarely express any affection for each other during the film. In real life, George M. Cohan fathered four children, but none appear in the film. Joan Leslie could only work limited hours each day, because she had to attend school on the Warner Bros. lot, but somehow Joan Leslie and James Cagney make a believable couple and manage to minimise the vast age difference. Interestingly, Rosemary DeCamp, who played George M. Cohan's mother, was also a relative youngster and 11 years James Cagney's junior!The film's cut-and-dried plot focuses almost exclusively on George M. Cohan's career and is almost completely devoid of any dramatic impact. Told in flashback, the tale begins as an elderly George M. Cohan receives the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt [Jack Young], which inspires the blustery thespian to regale Franklin D. Roosevelt with his life story. We then follow Cohan from his humble beginnings as part of his parents' vaudeville act to his juvenile success as “Peck's Bad Boy,” his tenure as one of the singing Four Cohans and the other three were his father [Walter Huston], mother [Rosemary DeCamp], and sister [Jeanne Cagney] and eventual renown as Broadway composer, lyricist, actor, and producer, who sometimes had five hit shows running simultaneously on The Great White Way. Any personal strife, beyond the death of his father, is ignored, which leaves the film emotionally bereft. Historical inaccuracies also abound, and as we bounce from one song to another, with only negligible chatter and some comic shtick in between, a bit of ennui sets in, despite the lively numbers and spirited performances. Outside of successful shows and some mild family squabbling, nothing of note really happens to George M. Cohan, and the lack of any cohesive narrative makes it difficult to invest in the characters and remain involved in the film. Songwriter biopics often suffer from such a malaise, because let's face it, most composers lead normal, insulated, rather boring existences. Their songs may provide great entertainment, but their lives, generally, do not.James Cagney agreed to star in 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' partially to quell any lingering rumours about his supposed Communist sympathies, spawned from his years as a "strong Roosevelt liberal" in the 1930s. Playing the all-American George M. Cohan, a man whom many thought really was "a real live nephew" of Uncle Sam; put a stop to any whispers about James Cagney's patriotism. And James Cagney gave the role his all, ceaselessly studying George M. Cohan and adopting his trademark stiff-limbed dance style, vocal timbre, and stage persona. Simply from the standpoint of stamina, it's an admirable performance, and James Cagney's triple-threat abilities undoubtedly helped him snag the OSCAR® Best Actor, the first time a musical performer garnered the award.And the film's dozen or so musical numbers are really what 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' is all about. Michael Curtiz, whose next film would be the Oscar® winning 'Casablanca,' had never before directed a musical, but seems to have a firm grasp on the genre, constructing modest yet effective song sequences that reflect the simplicity of George M. Cohan's music and don't require any suspensions of disbelief. Michael Curtiz also received an OSCAR® nomination for his work, as did Walter Huston for Best Supporting Actor, but it is James Cagney's presence that looms the largest over this sprightly piece of hokum. His performance remains strong and captivating more than seven decades later, and though his fine work can't mask the film's lack of substance, he keeps 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' relevant, inspiring plenty of admiration, and proving he really is that yankee doodle boy.Blu-ray Video Quality – Classic film lovers rejoice! Warner Archive Collection has delivered yet another scrumptious 1080p encoded image transfer of this vintage title, one that beautifully captures the original look and feel of 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' and James Wong Howe's exceptional cinematography. Superior contrast and stunning clarity lend the image presence and depth, while a natural grain structure provides a palpable film-like appearance. When compared to the inferior 2003 NTSC DVD, the Blu-ray picture looks more vibrant and exhibits far less texture. Blacks are stronger and deeper, and the grey scale flaunts more distinct variations. Background details are easy to discern, shadow delineation is quite good, and close-ups show off fine facial features well. Best of all, not a single speck, mark, or scratch mars the pristine source material, and no digital doctoring, such as edge sharpening or noise reduction, seems to have been applied. Black-and-White musicals generally pale in comparison to their Technicolor cousins, but this stellar transfer makes us miss those saturated hues just a little bit less. Never has 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' looked this good, and making an upgrade is essential for fans of this flag-waving film.Blu-ray Audio Quality – The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track supplies robust sound that's somewhat limited by the recording equipment of the early 1940s. Though any trace of age-related imperfections, such as hiss, pops, and crackles, have been scrubbed away by Warner technicians, the audio lacks the same degree of fidelity and tonal depth that often distinguishes M-G-M musicals of the period. Still, this solid effort proves the OSCARS® the film won for Best Musical Score and Best Sound Recording were warranted, despite a slight nagging shrillness that occasionally creeps into the mix. Distortion, however, is absent, dialogue is always clear and comprehendible, and the tapping from James Cagney's fancy footwork is crisp and distinct. For a 72-year-old film, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' sounds darn good, and though the audio never dazzles, this is still a grand old track.Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:Audio Commentary: Commentary with Warner Bros. Historian Rudy Behlmer: Film historian Rudy Behlmer always provides top-notch audio commentaries, and his discussion of 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' doesn't disappoint. Rudy Behlmer edited a book comprised of Warner Bros studio memos, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of the Burbank dream factory fuels this informative and absorbing track. Rudy Behlmer date stamps almost all the scenes in the film and names the soundstages on which they were shot. In addition, he points out several historical inaccuracies and identifies some music in the film that wasn't written by George M. Cohan. He also talks about the incessant rewrites that plagued the production, James Cagney's quick-witted improvisations, the star's intense dislike of fellow actor S.Z. Sakall, and how teenage leading lady Joan Leslie had to adhere to child labour laws during shooting. Anecdotes abound, including one that concerns George M. Cohan's rejection of a young, unknown Cagney when the novice actor auditioned for one of the impresario's shows early in his career. When it comes to commentaries, Rudy Behlmer is the best in the business, and this essential track will fascinate anyone with an interest in classic films.Special Feature: Introduction by Leonard Maltin: Warner Night at the Movies 1942 [3:21] The critic and film historian provides an introduction to the various short subjects from 1942 listed below. Then followed by the Feature Film ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy.’Theatrical Trailer: ‘Casablanca’ [480i] [1.33:1] [2:16] Written by Julius and Irving Epstein, who did uncredited rewrites on ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy.’Newsreel [1942] [480i] [1.33:1] [9:16] A West Point graduation; the U.S. air corps in China; volunteers for naval service in Houston; Mexico declares war; British tanks to the U.S.S.R.; the air corps in Australia; FDR reviews the troops.Warner Bros. Patriot Short Subject: Beyond the Call of Duty [1942][480i] [1.33:1] [22:01] Narrated by Ronald Reagan, this Warner Brothers short in support of the war effort focuses on the exploits of Army Air Corps Captain Hewett T. Wheless and his exploits just after the U.S. entry into World War II. He was a ranch hand before enlisting and the film recreates his training with Army Air Corps Captain Hewett T. Wheless eventually commanding a bomber. On a mission, his aircraft encountered 18 Japanese Zeros but he managed to safely return to base, despite the severe damage to his aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism.Vintage Warner Bros. Merry Melodies Cartoon: Bugs Bunny Gets the Boid [1942] [1080p] [7:25] The cartoon begins with a mother buzzard instructing her children to go out and catch something for dinner. They set off right away except one with his back turned. This is Beaky Buzzard (Killer) who is shy and a little on the slow side. Against his will, his mother kicks him out of the nest with instructions to at least catch a rabbit. Beaky spots Bugs Bunny and soars down to catch him. Bugs makes like an air-traffic controller and "guides" Beaky to the ground with a crash. After some heckling, a chase ensues ending with Bugs crashing into the ground underneath the skeleton of a dead animal. He cries because he thinks he's dead ("Gruesome, isn't it?", he briefly confides to the audience), but it turns he knew he was okay the whole time. Beaky and Bugs jitterbug together. Bugs says, "Why don't we do this more often," to which Beaky replies, "Ya mean just what we're doing tonight?" This is a quote of the first line of the song "Why Don't We Do This More Often?" After the dance with Bugs, Beaky ends up underground with the skeleton above. He summons his mother and she shows up. At first the mother buzzard thinks Bugs did something to Beaky. Bugs Bunny pulls Beaky out of the ground. Noticing that Beaky is unharmed, the mother abandons her desire to eat Bugs and declares him her hero and kisses him. A blushing Bugs Bunny imitates Beaky. The cartoon, directed by Bob Clampett, and produced by Leon Schlesinger.Special Feature Documentary: Let Freedom Sing! The Story of Yankee Doodle Dandy [2003] [480i] [1.33:1] [44:31] This comprehensive documentary meticulously chronicles the biopic's journey to the screen, providing historical background on the George M. Cohan family, production details, and notes on the film's impact and lasting appeal. Among other things, we learn how the script evolved from a straight drama into a musical; how the influence of James Cagney's brother, William, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor affected the movie's production; how James Cagney's sister, Jeanne, beat out Ruby Keeler for the role of James Cagney's sister in the film; and how George M. Cohan originally approached Fred Astaire to portray him. James Cagney's love-hate relationship with director Michael Curtiz is also examined, along with James Cagney's improvisations on set, and George M. Cohan's death shortly after the film was released. Actress Joan Leslie, who played James Cagney's wife in 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' actor John Travolta, and film historians Rudy Behlmer, Robert Osborne, and Bob Thomas, among other noteworthy contributors, comment on this beloved piece of Americana and how it still resonates today.Special Feature: John Travolta Remembers James Cagney [2003] [480i] [1.33:1] [5:09] In his later years, James Cagney did not typically meet new people, but he made an exception for John Travolta when their mutual friend, producer A.C. Lyles, informed James Cagney that the newly minted star was a dancer. The star of 'Grease' recalls his lifelong fascination with James Cagney, how 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' was his favourite film as a child, and how an emotional meeting with the legendary actor spawned a close relationship that continued until James Cagney's death.Special Feature Vintage Wartime Short: You, John Jones [1943] [480i] [1.33:1] [10:26] This war time-effort short subject, directed by Mervyn LeRoy 'Quo Vadis' and 'The Bad Seed,' features James Cagney as an everyman air raid warden who, while on duty one night, expresses his gratitude to God that the U.S. has not been bombed like other countries around the world, and that his wife [Ann Sothern] and young daughter [Margaret O'Brien] are safe. He then envisions the horrors his daughter would face if they resided in such hotspots as England, Greece, China, Yugoslavia, France, and Russia. Though James Cagney's earnest portrayal rings true, moppet O'Brien who a year before she would gain renown as Judy Garland's impish sister in 'Meet Me in St. Louis' is the short's real star, and it's amazing the six-year-old actress wasn't scarred for life after enduring the barrage of harrowing situations that befall her character. One minute she's an amputee, the next a starving street urchin. In between, she survives two traumatic bombing scenes and shows up dead in the rubble in two others (once with her eyes open)...all in the span of 10 minutes! The short's subject matter is serious, but the rapid-fire, hyper-dramatic presentation of such unrelieved strife does provoke a chuckle or two. To top it all off, Margaret O'Brien must also recite large sections of the Gettysburg Address in preparation for a school recitation contest...and to stoke the patriotic passions of the audience! It's quite a performance, and definitely merits a look.Special Feature Vintage Animated Warner Bros. Looney Tunes Cartoon Short: Yankee Doodle Daffy [1943] [1080p] [1.33:1] [6:44] Despite its suggestive title, this Looney Tunes cartoon has nothing to do with 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' but it's an entertaining romp in its own right. Daffy Duck, agent to the stars, complete with business card that flashes like a theatre marquis, does everything he can to convince Porky Pig of "Smeller Productions" that his preadolescent client "Sleepy LaGoon" can become a star. This annoys Porky Pig, as it is his day off and he has planned to play golf. Daffy Duck spends most of the cartoon telling Porky about what his client can do, while actually performing various shticks himself, in his usual wild and frenetic way. After trying various ways to escape, Porky locks Daffy in a huge vault and takes off in a plane only to find out that the pilot of the plane was Daffy. Porky then jumps out with a parachute while Daffy follows. Porky then gets chased back to his office. Finally, Porky Pig relents and asks to see what his client can do. "Sleepy," a small and droopy-eyed Daffy Duck, who has whiled away the episode slurping a huge all-day sucker which he keeps in a banjo case, finally gets to perform. "Sleepy" begins to sing a song in a strong baritone voice. He starts out well, then tries to hit a high note, and goes into a coughing fit as the cartoon ends.Feature Audio Vault [Audio Only] You Remind Me of My Mother (Outtake); You’re a Grand Old Flag (James Cagney Rehearsal); Give My Regards to Broadway (James Cagney Rehearsal); Four Cohens Medley (Vocal with Piano) and Harrigan (Vocal with Piano).Feature Audio Vault [Audio Only] Lady Esther Screen Guild Theater Radio Show [19th October, 1942] [29:31] A radio presentation of highlights from ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’ featuring James Cagney, Joan Leslie, Walter Huston, Jeanne Cagney, Richard Whorf, and S. Z. Sakall all reprising their film roles. Cut down to a lean 30 minutes, including commercials, introduction, and farewells, this telling of 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' foregoes plot in favour of music, and ends up little more than a prolonged medley of George M. Cohan hits. Audio quality is a bit rough, but we're lucky this treasured relic still exists at all.Special Feature: Screen Selection from the film: ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’ provides a listing of twenty songs performed during the film, to which the viewer can jump directly to and they consist of: Medley [Yankee Doodle/Yankee Doodle Boy/Mary’s a Grand Old Name]; The Dancing Master; Peck’s Bad Boy [The Dancing Master]; I Was Born in Virginia; The Warmest Baby in the Bunch; Harrigan and Yankee Doodle Boy [Little Johnny Jones #1].Finally, George M. Cohan was an American institution, and though 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' takes great liberties with his life story, Michael Curtiz's rousing and if formulaic biopic salutes the man and his music with plenty of warmth, reverence, and patriotic fervour. James Cagney's OSCAR® winning portrayal, distinguished by his distinctive, vigorous dancing, anchors the film and cracks its corny veneer, while more than a dozen of George M. Cohan's most recognizable tunes comprise the truly American soundtrack. Though slim on plot, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' coasts along on the strength of its music, performances, and production values, winning us over with its irrepressible charm. Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation honours this OSCAR® winning film with a brilliant video transfer that improves upon the previous inferior NTSC DVD, but with this Blu-ray you get a high-quality mono audio, and a cavalcade of absorbing supplements. Though it never rivals the musicals made across town by M-G-M, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' remains a prime example of old-fashioned, rock-'em-sock-'em entertainment and its undeniable patriotism makes it deserving of an annual spin on 4th July. Very Highly Recommended!Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film FanLe Cinema ParadisoWARE, United Kingdom

hooray been searching for this dvd for a while brings back childhood memories. James Cagney at his best rumour has it (from my parents that Cohen requested Cagney for this role. DVD exactly as described and unlike a previous review if when playing for the first time people go to 'idiomas' select ingles then scroll down which is the part for subtitles easy says 'Subtitulos' then click on 'sin subtitulos' once this has been done it should be fine every time you play it and go straight to english version without any subtitles. Even if people do not really like musicals I am sure that they will enjoy this classic masterpiece. And in response to cover being in the Spanish language it does state very clearly that this is a Spanish import, Again delighted with the speed that the dvd delivered and will watch it again and again film for all the family.

Once again the Amazon description is incorrect, this American Blu-ray plays on UK Region B players without any problems, two of my film friends also have an imported copy and their discs play on Region B players..The two disc DVD was very good, however the film has been further restored and for a seventy year old film looks superb, also the extras have had restoration attention and the two Vintage WB cartoons look pristine. This is one of the great feel good musicals of the 1940's and if you like the film the upgrade is well worth it.

To the modern generation, most know little more about Jimmy Cagney than he played gangsters in old movies. This is a great shame as many of his films are masterpieces and when people talk about 'stars' and 'celebrity' Cagney is in a league of his own. Forget Titanic, Forest Gump and so on, this is a real masterpiece!Even if you have never seen one of his gangster films, see this. His energy and delivery are breathtaking, andhis tap dancing and singing, shows what a marvellous all round entertainer he was. Never was an oscar more richly deserved than for this tour de force performance.The film is worth buying for two scenes alone:The main number when Cagney hoofs and dances up the wall and the final scen when he dances down the staircase at the Whitehouse. How did he do that? He tap dances down to perfect rhytyhm without even looking at the stairs! I beg you! Buy this film!!