TCM airs Yankee Doodle Dandy on July 4

moviesJul 4, 202624195

Turner Classic Movies screened Michael Curtiz’s 1942 biopic Yankee Doodle Dandy starring James Cagney and Walter Huston as part of its July 4 holiday programming. James Cagney won an Academy Award for his portrayal of composer-showman George M. Cohan. Posters and viewers noted the film’s patriotic songs including Cagney’s performance of “The Yankee Doodle Boy” and praised Cagney’s stage movement and the father-son casting of Huston and Cagney. Several posts described the airing as an annual TCM tradition and encouraged a communal viewing, with at least one group citing a noon showing as part of a watch-party. Commenters also referenced the film’s historical context, saying Cagney accepted the role amid accusations of being a communist and that the film sanitizes Cohan’s flaws.

Shooti

@bambooshooti.bsky.social

Hollywood sanitized these flaws in the Cohan biopic Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), starring James Cagney. Cagney, a staunch union liberal and early Screen Actors Guild president, took the role as patriotic cover amid accusations of being a communist. He won an Academy Award for his performance. /end

James Cagney (center right) in the George M Cohan biopic Yankee Doodle Dandy. The making of Yankee Doodle Dandy is a story in and of itself. It’s worth reading about Cagney’s brilliant ad libs and improvisation, the on-set script rewrites, and the revisionist history used to protect Cagney’s union reputation and create a feel-good wartime morale booster.

27Yesterday

Christine Langhoff10

Cagney must have been a helluva actor to swallow the bile needed to portray Cohan.

Ken Goodman - PNW4

I didn't know that about Cagney. Thanks! (The rest about Cohan is good, too, of course. 💙)

Ponsonby Britt1

I remember reading an interview where Groucho talked about Cohan abusing his wife too. Real staunch guy.

Kevin Daly

@kevinddaly.bsky.social

Since The Music Man is on, here are two fun pics: On the left, Barbara Cook, the Tony-winning original Marian, is in hair and makeup for her screen test. On the right, Jane Powell is having a one-on-one during hers. #TCMParty

Barbara Cook prepares for a screen test in front of a mirror.

243h ago

Alan Hait 🏳️‍🌈🏝️🍞✡️

@alanhait.bsky.social

BTW it’s a real joy to see Pert Kelton dancing on Joe McCarthy’s grave here #TheMusicMan #TCMParty

103h ago

Gregory Maupin

@gjmaupin.bsky.social

I don't know. I think the book is better. #TheMusicMan #TCMParty

95h ago

JackHokie

@jackhokie.bsky.social

Ok, watching "Yankee Doodle Dandy" on TCM today convinced me that whatever they may say, MAGA and Republicans are definitely not the brave as mentioned in our national anthem. Rather they are scared puppies who cower in the face of someone determined to destroy this country for his own gain!

75h ago

meh

@mharvey816.bsky.social

I'll never fail to be wowed by #TheMusicMan in full glorious Cinemascope. You kids out there don't know how we had to suffer with faded pan and scan broadcasts for decades after its initial theatrical release. #TCMParty

115h ago

Joel Williams

@joelrwilliams1.bsky.social

it's a TCM annual tradition...airing #YankeeDoodleDandy on July 4th #TCMParty

126h ago

Cinefeast33 📽📺📚

@cinefeast33.bsky.social

#NowWatching YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942). Director: Michael Curtiz. James Cagney, Walter Huston. 🎶Born on the 4th of July🎶 Cagney won an Oscar as composer/showman George M. Cohan in this tune-filled piece of Americana. Rewatch. #filmsky 📽

86h ago

Van Stanwyck

@vanstanwyck.bsky.social

Right now an ice cold sarsaparilla would really hit the spot. #YankeeDoodleDandy #TCMParty

66h ago

Gina Dalfonzo

@ginadalfonzo.bsky.social

Someday I must sit down and watch #YankeeDoodleDandy right through from beginning to end. I don't know why I never have -- I love Cagney. #TCMParty

86h ago

Joanne ⁷ 💜 ⊙⊝⊜2

It’s terrific, and so is he. Have watched it many times since my mom introduced me to it as a kid. I met Joan Leslie when her daughters were high school classmates.