American Legends: The Life of James Cagney

Jimmy Cagney was a total professional and a joy to watch, whether he was dancing or slugging someone in a movie. I thoroughly enjoyed this recitation of his life. I'd read his life story years ago but this brought much of it back. We are so fortunate that someone of Cagney's skill and expertise was around to make movies when he did. So many of his movies are considered classics. I can always watch YANKEE DOODLE DANDY -- anytime and anywhere. Are you aware Cagney was 41 when he made that movie?

I just enjoy reading. I read in the Dr's office and at home I enjoy reading about celebrities and what their life was like before they were actors and their upbringing as a child. And if they have anything common with me which Mr Cagney did the love of horses.

I thought this book, altho small, had a lot of info re this great actor. i have read a few books about him and this one added a few facts i was not aware of. Also liked the pix. Would recommend this to those not familiar with this actor, song and dance man, great talent and nice guy.

"Once a song-and-dance man, always a song-and-dance man" You might think that would sum up Cagney's character but I was surprised to learn this was more in reference to his being a remarkable dancer and actually having taught it at one time, together with having been a semi-pro baseball player, amateur lightweight boxer, farmer, and of course an extraordinary actor. I was also humored to learn while reading this short biography that movie studios regularly shot at their actors with live rounds back in the days because blanks were considered too expensive (I didn't know that!)Cagney well deserves a lot of respect in my humble opinion and just want to mention how appropriate it would be to honor him at this time being it is his actual birth month. Excellent book!

I thought it would reveal more personnel information than his growing into his career. Like what kind of farming did he do. What animals did he have and what parties did he have and go to. Was his marriage solid ? What kind of paintings did he do. The book just tells his struggle of making it during hard times not much after that in his life.

This is a short introduction/summation to the life of a great and incredibly versatile American legend, James Cagney. From a wildly insane gangster, to a consummate song and dance man, and then to a wildly caffeinated Coca Cola executive, James Cagney could do it all, with style, professionalism, astounding talent, and humanity. This book is a brief but very well-written biography that makes me want to learn even more about the man -- and to re-watch some of his grand old movies. I always loved that Yankee Doodle Dandy, and this book reinforced that love.

This book is a very short version of a biography. I truly loved the information shared, but wish that it had been a much more in-depth biography of a true American Treasure. I found it fascinating to that even in his later years, he still danced every day. Amazing man!

always a big fan. I have read many times about Cagney. this held my attention but could have said more about his varied roles. calling Yankee.keep doodle dandy the only departure from gangster roles is incorrect. strawberry blonde, fighting 69th and man of a thousand faces are good examples.

Really enjoying these Charles Rivers Editors books, second finished in a row.Another biography on a great legend, great actor and dancer. More entertaining as I have not read any biographies on this actor.Little snippets of his life, his career and some comments about his great films. Reminding me of the great films he has made, my favourites Angels With Dirty Faces, White Heat, Mister Roberts, and of course Yankee Doodle Dandy.More interesting the last twenty years of his life on a ranch horse riding, sailing, painting and dancing. Heath problems with diabetes, his return to films. Great read

James Cagney was for me a big screen (legend) epitome of my own dad. Like James Cagney my dad gave the impression that he could take care of himself if he had to. Cagney has a distinct style about him that could be construed over acting by many but none the less he was very good at it. he could dance and sing as well as play tough guys and cowboys. I loved him and looked forward to seeing his new material (new to me that is) when I could. This ebook will provide a flavour of how he was within the industry of entertainment. I recommend it.

This "pamphlet" may have been factually correct in content but , quite franly, I had expected to receive a paperback book for the price paid, not the item that was delivered. OK, it may have contained the necessary details but certainly not worth the money.

it that small there more pages in a news paper.

I had not realised it was only 30 pages long so a bit dissapointed as it was a present