| re: How does George M compare to the film Yankee Doodle Dandy? | |
| Posted by: NewtonUK 11:27 am EST 02/12/18 | |
| In reply to: re: How does George M compare to the film Yankee Doodle Dandy? - BroadwayTonyJ 11:12 am EST 02/12/18 | |
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| For me YDD is much more accurate about Cohans Broadway life etc than George M (which I also loved). The film conflates Cohan's two wives Ethel and Agnes into one, and plays fast and loose with chronology. But its depictions of his vaudeville days and Broadway shows are spot on. And if you have seen THE PHANTOM PRESIDENT, you will know that Cagney was pitch perfect in his portrayal of Cohan's dancing style, including the steps off the proscenium arch. The films portrayal of Sam Harris is pretty terrific as well. Cagney was predisposed to hate Cohan because Cohan sided with the producers during the Equity strike in 1919. Equity gave Cohan, 'The Man Who Owned Broadway' a dispensation - while everyone else on stage on Broadway now had to sign Equity contracts, Cohan was exempt. He never signed one, though he kept working for decades. But then Cagney was called before HUAC, and accused of being a Communist. Although he was cleared, his name had been tarnished. His brother, producer William Cagney, thought they needed to do something patriotic to help his image with the public - what better than playing Cohan! So Cagney relented, made a great film, and won an Oscar. |
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| Previous: | re: How does George M compare to the film Yankee Doodle Dandy? - BroadwayTonyJ 11:12 am EST 02/12/18 |
| Next: | re: How does George M compare to the film Yankee Doodle Dandy? - showtunetrivia 08:09 pm EST 02/12/18 |
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