This wonderful documentary written by Bob Waldman, was presented recently on TCM. This biographical work is a magnificent way to be introduced to a man who was one of the most popular American actors of his generation.
James Cagney's life and work are examined for us by Mr. Waldman and the team behind this production. We get to know a bit more about the man, his personality, and his legacy. Mr. Cagney reigned supreme in the gangster movies of the 1930s, in which he projected a larger than life figure because of his charisma. The camera obviously loved this man, who was so versatile he could do anything, as proved by his many movies.
The choice of material by way of film clips give us an impression of the range of this actor. There are some Hollywood personalities that worked with James Cagney who tell different anecdotes of what Mr. Cagney was really like. Thus, the accounts given by Mae Clarke, Jack Lemmon, Virginia Mayo and Pat O'Brien illuminate on the character of the man.
The narration by Michael J. Fox serves the documentary well. "James Cagney, Top of the World" is required viewing for film fans that really appreciate movies.
James Cagney's life and work are examined for us by Mr. Waldman and the team behind this production. We get to know a bit more about the man, his personality, and his legacy. Mr. Cagney reigned supreme in the gangster movies of the 1930s, in which he projected a larger than life figure because of his charisma. The camera obviously loved this man, who was so versatile he could do anything, as proved by his many movies.
The choice of material by way of film clips give us an impression of the range of this actor. There are some Hollywood personalities that worked with James Cagney who tell different anecdotes of what Mr. Cagney was really like. Thus, the accounts given by Mae Clarke, Jack Lemmon, Virginia Mayo and Pat O'Brien illuminate on the character of the man.
The narration by Michael J. Fox serves the documentary well. "James Cagney, Top of the World" is required viewing for film fans that really appreciate movies.