Whenever I see Cagney in a film like this I'm reminded of just how versatile an actor he was. He could do it all - act, sing and dance, and with virtually limitless energy as demonstrated by that high kicking, spirited number he performed in this film. It goes without saying he's one of my favorite actors, and one of the few I've tried to catch in every picture he ever made.
It was by this time in his career that Cagney was feeling pretty good about himself and confident as a performer. I got a kick out of his character Terry Rooney (by way of Thaddeus McGillicuddy) offering a challenge to Clark Gable in a profile contest. It was at that point that Terry found out he was about to head out to Hollywood to make the jump from band leader and hoofer to the big screen. Upon arrival, great pains were taken to point out that his hair, clothes and diction were all wrong for the big time, but the brash newcomer decided he was going to do things his way. Which included getting married to girlfriend Rita Wyatt (Evelyn Daw), much to the consternation of Galor Studio boss Regan (Gene Lockhart) and talent agent Hank Meyers (William Frawley). It's all kept under wraps for a while, until the movie rags link Terry with a co-star from his next movie.
Back in the Thirties I guess a celebrity could still get away with some degree of anonymity by taking a honeymoon cruise before hitting the big time. By the time the 'McGillicuddy's' make it back home, Terry will have to fend off rumors of an engagement to another woman. Well, there's something that hasn't changed with the passage of time. That Hollywood merry-go-round keeps getting a constant workout.
It was by this time in his career that Cagney was feeling pretty good about himself and confident as a performer. I got a kick out of his character Terry Rooney (by way of Thaddeus McGillicuddy) offering a challenge to Clark Gable in a profile contest. It was at that point that Terry found out he was about to head out to Hollywood to make the jump from band leader and hoofer to the big screen. Upon arrival, great pains were taken to point out that his hair, clothes and diction were all wrong for the big time, but the brash newcomer decided he was going to do things his way. Which included getting married to girlfriend Rita Wyatt (Evelyn Daw), much to the consternation of Galor Studio boss Regan (Gene Lockhart) and talent agent Hank Meyers (William Frawley). It's all kept under wraps for a while, until the movie rags link Terry with a co-star from his next movie.
Back in the Thirties I guess a celebrity could still get away with some degree of anonymity by taking a honeymoon cruise before hitting the big time. By the time the 'McGillicuddy's' make it back home, Terry will have to fend off rumors of an engagement to another woman. Well, there's something that hasn't changed with the passage of time. That Hollywood merry-go-round keeps getting a constant workout.