Dazzling the Screen James Cagney

American actor James Francis Cagney Jr. was also known for his singing and dancing. On stage and in film, he was known for his consistently energetic performances, distinctive vocal style, and deadpan comic timing. He won acclaim and major awards for a wide variety of performances. He also made numerous USO troop tours before and during WWII and served as president of the Screen Actors Guild for two years. He passed on in 1986 at the age of 86.

Director Michael Curtiz directed the 1938 American crime drama “Angels with Dirty Faces." The film starred James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, The Dead End Kids, Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, and George Bancroft. It is based on the story of Rowland Brown

The storyline revolves around the relationship of the notorious gangster William "Rocky" Sullivan (James Cagney) with his childhood friend and now-priest Father Jerry Connolly (Pat O’Brien). After spending three years in prison for armed robbery, Rocky intends to collect $100,000 from his co-conspirator Jim Frazier (Humphrey Bogart), a mob lawyer. All the while, Father Connolly tries to prevent a group of youths from falling under Rocky's influence.

Director Anatole Litvak directed the 1940 American epic drama “City for Conquest." The film is based on the 1936 novel of the same name by Aben Kandel. It starred James Cagney, Ann Sheridan, and Arthur Kenned with a supporting cast.

The storyline revolves around Danny Kenny (James Cagney), an up-and-coming boxer whose personal life takes a toll after his professional career begins to rise.

Director Charles Vidor directed the 1955 American romantic musical drama “Love Me or Leave Me." The film stars Doris Day, James Cagney, and Cameron Mitchell. This is a biopic.

The storyline revolves around the life of Ruth Etting (Doris Day), a singer who rose from dancer to movie star. James Cagney portrays Martin Snyder, Etting’s benefactor, who becomes increasingly possessive as her star rises.

Director Joseph Pevney directed the 1957 American dark dramatic film “Man of a Thousand Faces." The film details the life of silent film actor Lon Chaney with James Cagney in the starring role. The film also stars Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer, and Jim Backus.

The biopic chronicles Chaney's life and career, focusing on his troubled relationship with the mentally unstable Cleva, played by Dorothy Malone.

Director William A. Wellman directed the 1931 American pre-code gangster film “The Public Enemy." The film starred James Cagney, Jean Harlow, Edward Woods, Donald Cook, and Joan Blondell.

The storyline revolves around the murderous and ravaging Tom Powers (James Cagney), a young man who climbs the ranks of the ruthless criminal underworld of Prohibition-Era Chicago.

Director Milos Forman directed the 1981 American historical drama "Ragtime." It was based on the 1975 novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. The film starred James Cagney, Mary Steenburgen, Howard Rollins, Brad Dount, James Olson, and Elizabeth McGovern. It featured both Cagney’s and Pat O’Brien’s final film appearances.

The storyline is set in and around New York City at the start of the 20th century, mainly in New Rochelle and in New Jersey, Atlantic City. It includes fictionalized references to actual people and events of that time.

Director Roy Del Ruth directed the 1932 American pre-Code film "Taxi!" The film starred James Cagney and Loretta Young. It includes the famous and often misquoted line with Cagney speaking to his brother’s killer through a locked closet door: “Come out and take it, you dirty yellow-bellied rat, or I’ll give it to you through the door!” This line has often been misquoted as "You dirty rat, you killed my brother."

The storyline revolves around scrappy cab driver Matt Nolan (James Cagney), who falls for another cabbie’s daughter, young waitress Sue Riley Nolan (Loretta Young).

Director Michael Curtiz directed the 1942 American biographical musical drama “Yankee Doodle Dandy." The film is about the American entertainer, composer, and playwright George M. Cohan, known as “The Man Who Owned Broadway." The film starred James Cagney, Joan Leslie, Walter Huston, and Richard Whorf and a supporting cast. James Cagney won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as George M. Cohan in the film. This achievement marked his only Oscar win throughout his career.