Wednesday, January 28, 2009

James Cagney

James Cagney has always been one of my favorite actors from the early 1930's. In those fast-talking, fast-action pictures that Warner Brothers excelled at making in the "pre-code" era, he had it over just about any other male star at the studio. His roles as the street wise tough guy just bowled me over the first time I saw films like "The Public Enemy" and "Smart Money" but he could also be hilarious, as I find him in "Footlight Parade". I can't think of any films of his that I've seen that are terrible (but I must admit I haven't seen much of his post-40's work) and fortunately, TCM plays his movie often, so do yourself a favor and check out more of his films, you won't be disappointed.


Three stills from "The Public Enemy" (1931)


An early promotion photo with Cagney's wife, Frances Willard Cagney, and Joan Blondell
(hat tip to Laughing Magpie for the wife ID)


Jimmy and Joanie, again!


A couple with Mae Clarke from "Lady Killer" (1933)


With Eric Linden in "The Crowd Roars" (1932)

With Ann Dvorak in, again, "The Crowd Roars"


Getting cozy with Alice White in "Picture Snatcher" (1933)

7 comments:

Laughing Magpie said...

Those are some lovely stills of my favorite leading man! The lady dancing between Jim and Blondell appears to be Cagney's wife, Frances Willard Cagney, affectionately called "Billie", "Willie" or "My Bill" by Cagney.

Louie said...

THANKS! I had that written down somewhere, but when I went to create the post I couldn't find it.

Laughing Magpie said...

You're very welcome - I've just discovered your blog and I'm really enjoying it!

Robby Cress said...

Great choice in pictures! I especially love the one with Cagney playing guitar.

Cagney wasn't one of the classic stars that I initially was interested in. Not until I met longtime Paramount producer A.C. Lyles, who was friends with Cagney did I develope a new interest in the actor. Lyles always had very interesting stories to share about Cagney.

Nice blog.

Unknown said...

You found some great pictures! Love your blog! :)

The Old Nail said...

Cagney was one of my all time favourite actors, my father's too!
Great pic's and a great blog, thanks.

Anonymous said...

You've got some great pictures here - I'm another big fan of Cagney.:)