The Complete Films of James Cagney

Rating:
Summary: A Charming Book About A Charismatic Man
Review: This book should go back into print. It is wonderful. The book begins with a 30-page overview of Cagney's life and career. It then has a section called "Rogues Gallery" that contains many studio head shots of Cagney- this section is great. Cagney could convey so much through the look on his face. The rest of the book is a filmography: from the beginning, with Sinner's Holiday in 1930, to his final movie, which was made-for-tv in 1984 and entitled Terrible Joe Moran. Each movie has careful detailing: a cast list, crew list, synopsis, production notes, and even critic's reviews from the time the movie was released. The book has black and white pictures, and lots of them. The pictures are from the best scenes from each film, and they are crisp and clear. This book made me want to watch every Cagney film I've ever seen all over again, and catch all the ones I've missed.

Rating:
Summary: A Charming Book About A Charismatic Man
Review: This book should go back into print. It is wonderful. The book begins with a 30-page overview of Cagney's life and career. It then has a section called "Rogues Gallery" that contains many studio head shots of Cagney- this section is great. Cagney could convey so much through the look on his face. The rest of the book is a filmography: from the beginning, with Sinner's Holiday in 1930, to his final movie, which was made-for-tv in 1984 and entitled Terrible Joe Moran. Each movie has careful detailing: a cast list, crew list, synopsis, production notes, and even critic's reviews from the time the movie was released. The book has black and white pictures, and lots of them. The pictures are from the best scenes from each film, and they are crisp and clear. This book made me want to watch every Cagney film I've ever seen all over again, and catch all the ones I've missed.

Rating:
Summary: A great little book tracing the career of a great little man
Review: This marvelous book was originally published in 1972 but updated in 1989 to include Cagney's final years (he died in 1986). The first thirty pages are devotd to biographical information including pictures of Cag's life from ages 1 to 72. This is followed by a charming section entitled 'Rogues gallery' and features many of Cag's publicity stills. The rest of the book is devoted to the films and stagework featuring cast, credits, synopsis, critical analysis of the time and the author's own opinion. The book also encompases the shorter, promotional and behind the scenes films as well all the stage appearances. All of the greats are here as well as the lesser known films; from 'Sinner's Holiday' in 1930 to Cagney's final wheelchair bound appearance in the 1984 TV movie 'The Terrible Joe Moran'. This is one of many books in the Citadel film series tracing the careers of Hollywood's greats and this is a useful and concise accompaniment to the career of one such great. I look forward to reading others in the series.