Cagney

Rating:
Summary: An indepth and insightful look at a marvelous man
Review: Beautifully written and very honest. A wonderful look at at studio era that has long past. Mr. Cagney comes across as sincere and forthright with a large dash of humour. The book covers his entire life and his death, which I must say brought tears to my eyes. This is a good companion book to "Cagney by Cagney"

Rating:
Summary: liked it and now want to see many of cagney's movies again
Review: cagney had always been one of my favorite actors, but i knew very little about him . . . this well-written biography will make you feel that you know cagney well . . . as a result, i would have liked to have met him . . . but that not being possible, i will catch his movies again when they're on tv.

Rating:
Summary: A kickass Book! ya undastand?
Review: I absolutly enjoyed this book till the very end,couldn't put it down. James Cagney will always be my number one favorite actor. This book "Cagney" has brought me a whole lot closer to him,and sooo many things I never knew about him. I never read a better biography! *tee-hee*

Rating:
Summary: A kickass Book! ya undastand?
Review: I absolutly enjoyed this book till the very end,couldn't put it down. James Cagney will always be my number one favorite actor. This book "Cagney" has brought me a whole lot closer to him,and sooo many things I never knew about him. I never read a better biography! *tee-hee*

Rating:
Summary: Jimmy, say it ain't so!
Review: I have loved Cagney for years, and would have prefered not to know all the bubble bursting details brought out in this story. His early years, telling of his family of origin and bowery boy childhood was fascinating. I should have stopped reading there. When he marries the strong willed Billie early on, he is not the powerhouse man of his movies. She becomes an obstacle between his family and their adoptive children. If this is not disappointing enough, you will also plow through excessive analysis of every character Cagney ever played. I've seen most of those movies, haven't you? Having to imply deeper content to pure entertainment is a bore. If you love the magic of Cagney's film charisma, skip this read. Your Jimmy will be gone.

Rating:
Summary: Jimmy, say it ain't so!
Review: I have loved Cagney for years, and would have prefered not to know all the bubble bursting details brought out in this story. His early years, telling of his family of origin and bowery boy childhood was fascinating. I should have stopped reading there. When he marries the strong willed Billie early on, he is not the powerhouse man of his movies. She becomes an obstacle between his family and their adoptive children. If this is not disappointing enough, you will also plow through excessive analysis of every character Cagney ever played. I've seen most of those movies, haven't you? Having to imply deeper content to pure entertainment is a bore. If you love the magic of Cagney's film charisma, skip this read. Your Jimmy will be gone.

Rating:
Summary: An Honest Look At A Remarkable Life
Review: I love John McCabe's definitive bio of Goerge M. Cohan, and admired the fine job he did ghosting James Cagney's delightful autobiography, so I had high expectations for this book. I was not disappointed. McCabe knows how to put readers in touch with another time and place, which makes his subjects come alive on the page. He also knows how to deal sensitively yet frankly with the real person that lives and breathes behind the facade of public celebrity. Cohan was a complicated character, but McCabe made his eccentricities understandable. What he did for Cohan, he does here for Cagney. The reader gets a real sense of what formed this one-of-a-kind personality, and a deepened respect for a legendary talent. Some have complained because this book covers some of Cagney's negative qualities, de-mythologizing a great star, but I think that's taking it the wrong way. Seeing Cagney honestly makes his real accomplishments that much more impressive. He was no plaster saint, but a flesh and blood man with flaws and foibles -- thats why his success was so amazing. A street kid from the East Side slums, he had more integrity and genuine class than many a blueblood -- that's why he was so admired by those who worked with him, and why so many still respond to his performances. McCabe's genuine affection for Cagney is evident, but it does not prevent the author from writing candidly. There is no scandal mongering here -- just an honest yet sympathetic look at a unique man. Its beautifully written and has some great photos -- many of which are rare. If you are interested in Cagney and looking for a great read, grab this one.

Rating:
Summary: An Honest Look At A Remarkable Life
Review: I love John McCabe's definitive bio of Goerge M. Cohan, and admired the fine job he did ghosting James Cagney's delightful autobiography, so I had high expectations for this book. I was not disappointed. McCabe knows how to put readers in touch with another time and place, which makes his subjects come alive on the page. He also knows how to deal sensitively yet frankly with the real person that lives and breathes behind the facade of public celebrity. Cohan was a complicated character, but McCabe made his eccentricities understandable. What he did for Cohan, he does here for Cagney. The reader gets a real sense of what formed this one-of-a-kind personality, and a deepened respect for a legendary talent. Some have complained because this book covers some of Cagney's negative qualities, de-mythologizing a great star, but I think that's taking it the wrong way. Seeing Cagney honestly makes his real accomplishments that much more impressive. He was no plaster saint, but a flesh and blood man with flaws and foibles -- thats why his success was so amazing. A street kid from the East Side slums, he had more integrity and genuine class than many a blueblood -- that's why he was so admired by those who worked with him, and why so many still respond to his performances. McCabe's genuine affection for Cagney is evident, but it does not prevent the author from writing candidly. There is no scandal mongering here -- just an honest yet sympathetic look at a unique man. Its beautifully written and has some great photos -- many of which are rare. If you are interested in Cagney and looking for a great read, grab this one.

Rating:
Summary: Depressing...........even shattering.
Review: James Cagney was always a hero of mine...I even have a website devoted to him. There were things in this book that I did not want to know about "The Legend" I thought him to be. For example, I did not want to know that he didn't know how to drive a car very well, (I thought he could do anything!) I especially did not want to be aware of the fact that he treated his kids like the family pets. From what I read, he seemed to love his horses and even cows more than them. It took me all of 3 days to read the book, but about half way through, I wasn't quite sure I wanted to continue. I was saddened at the fact that he committed adultery...I used to think he was an example for us all on that subject....regretfully not so. When John McCabe uses Cagney's own words in the book it seems as if Jim is forever misusing the 3rd commandment...I suppose because he seemed angry most of the time. The author made it sound like his subject was rather full of himself... like the world was all wrong and only Cagney himself was right, or smarter, or just MORE. The whole thing was just disheartening. Of course John does account Jims' films with accuracy and thoroughness, but you can get a filmography almost anywhere. It wasn't until the end of the book that I felt any true emotion, but it was just a sense of sadness coinciding with Jims. He was buried on my 21st birthday, I can still remember how very sad I was of his passing. I think he has done some beautiful things, but I also regret knowing some others. I have to seriously consider now whether or not to keep the website around. I wish I had never read the book..................thanks John :(

Rating:
Summary: John McCabe delivers James Cagney!!!
Review: John McCabe really brought Cagney to life for me. It was a total pleasure reading about the actor/artist. I was always a fan but John McCabe really did a great service to Cagney fans with this one.