23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definitive biography, January 9, 2000
While it is true that McCabe is in love with his subject, there is little NOT to be in love with about James Cagney.
This is the definitive biography about Cagney, and one appreciates that it is not a kiss and tell all. Cagney would not allow such self-indulgent blather from himself, much less a biographer.
Cagney guarded his privacy -- he was a man's man not given to driveling displays, tell all accounts, trashing others, or sob stories. I am so tired of the American pastime of crying about our horrible childhoods and blaming our troubled psyches on others. Cagney might weep about the beauty of horse races or sentimental Irish storytelling, but he certainly wasn't going to keen over himself.
This book shows a no-nonsense man who looked his impoverished childhood square in the eye and appreciated it for the strength and character he derived. There's nothing to feel sorry for, only an example to emulate. Which as I did as a child, when I first read the 1970s autobiography (ghostwritten by McCabe) "Cagney by Cagney."
Cagney could have ended up in Sing Sing like many of his childhood pals. He struggled on the streets of Hell's Kitchen and adored an irresponsible, incurable alcoholic of a father. Jim was the rearguard tough in a street gang, but held himself above it. He battled with his talented fists, and studying the footwork of boxers kept him relatively free of injury while contributing to the quickness and grace he gained later as a dancer.
It was his tough, yet loving Ma who saved the brace of Cagneys, four Irish sons and a daughter, from the streets. She emphasized education and a profession. Two of the Cagney sons became doctors, one a businessman, and the daughter an actress. Then there is the incomparable Jim.
This book is a solid read on the life and perspectives of this incredible man -- a fast-talking, fleet-footed, quick-fisted sprite with the heart of a giant, and the sense, discipline and hard-working ethic of an immigrant family sage. People took care of themselves back then and didn't look for handouts or people to blame.
Cagney, "a faraway fella," as pal and fellow actor Pat O'Brien described, didn't fall into the Hollywood crowd or gain the unbearable pretensions of celebrity. He was modest and grounded at all times.
It's an inspirational book that shows that success can go hand in hand with a stable life. He found peace in his farm and wild things. He kept his life free from bad publicity and controversy. He truly believed that the lowliest laborer behind the camera was as important as he. Everyone who successfully puts food on the table and does his best everyday is a success. Such was Cagney's grasp on life.
He was a true hero in every sense of the word -- not for being a Hollywood star -- but for being an extremely decent man. Quote upon quote by notable performers and writers describe Cagney as the finest man they ever knew.
This book, delightfully written by McCabe, goes a long way to showing how people ought to conduct themselves.
McCabe should be, as Cagney would say, given the palm.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Honest Look At A Remarkable Life, October 28, 1998
This review is from: Cagney (Hardcover)
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.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The BEST Cagney Bio ever!, January 4, 2000
This review is from: Cagney (Hardcover)
This book covers every detail of James Cagney's life so articulately that, by the time you've finished the book, you'll feel that you've made a new friend. It chronicles Cagney's almost impossibly steep upward climb out of the slums of New York to the success he ultimately became in a way that is truly inspiring to those of us who find ourselves stuck in an ignominious place in life working toward a dream. The book makes the reader realize that "It can happen to you," is more than just a catch phrase, if you are willing to work hard and never lose sight of what's important. James Cagney was truly one of the good ones to come out of the phoney, plastic Hollywood scene. He never let it corrupt him, was a loyal husband, family man, and friend. You'll read this book again and again, whenever you need a restorative shot of faith in humanity.
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