Customer Reviews

Cagney

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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.

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.

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.

John McCabe's book on James Cagney, I feel is one of the best I have read. I have been a fan of James Cagney for 25 years and this book informed me the most!!! Even Cagney by Cagney was a great book by the actor, but of course he kept what he wanted to keep private, but did a fine job of telling of his childhood and career. McCabe digs deep into Cagney's feelings, truely informing the reader of his life and career. I read the book in one week, I couldnt put it down!!! It is a great book to my collection. Although the book was informative and interesting, I was saddened to find out about Cagney's adultry and how he allowed his wife to control so much of his life, such as with his own siblings and his own children. Cagney was so close to his own family, his mother being so dear to him, that I was surprised to read how he treated his own children. Although, McCabe does inform the reader, that people close to the Cagney's said Jim was closer to the children then his wife Bill. Reading about this saddened me, but also realizing Mr. Cagney was not perfect, but I always thought of him as a person in hollywood who kept his life clean from all the garbage that goes on in that type of business. I must say the adultry was a real shocker, in fact I read that page 3 times!!!! lol Because I could not believe this about the man I so much respected.Even Cagney's belief in Socialism was a shock, but was glad to here he became a repulican toward the end of his life. You couldnt say, he didnt experience all parties!!!! With all the books on Cagney, this is truely a honest, compassionate, respectful book of Cagney by John McCabe. Toward the end of the book, reading of how Mr. Cagney died was an emotional one for me, bringing tears to my eyes. Thinking back on how sad I was on that day.This is a must read book for all Cagney fans, but must warn, the content of this book might surprise and saddened you. Although all that I know on Mr. Cagney, good and bad, he will always be my favorite!!!! :-)

Seen the Movies? Read this book!

A great bio of one of Filmdom's Gods.

You will learn alot about the man as actor, and human being, and about Hollywood in the Golden Age here.

Like many Leading Men of the Golden Age there was a lot of There THERE in that pretty little head of his, in the performance of his craft, and in his personal life, and we are fortunate to have had him performing on screen into is old age.

Fantastic!

this autobiography by the ghostwriter of Cagney by Cagny is a fine, loving and detailed portrait of an artist with humility, integrity and boundless talent. One of the finest autobiographies I've read. Cagney the man is so much more interesting then Cagney the actor and Cagney the actor was one hell of a talented soul. The writer makes us understand Jim Cagney so well and develop so much empathy for the man that it's like he's sitting across from you and telling his own life story.

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"

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.

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.

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*