James Cagney shines in ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’

Though he made his name as the ultimate tough guy in a series of gangster flicks at Warner Bros., James Cagney began his career as a hoofer and comedian in vaudeville. He got a chance to return to his song-and-dance roots in 1942’s “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” which airs Monday at 5 p.m. on TCM. The role of famed composer, singer, dancer and actor George M. Cohan fit the bantam-sized, energetic Cagney like a glove, especially in the rousing musical numbers “Give My Regards to Broadway.” Cagney won his only lead actor Oscar for his larger-than-life performance. The real Cohan saw a private screening before his death from cancer in 1942 at the age of 64.