Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Cagney
0 comments:
Post a Comment