Evening star., 1942-09-12

ing and dancing, and counting bows.
until E. F. Albee brought them to the
big time. Slowly the beloved clan
began to realize that the spark of
genius reposed in George M. and
gradually the other lives basked in
his reflected glory.
Romances Are Revived.
The romances that came with
success have been ingeniously and
beautifully woven into the script for
genuine heart throbs. Nor has the
relieving touch of humor been for
gotten. There is fun aplenty in
Cohan's efforts to sell his first play,
more in the manner in which it
spoofs theatrical managers who
were blind to talent in the bud.
Fay Templeton's acquisition for
Forty Five Minutes From Broad
way" reveals the perception of the
producer and the nimble mind of the
composer in capturing the lyrical
ideas.
All of this would be just another
period musical, fragrant with songs
cherished in the memory books,
without the polish and persuasion
provided by an exceptional cast.
That James Cagney made no con-
scious effort to provide carbon
copy of the Yankee Doodle Boy by
a letter-perfect imitation is some
thing that lends his characterize
ton conviction.
Cagney immersed himself in the
stiff Legged walk of his hero, man.
ages to frolic in dance with the
lively abandon and energetic zeal
of the original, kicking his heels
and strutting in Cohans gayest
happy-am-I mood. This is grade A
acting all the way.
An Excellent Cast.
AS Cagney's is a full dimensioned
character OF subtance, SO also are
the impersonations of Walter Hus-
ton as the venerable Jere, Jeanne
Cagney as the lovable Josephine,
Rosemary De Camp as the matron
of the family and Joan Leslie as
Cohan's wife and the inspiration for
Mary" Yankee Doodle Dandy"
is full Of theatrical lore and recog-
nizable characters of Broadway,
ably reincarnated by the fine acting
Of Irene Manning as Fay Temple
ton, Eddie Foy as done by his son,
Sam Harris as played by Richard
Whorf, A. L. Erlanger by George
Barber and Minor Watson as E. r.
Albee by Minor Watson. The voice
Of President Roosevelt is admirably
simulated by Capt. Jack Young.
Frances Langford gives rousing
rendition Of over There" and other
songs OF fond recollection heard
are: 'Forty-Five Minutes From
Broadway" Give My Regards to
Broadway" "Harrigan," so Long
Mary" plus budget from the later
Cohan musicals.
To paraphrase George M. Cohan's
favorite curtain speech, MY mother
thanks you, my father thanks you,
my sister thanks you and / thank
you," let 1t read: ''Today's movie
goers thank you, and James Cagney
for 1875 minutes of the finest musical
entertainment that has ever issued
from Hollywood"
Supplementary Program.
On the supplementary program is
a screen Interpretation Of President
Roosevelt's anti-infiation speech, in
geniously broken up and inter-
polated to give force to his argu-
ments for news reel audiences.
On the stage is a. minutes
elaborately trimmed with colorfu
production. The Arnaut Bros. In
their familiar love birds whistline
routp1es, are followed by Mario anc
Floria In graceful adagio dancing
The Roxyettes present three color.
full numbers, sustained by the lovely
voice Of Joyce Romero in back.
ground music that included M
Devotion" and You're Always IL
My Heart" A tip-top program IL
every respect.