12. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

There’s something pure and wonderful about Yankee Doodle Dandy. It’s just like America should be: full of music and joy! A great gangster, roughneck and tough guy in other films, James Cagney still manages to, single handedly, make this film one of the great musicals of all time. There’s something incredibly patriotic about Cagney’s portrayal of George M. Cohan and elevated an already sterling career.

The writer of such great songs as “Over There” and “It’s a Grand Old Flag,” and a star of both Vaudeville and Broadway, Cohan really is (and was) an American hero. Cagney’s performance honored Cohan as few actors could, and, provided Cohan with his only Oscar win. He more than deserved it! Cagney had to play a world class singer, dancer and actor and he did it in brilliant style.

One thing you cannot miss, if you’re a Movie Maniac like me, is Eddie Foy Jr. playing Eddie Foy Sr. from “Eddie Foy and The Seven Little Foys.” He’s great in the role, and the interplay between he and Cagney is legendary. It must be experienced to be believed. Check out the film, you will not be disappointed.