Yankee Doodle Dandy1942Yankee Doodle Dandy
1942
James Cagney sings and dances his way through the life of George M. Cohan, the vaudeville star who wrote "Over There" and "You're a Grand Old Flag." Told to a President on the eve of a new war, it is the story of a family act, a cocky young talent, and a man who loved his country out loud.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
An exuberant musical about a showman whose pride is tempered and whose love for his family and country never dims. Cagney's dancing and Cohan's songs are pure delight.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
Young George is arrogant and rude to his parents and producers for a while; the film shows his pride costing him, and he grows into a devoted son. A producer acts drunk backstage and there's period smoking, both unaddressed.
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Was young George a likeable boy? When did he start to change?
- Why do you think the Four Cohans stuck together?
- How did "Over There" make you feel?
- What would you ask George M. Cohan if you could meet him?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 8+: a drunken producer and bar drinking; smoking; a boy is jumped off-screen; no profanity.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
Yankee Doodle Dandy Blu-ray (Warner Archive Collection)
Blu-ray · October 14, 2014
Edition link coming soon.
Listing on Blu-ray.com (opens in a new tab)Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.