MovieChat Forums > Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) Discussion > One of the greatest films, greatest musi...

One of the greatest films, greatest musicals, or both??

posted 16 years ago by ClassicsCaper
2 replies | jump to latest

So I am buying some DVDs online in this big special edition sale, and I am trying to keep my budget from soaring past the allotted amount. Well I have figured out all the ones I plan to get, however, I still have room to get one more, and basically its between this and Band Wagon? Now being that this is the Dandy board, I am sure many people would say get Dandy, but my questions are these:
Is this a great musical or is this great film? Or is it possibly both?
By that I mean, it may be a great film but that doesn't mean it is a great musical and visa versa. I have heard people complain that the musical sequences are lackluster compared to say a Gene Kelly movie or West Side Story. I also have heard, though, that it truly is a really great movie. Basically, should I buy this expecting an excellent musical, or should I buy this expecting a well-made and original great film? Or, is this movie possibly both? Any opinions would be appreciated. The sale ends the 30th and I need to make up my mind! Thanks!

How could I have known that murder can sometimes smell like honeysuckle?

[–] ClassicsCaper 16 years ago

Well I ended up buying the Band Wagon instead.

How could I have known that murder can sometimes smell like honeysuckle?

[–] joeparkson 16 years ago

The Bandwagon is a great musical with two dancing legends, Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire. Can't go wrong with that one.

Yankee Doodle Dandy is Cagney's only Oscar performance and a great example of ensemble acting. If you want to great actors, watch Yankee Doodle Dandy no only for Cagney's great performance but also for the terrific performances of the minor actors. Even the ones with just a single scene or line milked their time on screen for all it was worth.

1. The stage manager who tries to bring the curtain down on a Cohan song.

2. The tenants of the boarding house around the dinner table.

3. Eddie Foy

4. Dietz and Goff (that's his department!)

5. SZ Sakall- the cute fat old man (what a scene stealer!)

6. Joan Leslie: Hard to believe she was only 18. She plays her part with the warmth and maturity of an older woman.