James Cagney: The Authorized Biography

by Doug Warren, James Cagney

Having preserved his privacy throughout his career and the two decades of his retirement, the gifted actor now discloses his characteristically candid views on the successes and failures of his brilliant career and the joys of his private life

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Media Tie In

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although as a Hollywood golden year movie buff I did find this interesting, as a bio it was somewhat lacking.

Jimmy Cagney made many memorable films but there were a number of decidedly ordinary gangster films during the '30s. The Author certainly liked to be complete but documenting every plotline and every cast member was not necessary. Surely only the memorable ones would be sufficient.
The bio also neglects details of Jimmy Cagney's children. 50% way through the book 'children' are mentioned in a throwaway line that it is easier to move house now that they were in school. How many, what gender, when were they born?
The final chapter answers but part of one of these questions. James Cagney gifted his son, James Jnr, one of his sailboats.
We are left wondering at James Jnr's age and any detail about the number and gender of his siblings.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love James Cagney. This book was a straightforward authorized summary of his life rather than a biography, but it was enjoyable. I suppose the problem with any biography of Cagney is that he led a good, satisfying life with one wife, a remarkable career, and enjoyable off-screen hobbies -- all of it without scandal or intrigue. Wikipedia tells me that he was estranged from his two children at the end of his life, and I suppose I am interested to find out why... but that would mean running across other biographies at used bookstores and that hasn't happened yet. Long live Jimmy Cagney -- he was an amazing man.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming look into the life of a charming man. Cagney fans, and Old Hollywood buffs in general, need to seek this one out!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with trepidation because I heard that there are inaccuracies. At first there seemed to be nothing new and that I'd read everything before. Then I learned that Billie was age 20 when she met Jim, not 16, as Warren has written. The second half of the book seemed very anecdotal so not to be considered factual, and, without analyzing page by page for inaccuracies, I can't review this book accurately.

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

He was an interesting man.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cagney is one of my favorite actors. Well written biography about him, it was interesting learning about his life.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very close look at the stars life, very good.

[K. Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming look into the life of a charming man. Cagney fans, and Old Hollywood buffs in general, need to seek this one out!