56 Classic James Cagney Films

Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connelly's friendship is tested as they grow up in a poor neighborhood and choose very different paths. Rocky becomes a powerful gangster, while Jerry becomes a priest, dedicating himself to helping the people in their old…

A confident young man enlists in the Navy for personal gain, but discovers love and earns recognition for bravery on two separate occasions.

A former convict becomes the sheriff of a remote frontier town and teams up with a young, determined partner as his deputy. They work to maintain law and order in a tough community where trust is scarce and danger is…

A boxer and his policeman brother are locked in a bitter rivalry for the affections of a police captain's daughter.

This biographical film explores the life and career of George M. Cohan, a highly influential figure in American theatre. He made major contributions to music, writing, acting, dancing, and singing. The movie closely follows key moments that shaped Cohan's journey,…

The film reveals how young women are selected to be chorus line dancers in classic movie musicals. It then features several musical numbers from popular 1930s musicals, including "Don't Say Goodnight" from *Wonder Bar* (1934), "Lullaby of Broadway" from *Gold…

This film chronicles five weeks in the life of Vice Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey, Jr. It follows him from taking command of U.S. Naval operations in the South Pacific, leading up to the Allied victory at Guadalcanal. The story…

A meat inspector takes on the challenge of cleaning up corruption in his town, where dishonest deals are compromising the safety of the meat being sold to people.

A charming traveling salesman from the Louisiana bayous discovers a passion for politics. Could he be destined to become a master of manipulation?

Set in 1920s Chicago, this crime drama follows Tom Powers and Matt Doyle as they rise through the city's criminal ranks, starting with petty theft and bootlegging. Their growing wealth and reputation draw the attention of both rival gangs and…

Bob Sharkey, a seasoned instructor at the Allied Office of Strategic Services, becomes suspicious of a new trainee, Bill O'Connell, who seems unusually capable. Sharkey’s fears are confirmed by his superior, Charles Gibson: O'Connell is a high-ranking German agent. Instead…

Inspired by Winston Churchill's famous Dunkirk speech, impulsive and undisciplined Canadian bush pilot Brian MacLean and his three friends join the Royal Canadian Air Force.

A journalist with a drinking problem, Lew Marsh, faces a devastating downfall: he loses his job and hits rock bottom. He finds a path to recovery with the help of Charley Dolan. After six years of sobriety, Lew regains his…

A group of teenage gang members are incarcerated at the State Reformatory, where the cold and uncaring Thompson is in charge. The arrival of Patsy Gargan, a former gangster now appointed Deputy Commissioner, shakes things up as he attempts to…

A driven public relations professional champions a string of trendy products.

A confident con man and his alluring sidekick pull off a series of elaborate scams, using their charm to trick people into giving up their money. The film examines trust, loyalty, and morality as their lies begin to fall apart.…

To settle a land dispute with Native Americans, McCord and his gang steal the money intended for them. The infamous outlaw known as "The Oklahoma Kid," Jim Kincaid, then robs McCord of the stolen funds. In a deal with the…

Captain Flagg and Sergeant Quirt are already rivals, and their conflict intensifies when Quirt is assigned as Flagg's top sergeant. Their rivalry escalates further when a local woman enters the picture. But when they both realize she intends to marry,…

Jeremy Rodock, a hardened horse rancher, swiftly deals with any perceived rustlers. Newly arrived from Pennsylvania, Steve Miller struggles to adapt to Rodock's methods but is drawn to Rodock's Greek girlfriend, Jocasta.

A former convict leverages his sharp instincts to build a career as a photojournalist.

Legendary race car driver Joe Greer comes back to his hometown for a local race and finds his younger brother also wants to be a champion racer.

"Two Strings" tells the moving story of Danny Kenny and Peggy Nash, two young people from poor backgrounds who fall in love in New York City. As they struggle with hardship and disappointment, Peggy calls off their engagement, and they…

Joe is a regular at Nick's Pacific Street Saloon. Tom, who owes Joe a life debt, frequently visits to help with tasks. One day, Tom meets a woman named Kitty at the bar and is instantly captivated by her. At…

During the Cold War, C.R. MacNamara, a Coca-Cola executive in West Berlin, deals with the challenges of work and his personal life. When tensions between the Soviet Union and the West escalate, MacNamara is assigned to look after Scarlett, his…

Two brothers travel to the city for some gambling, but their trip takes an unexpected and significant turn.

James Cagney gets to showcase his musical talent in this modest story about a New York bandleader who clashes with a powerful Hollywood studio head.

Biff Grimes is caught in a complicated situation when he and his best friend Hugo both pursue the woman Biff loves, Virginia. This unexpected turn leads to a series of events where Biff is drawn into Hugo's risky business. He…

This intense thriller centers on a disturbed criminal whose life is shaped by a complicated relationship with his mother. After a daring prison escape, he reconnects with his former gang to pull off a major heist: stealing the payroll from…

On Christmas Eve, Ma Webster (Blanche Yurka) and her sons commit a bank robbery. Federal agents intervene, confronting them with submachine guns.

Despite his boastful behavior, which often puts him at odds with his fellow soldiers and superiors, Jerry Plunkett earns the unwavering belief of Father Duffy, the unit's chaplain, who is confident in his potential for eventual heroism.

A pilot in financial trouble agrees to a risky job: kidnapping the independent daughter of a wealthy oil tycoon. He takes the offer from the eccentric tycoon to pull off the daring scheme, designed to stop her from marrying a…

This stark drama follows three friends in post-World War I America as their lives diverge amidst crime, business, and complicated relationships. Lloyd Hart, a former lawyer, becomes entangled in illegal activities while defending his childhood friend Eddie Bartlett, now a…

In Charles Lederer's 1959 musical, James Cagney plays a ruthless dockworker willing to use any underhanded methods to secure the leadership of his union.

In 1850s San Francisco, a sailor narrowly escapes being forced onto a ship. His boldness unexpectedly leads him to climb the ranks of the city's underworld, becoming a powerful figure in the notorious Barbary Coast's illicit activities.

A ruthless crime boss, weary of his life, unexpectedly hands over his empire to his trusted second-in-command. He plans a peaceful retirement in Florida with his girlfriend, but is unaware that she and his protégé are having an affair.

This drama tells the story of someone torn between their past and their new life. They escaped a life of crime to find success in Hollywood, but their old gang isn't finished with them. They keep trying to pull the…

Exhausted boxer Jim seeks recovery at a New Mexico health ranch, where he develops a relationship with Peggy and her ill son. After regaining his health, Jim prepares to return to boxing. The question remains: can their love endure the…

Truck driver Eddie Kennedy finds himself in legal trouble after a car accident involving Ann Reid that results in the dairy owner being knocked unconscious. He avoids punishment by claiming he acted in solidarity with local farmers. This sparks a…

In a city increasingly plagued by aggression and corruption, a group of independent taxi drivers rally behind the determined Matt Nolan. They're fighting to protect fair competition from a powerful and ruthless rival. As the conflict intensifies, Nolan struggles to…

Ralph Cotter, a determined criminal, escapes a rural prison seeking freedom. He becomes fixated on Sylvia, the captivating sister of an inmate who died inside. Back in the criminal world he once inhabited, Ralph navigates a dangerous underworld where corrupt…

Two Marine pilots compete for both love and distinguished service.

During World War II, Mr. Roberts is assigned to a minor cargo ship, a far cry from the front lines he desires. He's stuck with the strict Captain Morton and a repetitive daily life. The film follows Mr. Roberts as…

James "Brick" Davis is drawn into a dangerous situation when his friend is murdered by a ruthless criminal. Brick, a lawyer whose education was paid for by a mobster, has always avoided the criminal world. But burdened by guilt over…

"Lon Chaney: The Man with a Thousand Faces" explores the compelling and often difficult life of Lon Chaney, a celebrated silent film actor born in 1883. Known as "The Man of a Thousand Faces" for his remarkable ability to alter…

In a Central American plantation, a manager and his employer compete for the affections of a captivating showgirl who arrives with a traveling circus.

Dublin, 1921. The IRA clashes with the brutal British "Black & Tans." Kerry O'Shea, an Irish-American medical student, tries to avoid involvement, but rescuing a wounded friend leads to his exile and pulls him into the rebel movement. He finds…

After serving time for a false conviction, a skilled safecracker takes on a final job for his former associates. He is then forced to go on the run with the fiancée of a San Francisco fisherman, pursued by dangerous enemies.

A man attempts to locate a son he placed for adoption many years prior.

Three former war pilots, Dizzy Davis, Texas Clark, and Jake Lee, are now working as airline pilots. Dizzy gets involved with a younger pilot's girlfriend, leading to a flight swap with Texas.

In 1920s Tokyo, a young American journalist named Nick Condon uncovers a startling secret: Japan's detailed plan for global power. He publishes his findings in his newspaper, triggering a fierce reaction from the Japanese government, who then relentlessly pursue him.…

A Broadway director assists West Point cadets with their theatrical production, navigating challenges with the help of two charming women and various unforeseen problems.

A rough-around-the-edges finder of unclaimed fortunes tries to win back his former love by adopting a refined persona – complete with etiquette and tea – while she works for his rival.

In a world of political corruption, a District Attorney's career is jeopardized by an investigative journalist's relentless reporting. As the reporter exposes the D.A.'s hidden dealings, the D.A. Grows desperate to protect his reputation and future. He orchestrates a frame-up,…

A U.S. Air Force crewman tries to win over a movie star by claiming he's about to deploy to combat. When his deception is revealed, it throws everything into disarray.

Two uninspired screenwriters are tasked with crafting a story for a famous cowboy actor. Inspiration strikes when a studio waitress reveals she's pregnant, sparking the idea for a film about a cowboy and a child. The waitress’s baby unexpectedly becomes…