Yankee Doodle Dandee (1942) and Meeting Joan Leslie

I saw this (again) today with my friend Mike on the big screen at the Eygptian Theater in LA. Joan Leslie was there in person doing a Q and A. (She signed a photo for me) This is a movie fondly remembered by the critics who were polled by AFI (it made the AFI "Top 100" poll in 1998 and 2008). James Cagney is energetic as vaudevillian George M. Cohen, who went on to write numerous broadway productions and penned some classic American songs, such as "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Over There". The movie highlights the entertainer's milestones and accomplishments. Filled with musical performances and show tunes taken directly from the shows he appeared in. This movie really keeps the legacy of George M. Cohen alive. Co-starring Walter Huston and Frances Langford.

Unfortunately, there is a scene in the beginning with the "The Four Cohans" that feature them all in blackface, which is really troubling. As is known, minstrel shows were very popular in that time period. Every time I watch this movie I try to see past this and appreciate the legacy of Cohan's music. Also offensive are the lines in the lyrics to "Baby in the Bunch", a tune sung by Joan Leslie very fast paced.

THE WARMEST BABY IN THE BUNCH by George M. Cohan (1897)

[Verse 1]

You're well acquainted with the Highborn lady,
You might have heard of Hot Tamale Sal,
But there's a wench that makes them all look shady,
You've got to take your hat off to dis gal,
You'll all be dazzled when you see dis member,
You'll think that you've been drinking nigger punch,
The steam comes from her shoes in cold December,
For she's the warmest baby in the bunch.

 [Chorus - only this part is sung in the movie]

When they see her coming, all dem wenches take a chill,
Diamonds glist'nin' all around and style enough to kill,
Her steady feller broke a crap game, Down in Louisville,
And buys her chicken ev'ry day for lunch.
"Come Seben!" Dreamy eyes that sparkle
and she rolls them mighty cute,
Colored gemmen say that lady cert'ny is a "beaut,"
"Go broke," dat she's a hot potater She's a red hot radiator,
She's the warmest baby in the bunch

 [Verse 2]

The coons they all acknowledge she's a wizard,
You'll cremate if around this gal you fool,
Last January when we had a blizzard,
She had to fan herself to take it cool,
The pol'cy shops are broken by this hummer,
She's luckier than a nigger with a hunch,
She leads a life of everlasting summer,
For she's the warmest baby in the bunch.

Read Sally Tonks' review from her blog Flying Down to Hollywood.
Read Monty's review from his blog 31 Days of Oscar.