(Michael Curtiz, US 1942, 126 min., 35mm)
At the onset of World War II, George M. Cohan (James Cagney), known as “the man who invented Broadway,” comes out of retirement to star as President Roosevelt in the Rodgers and Hart musical, I’d Rather Be Right. On the first night, he is summoned to meet the president at the White House, who presents him with a Congressional Gold Medal. Cohan is overcome and chats with Roosevelt, recalling his early days on the stage, telling his story through a series of flashbacks, including his supposed birth on July 4th. Cohan then goes into great detail, telling the story of his life, from vaudeville stage to stardom. Cagney himself was born in July as well, on July 17, 1899. Celebrate his birthday early with this rare 35mm screening!