Jimmy Cagney giving justice the bird in 1943’s JOHNNY COME LATELY #tcm #jamescagney | The Secret History Of Hollywood / Attaboy, Clarence

The role of ruthless gangster Tom Powers propelled James Cagney to stardom in THE PUBLIC ENEMY, but it almost went to another actor. He was originally cast as the quiet Matt Doyle. Cagney's performance established him as the essence of the ruthless, hair-trigger hoodlum. | Turner Classic Movies: TCM

Remembering James Cagney FAVORITE MOMENTS James Francis Cagney Jr. July 17, 1899 – March 30, 1986) was an American actor, dancer and film director. On stage and in film, Cagney was known for his consistently energetic performances, distinctive vocal style, and deadpan comic timing. He won acclaim and major awards for a wide variety of performances. He is remembered for playing multifaceted tough guys in films such as The Public Enemy (1931), Taxi! (1932), Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), The Roar