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James Cagney Trivia

James Cagney Trivia Quizzes

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2 James Cagney quizzes and 30 James Cagney trivia questions.
1.
  The Films of James Cagney   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
Welcome to my next insallment of "The Films of" quizzes. It will follow the same format as the others and go in chronological order. This quiz follows the films of the great James Cagney.
Average, 20 Qns, draculanut31, Aug 12 16
Average
draculanut31
2949 plays
2.
  James Cagney Movies    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
He was one of the best.
Average, 10 Qns, robert362, Aug 21 17
Average
robert362
2448 plays
trivia question Quick Question
1955. This film is based on the life of singer/actress Ruth Etting. James plays Marty Snyder, the gangster that controls her life.

From Quiz "The Films of James Cagney"





James Cagney Trivia Questions

1. 1930. Cagney's screen debut. He plays Harry Delano, a young man who commits murder and nearly gets away with it. The setting is a Coney Island amusement park.

From Quiz
The Films of James Cagney

Answer: Sinner's Holiday

Based on a play named "penny Arcade", Sinner's Holiday didn't do too well in the theater. Upon seeing the play, actor AL Jolson bought the rights for 20,000 dollars and proceeded to convince Warner Brothers to make it into a film with the stipulation that James Cagney and Joan Blodell play the roles they had on the stage. Cagney made the most of his small part, showing off both his tough and dramatic sides. And from there, a star is born.

2. In 'Yankee Doodle Dandy', who did Cagney play?

From Quiz James Cagney Movies

Answer: George M. Cohan

His favorite role.

3. 1931. This was the year for James Cagney. He made himself an overnight success portraying Tom Powers, a tough street kid who joins up with the local gangsters during the Prohibition era.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: The Public Enemy

What a film. James went from being an unknown to a superstar. In this film there is the famous "grapefruit" scene (adlibbed by Cagney) and included in the cast is Jean Harlow, the Marilyn Monroe of the 1930s. I first saw this film last year and was completely taken with Cagney's energy and charisma. He was electric as the hostile Powers, a guy that doesn't find out he travelled the wrong path until it was too late. A classic in every respect.

4. Which movie about boxing featured Cagney?

From Quiz James Cagney Movies

Answer: 'City for Conquest'

Good movie. With Arthur Kennedy. 'Soul' was John Garfield. 'Champion' was Kirk Douglas. 'Somebody' was Paul Newman. All pretty decent movies.

5. '13 Rue Madeleine' is set during what war?

From Quiz James Cagney Movies

Answer: World War II

6. 1935. Shakespeare. Cagney did just one film based on the work of William Shakesepeare, playing Bottom, the weaver.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: A Midsummer Night's Dream

This one is worth watching just to see Cagney turn into a donkey ... well, at least from the neck up. This film has quite a cast, starring Dick Powell, Olivia de Havilland, a very young Mickey Rooney, Joe E. Brown and Ian Hunter. Frank McHugh makes the most of his part, as Quince, the carpenter. If you're a fan of Cagney, this is a must-see.

7. Which sea-going story featured Cagney?

From Quiz James Cagney Movies

Answer: Mister Roberts

The captain. With Fonda and Lemmon.

8. 1935. This film features Cagney on the RIGHT side of the law. He plays Brick Davis, a lawyer who decided to become an FBI agent when his best friend is murdered trying to make an arrest on a gangster.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: G-Men

Darryl F. Zanuck, going under the pseudonym 'Gregory Rogers', was nominated for an Oscar for best screenplay for G-Men. Cagney plays the good guy just as passionately as he does the bad guy. When his friend is killed, he goes on a vendetta to get the gangsters responsible--within the law this time, though. Margaret Lindsay plays his love interest Kay McCord, and Ann Dvorak gives a great performance as Brick's friend Jean Collins.

9. 'Love Me or Leave Me' featured Cagney in a good dramatic role. Who was his co-star?

From Quiz James Cagney Movies

Answer: Doris Day

Story of Ruth Etting.

10. 1938. Back to the criminal life for James. In this film, he portrays Rocky Sullivan, a guy who just can't seem to keep his life on the straight and narrow. Speaking of straight and narrow, Rocky's best friend is priest Jerry Connelly.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: Angels with Dirty Faces

This film marked the first of several Academy award nominations (best actor) for Cagney. James is his usual energetic self with his "Whadday hear, whaddya say?" line throught the movie. Ann Sheridan really can't keep up with Cagney's fast-paced style, and it shows. Playing Jerry Connelly is Cagney's real-life pal, Pat O'Brien. Also in the film, Humphrey Bogart before he was really "Humphrey Bogart" playing Sullivan's lawyer Jim Frazier. When you watch Cagney's last scene, you'll find out why he garnered the Oscar nomination. What a scene.

11. Which movie had Cagney in the cast?

From Quiz James Cagney Movies

Answer: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Early in his career.

12. 1939. Cagney's first Western. He plays Jim Kincaid, an outlaw who is out to get Whip McCord. Nothing like a good, wacky Western.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: The Oklahoma Kid

If you want to see Jim and Humphrey Bogart duke it out, this one is for you. You can't take this movie seriously to enjoy it. Just sit back, relax and take it for what it is -- campy. Cagney made two other westerns, both in the 50's...Run For Cover and Tribute To A Badman.

13. Who co-starred with Cagney in 'White Heat'?

From Quiz James Cagney Movies

Answer: Virginia Mayo

Based on Ma Barker?

14. 1941. In this film, Cagney plays Biff Grimes, a student of denistry who is just crazy about Virgina Brush. As a matter of fact, all the guys are in love with her. Rita Hayworth plays Virginia in one of her better films to that point.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: The Strawberry Blonde

This is one of my personal favorites. It's a fun, fast paced romantic comedy that brings us Olivia de Havilland in a comedic role. There are a couple of scenes that she almost steals from Cagney. Alan Hale puts in a hilarious performance as Cagney's father and Jack Carson plays Hugo Barnstead, the guy that Biff wishes he could be like until he finds out that Hugo's money doesn't buy him happiness.

15. Which movie helped launch Cagney's career?

From Quiz James Cagney Movies

Answer: 'The Public Enemy'

'Caesar' was Edward G.Robinson. 'Dahlia' was Alan Ladd. 'Lovely' was Dick Powell.

16. 1942. George M. Cohan. Best Actor Oscar. An all-American movie.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: Yankee Doodle Dandy

Cagney is brilliant in the movie that brought him his only Oscar. Yankee Doodle Dandy is the musical biopic of vaudevillian/songwriter George M. Cohan. This film gives us another look at Cagney's tremendous dancing talent. At the age of 43, he doesn't seem to be a day over 30. The energy, charm and charisma are, as always, high. Just a great movie.

17. 1945. This film is one of several independent films that Cagney made with his brother, William, as producer. In this movie he plays Nick Condon, an American journalist in Tokyo right before the start of WWII.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: Blood On The Sun

This is a very entertaining and enjoyable movie. Nick Condon is pressured by the Japanese government to go along with their Anti-Democratic policies. When Condon refuses to go along with it, the government thinks up very interesting predicaments for him to get into. It's a fast-paced film, as Cagney's movies usually are, thanks to Cagney. Co-starring with Cagney in this movie are Sylvia Sidney, Wallace Ford, John Emery and well-known character actor Frank Puglia. This film won an Oscar for Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration in Black and White.

18. Cagney came out of retirement for a role in what movie?

From Quiz James Cagney Movies

Answer: 'Ragtime'

James Cagney made 'Ragtime' when he was 82 years old. It was his last film appearance.

19. 1947. Cagney plays government agent Robert Sharkey, who trains OSS agents to work behind enemy lines. Among these agents is a German spy -- but which one is it?

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: 13 Rue Madeleine

This is a very interesting film. I've always loved the spy type movie, so perhaps I'm a little biased about this one. Some people consider it too documentary-like. But the whole thought of a German spy being in with the American agents was intriguing to me. It's kept secret until roughly 30 minutes into the film, when Sharkey and Gibson discuss what they're going to do with this spy. Very interesting espionage type movie.

20. 1949. This film marked the last real "gangster" film Cagney made for Warner Bros. He plays Cody Jarrett, a ruthless gangster who only cares for his mother.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: White Heat

"Made it, Ma! Top of the world!" James Cagney was 18 years older than he was in "The Public Enemy" when he made this film. That fact makes him that much more evil. Age does something to the movie villain--it makes him seem more cruel and mean. Cagney used his experience to give us not only a memorable character, but a memorable ending as well. It is also interesting to note that Cagney didn't even want to do this film--and was not pleased with the final result, writing it off as "just another gangster flicker". Margaret Wycherly gives an Oscar worthy performance as Ma Jarrett, a lady who encourages her son in his life of crime.."Top of the world, son." Virginia Mayo co-stars as Cagney's neglected wife, and Steve Cochoran plays Big Ed--a guy who tries to take control of Jarret's gang. This is the quintessential Cagney "gangster" film. Another Oscar note -- Virginia Kellogg was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Writing.

21. 1955. This film is based on the life of singer/actress Ruth Etting. James plays Marty Snyder, the gangster that controls her life.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: Love Me Or Leave Me

Starring James with Doris Day, this is a wonderful bio-pic. There were quite a few changes made to the film, though. For starters, the man Ruth Etting was married to was Moe Schneider, the man Ruth fell in love with was Meryl (not Johnny) Alderman. Quite a bit of the chronology is incorrect as well. But, while watching the film, you don't notice any of that. Cagney earned himself another nomination for this film..well deserved. Ironically, he lost to Ernest Borgnine, who was in the film "Marty". I always wondered why Doris Day wasn't at least nominated for an Oscar for her performance in this movie. She's able to keep up with Cagney--which isn't always easy, and she really proved herself as a dramatic actress in this film. Another performance that's worth mentioning is that of Cameron Mitchell, who played Johnny Alderman. He's subdued in the role, and Cagney shows him up a bit, but it was still a job well done by Mitchell. This film won 1 Academy Award and was nominated for 6. They are as follows: Won - Oscar Best Writing, Motion Picture Story Nominated - Oscar Best Actor in a Leading Role , Best Music, Original Song, Best Scoring of a Musical Picture, Best Sound, Recording and Best Writing, Screenplay.

22. 1955. In this navy comedy Cagney plays the captain, a gruff, bitter man who is bound and determined to keep his cargo officer on his ship.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: Mr. Roberts

This is just a wonderful film with an all-star cast. Henry Fonda, reprising his stage role as Mr. Roberts, William Powell as Doc, Jack Lemmon as Ensign Pulver and Ward Bond as Officer Dowdy. Cagney is just great as the Captian who is so bitter that he denies every letter that Roberts sends in for transfer. A scene that is worth the price of the DVD alone is where Pulver and the Captain meet for the first time. Jack Lemmon gives the Jack most hilarious performance of the film. Lemmon earned a Best Supporting Oscar in his performance as Pulver. Mr. Roberts was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Sound, Recording.

23. 1955. This film is a biopic of vaudevillian Eddie Foy. Cagney makes a guest appearance as George M. Cohan.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: The 7 Little Foys

Cohan comes to the Friar's Club to give Foy the "Outstanding Father of the Year Award". Some good natured ribbing follows between the two; Foy: I know how it must pain you to give anyone but yourself an award. Cohan: That's all right boy, I wasn't really trying for this one. Following, there is some great dancing. Cagney and Hope really went all out for this wonderful scene.

24. 1956. Cagney plays wealthy executive Steve Bradford, who returns to the town where he attended high school to search for the illegitimate son he left behind 20 years before.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: These Wilder Years

This film did not do as well as MGM expected it to, but all in all it's still a good movie. Cagney gives a very sympathetic performance as a man who experiences a twinge of conscience later in his life. Barbara Stanwyck plays Ann Dempster, the head of the orphanage where Bradford's son was adopted from. This is more, though, than a film about a man looking for his child. It's also a film about lost opportunities, regrets and responsibilities. Betty Lou Keim plays a pivotal role as Suzie, a 16-year-old girl who must decide whether to give up her illegitimate child or to keep it. This was quite a controversial film for 1956, but it was done with real class.

25. 1957. This film is the biopic of actor Lon Chaney. Cagney, of course, has the title role.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: Man of a Thousand Faces

This film is a very nice biopic of Chaney's life, but there isn't much of fact in it. But, like "Love Me Or Leave Me", you really don't notice it while watching the film. Cagney, Dorothy Malone and Jane Greer all give wonderful performances in their respective roles. This film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay.

26. 1961. In Cagney's final film before retiring, he plays C.R. MacNamara, a Coca-Cola executive in Berlin whose life is turned upside down by the boss' daughter, Scarlett.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: One, Two, Three

This has to be the most hilarious performance Cagney ever put in a film. It's fast paced from beginning to end, and full of great characters. Arelene Francis is just brilliant as Cagney's wife and Horst Buchholz is a riot as Otto Ludwig Piffl. I can't even pick a funny quote from the movie--I'd have to transcribe the whole script. If you want to see the best James Cagney comedic role, watch this film. But, I would suggest you watch both "The Public Enemy" and "Little Ceasar" before watching this movie -- you'll get a few more of the jokes.

27. 1981. Cagney's first film since his 20-year hiatus.

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: Ragtime

Cagney played Commissioner Rheinlander Waldo. Also in this film was Pat O'Brien, playing Mr. Delfin Delmas. It would be the final film appearance for them both. Cagney was 82 at the time this film was released and was confined to a wheelchair most of the time. Most of his scenes show him sitting down and a stand in was used in a few other scenes, with his back to the camera. This film was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, but didn't win any. The nominations were Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Art/Set Decoration, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, Best Original Song and Best Writing.

28. 1984. Cagney's final role, he plays a retired boxer in which tv movie?

From Quiz The Films of James Cagney

Answer: Terrible Joe Moran

I'm going to take the summary directly from www.imdb.com, since I've never seen this movie. "James Cagney (in his final role) plays a wheelchair-bound former boxing champion whose long estraged granddaughter, an aspiring writer, pops back in his life first searching for money to help her ne'er-do-well boyfriend get off the hook with mafia types for various loans, and later she redevelops a familial bond with the old man." Art Carney won an Emmy for his portrayal of Tony.

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