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

The infamous grapefruit scene in THE PUBLIC ENEMY ('31) was actually a practical joke James Cagney and Mae Clarke played on the crew. Director William A. Wellman decided to keep it in the final film. After its release, women's groups around America protested the on-screen abuse of Clarke. | Turner Classic Movies: TCM