James Cagney

James Cagney filmed a short for “Intimate Interviews” in 1931 to promote his new film “Public Enemy.” In between showing off his boxing and golfing skills, he staged an interview with Dorothy West, answering questions about his tough-guy image, the differences between stage and film acting, and his ambitions in and outside of film.

Speaking about his tendency for playing “underworld” characters, Cagney said, “When you play a great many of those parts, you become fixed in the public mind as that kind of character. But the plans are in the future that I play an entirely different variety of roles.”

Near the end of the dialogue, West asked Cagney how life had been since he “hit the top.” He replied, “Top? Where is the top? There’s no such thing. It’s just a matter of going on and working indefinitely, keeping onward.”

To learn more about James Cagney, read his profile on findingDulcinea.