Search - The West Point Story on DVD

A dancing athlete!

Thug's Ma | Indiana | 12/07/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a rather cornball comedy for fans of Cagney-the-dancer. Cagney is to be watched because he exudes sheer joy. It's a shame he didn't dance more in his films, but this flick preserves a fine display of hoofing talent."West Point Story" is one of only a few movies showing his celebrated footwork [the others being "Footlight Parade" (1934), "Something to Sing About" (1937), "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1941) and "Seven Little Foys" (1957). Minor, but effective, dance scenes are staged in "Public Enemy" (1931) and "The Strawberry Blonde" (1940).]Packed with stars (Doris Day, Gordon McCrae, Virginia Mayo, and Alan Hale Jr.), it focuses on a down-on-his-luck, pugnacious Broadway director (Cagney as Elwin Bixby) who winds up at West Point staging a show.The plot is corny and slight, but Cagney makes it worthwhile. His character's temper tantrums are riotous as he jumps up and down in well-choreographed fits. The score by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn is nice, with an exception of a goofy number called "The Military Polka."But folks! It is the dancing you must see, especially the dance number "Brooklyn" ("B-apostrophe, K-no apostostrophe, L-Y-N!". Cagney -- in his tonally uncertain voice -- talks it with great effect. A rousing bluesly dance number ensues with a revealingly clad Virginia Mayo as a "fabulous wench from some other cent-ury."Cag is outfitted in Cuban heels and a zoot suit, and is his sexiest with Mayo, as they strut and sidle in this number portraying a cocky Brooklynite's claim to have met the perfect dame. ("I said, 'Are you going my way/As we stroll down King's Highway?' /She whispered, 'C'est la mour'/ and I asked her 'Are you sure?' ... Yes this happened to me.") "Brooklyn" is Cagney's best dance scene ever, along with the "Give My Regards to Broadway" number in "Yankee Doodle Dandy." You can forgive the rest of the film after seeing Cagney dance -- four scenes in all. It's equally amazing to see that this 51 year old could kick up his heels with seeming effortlessness. He was a dancing athlete, and is worth watching here."

Fun musical with lots of singing and dancing

Veronica L. Rivera | Glendale, CA United States | 12/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Set at West Point, this musical centers on Elwin Bixby's (James Cagney) misadventures as he tries to stage a show at the academy while trying to lure the young talented soldier Tom Fletcher (Gordon MacRae) away from army life and into showbusiness. Convinced that Tom's voice has star potential, Bixby uses pretty movie star Jan Wilson (Doris Day) as bait to try and charm Tom out of army life. But plans backfire when Jan falls under the spell of the handsome soldier.
Tons of singing and dancing by Gordon MacRae, Doris Day, Gene Nelson, James Cagney, and Virginia Mayo."

Very entertaining film

Veronica L. Rivera | 09/19/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I feel like this movie is getting a bad rap by some of the reviewers who have this mixed up with an actual West Point recruitment video. Well, this movie is a musical, and a rather enjoyable one at that. Even though the plot is silly and a little far-fetched, it's still a lot of fun to watch. If you can go along with the story and forget about its credibility in real life, then you should have no problem. The cast is excellent and they do a good job moving the story along. James Cagney is wonderful and I couldn't keep my eyes off him for a second. Sometimes I would rewind certain parts to watch them all over again. This film was funny and the musical numbers were a joy to watch, like "By the Kissing Rock" and my favorite, "B 'Postrophe, K No 'Postrophe, L-Y-N". I say if you're still not sure about this film, just get it to watch the Brooklyn number at the end -- the dancing was superb! Bottom line, I think this was a fun movie. If you like lots of dancing, James Cagney, and Doris Day -- you got it made."

Pointless plot, good music (the 1950 movie)

Alex | SYRACUSE, New York | 12/29/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Nowhere-going musical relies strictly on its star power, with pretty enjoyable performances. Although the plot is among the dumbest that have ever been brought to a musical film, the old songs are nearly sensational and it's fun to see Mr. Cagney dance."