The Top Ten Patriotic Films of All Time

In this era of financial belt-tightening, why not celebrate America's birthday by watching a classic film? Next to baseball, pop music, and cars, movie viewing is the great American pastime. Many great films capture the patriotic spirit. Here are my top ten.

1. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942). James Cagney is at his triple threat best here, singing, tap-dancing, and acting his way into your heart through a bravura portrayal of legendary songwriter-showman George M. Cohan. Cagney performs many Cohan songs that have been American standards for decades, including "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Give My Regards to Broadway," and "Over There." Cagney more than compensates for mediocre singing with his superb phrasing and infectious energy. His athletic tapping is a joy to behold. Joan Leslie is an able Mary, and the ubiquitous George Tobias is on hand.

2. Sergeant York (1941). Gary Cooper gives a riveting performance as World War I conscientious-objector-turned-sharpshooter Alvin York, who single-handedly captured a German regiment. A lovely and mature 16-year-old Joan Leslie plays his feisty fiancée, Gracie. Character actor George Tobias gives "Sergeant York" a New York flavor as subway conductor "Pusher" Ross. The pre-war scenes in rural Tennessee are almost indistinguishable from a mid-nineteenth century setting populated with hard-working farmers, salt-of-the-earth religious folk, and a contentious turkey shoot. One of the film's most beautiful and poignant scenes is when Alvin sits with his dog atop a mountain in the waning daylight, alternately reading an American history book and a Bible in order to decide whether to remain in the Army.