Quotes

Dialogue

First critic: I call it a hit. What'll your review say? Second critic: I like it too, so I guess I'll pan it. First critic: Oh. [He laughs] Well, that's logical. Second critic: My publisher resents Cohan impersonating the president of the United States. Says our young readers dream of being president. First critic: 'I'd rather be right than be president...' Cohan may find out he isn't either one.

Dialogue

Erlanger: He's the most original thing that ever hit Broadway. And do you know why? Because he's the whole darn country squeezed into one pair of pants. His writing, his songs, why even his walk and his talk. They all touch something way down here in people [He gestures to his heart] Don't ask me why it is, but it happens every time the curtain goes up. It's pure magic. Fay Templeton: I'm bored by magic. I know his formula. A fresh young sprout gets rich between 8:30 and 11:00 pm. Erlanger: Yes, that's just it, Fay. George M. Cohan has invented the success story. And every American loves it because it happens to be his own private dream. He's found the mainspring in the Yankee clock - ambition, pride, and patriotism. That's why they call him the Yankee Doodle Boy. Now, if you'll take a tip from me, Fay, you'll do just what I'm doing. You'll hitch your wagon to his star right now.

Dialogue

George M. Cohan: [sniffing] Mmmmm... ham or bacon? Mary Cohan: Bacon. George M. Cohan: Good. Ham makes me self-conscious.

Dialogue

George M. Cohan: Thanks, Sam. It'll be great as long as those critics don't start to eat off my leg. Sam Harris: Oh, don't worry about the critics! You got a smash hit! It's in the air, kid! It's in the air! You can't stop anything that's in the air!

Dialogue

George M. Cohan: And then came your wire. I was really worried. Well, here I am goin' on like Tennyson's Brook giving you the story of my life. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. You should have stopped me. President: Why, I wanted to hear the story of your life. It has a direct bearing on my sending for you. Do you know what this is? George M. Cohan: The Congressional Medal of Honor. President: Let's see what the inscription says: 'To George M. Cohan, for his contribution to the American spirit. Over There and Grand Old Flag Presented by Act of Congress.' I congratulate you, Mr. Cohan. [He hands the medal to George] I understand you're the first person of your profession to receive this honor. You should be very proud. George M. Cohan: Oh, I am proud. In fact, I'm flabbergasted. First time in my life, I'm speechless. Are you sure there isn't some mistake? President: Quite sure. George M. Cohan: [modestly] But this medal is for people who've given their lives to their country or done

Dialogue

Sergeant on parade: What's the matter, old timer? Don't you remember this song? George M. Cohan: Seems to me I do. Sergeant on parade: Well, I don't hear anything.