The Fighting 69th is a fictional account of the heroics of the famed World War I Irish regiment. In this film, Cagney plays Jerry Plunkett, a scoffing, sneering rebel who mocks military tradition and has disregard for all authority. Plunkett is arrogant and cocky during training, but in his first battle he shows his cowardice, which results in a shelling from the enemy that kills a number of his comrades. Pat O'Brien plays Father Duffy, who helps the remorseful Jerry redeem himself, and Jerry becomes a hero. Warner Brother's regulars Alan Hale, Frank McHugh, George Brent and Dennis Morgan play their parts well in this large money-making film of 1940. The spectacular battle scenes inflated the film's budget, and an extensive promotional tour culminated in New York City's Time Square, where the real Father Duffy greeted the cast. He shook hands with Cagney and O'Brien as thousands of fans cheered. Some may find this film very hokey and dated while others may enjoy the entertaining James Cagney who always puts real character into his performances . I'll let the reader decide for themselves on this one.