Retired superstar actor James Cagney receives the second annual American Film Institute Lifetime Achievment Award in 1974 ceremony hosted by Frank Sinatra. Although the actor had not appeared in a film in 14 years, he appears hale and hardy as he listens to tributes from the likes of co-stars Doris Day, Jack Lemmon, Bob Hope, and Ronald Reagaan and representing the AFI, Charlton Heston, Cicely Tyson, and George Stevens Jr. Clips from his many films including "White Heat," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and "The Public Enemy" are warmly received, and the actor recognizes the minor players like Frank McHugh, Mae Clarke, Allen Jenkins, etc., who helped contribute to his success.