The Glenn Miller Story (1954) User Reviews (77)

A competent musical heart warmer!

[Nazi_Fighter_David · 8/10 · 5 January 2002]

It is said that Miller could never remember precisely the moment he decided to emphasize his new reed section sound... But it was during this disheartening interim, that he realized the unique sound, produced by the clarinet holding the melodic line while the tenor sax plays the same note, and supported harmonically by three other saxophones - just might be the individual and easily recognizable style that would set his band apart from all the rest...

Photographed in color, Anthony Mann's 'The Glenn Miller Story' is purely a time trip to those years, when Glenn Miller's band ruled the record charts and anchored the airwaves... The film, beautifully captured Miller's spirit and follows his life story with reasonable fidelity... It is one of the most charming and touching musical biography...

Appearing in glasses and winning grin, Stewart kisses Allyson, holding her face lightly with his fingers, the same way he detains his trombone slide... Stewart applied his natural musical expertise, playing on the trombone... Miller's style was there. The original sound was there. The real music was there. The mix was there...

The film traces Miller's romance and marriage to his college sweetheart, Helen Burger, and his progress from a free-lance trombonist and arranger to band leader...

The pop music styles of '20s sweet and jazz bands were getting ready for the Big Band or Swing era of the '30s... About this time, Miller began writing charts that would one day to be his band's stock in fame, the clarinet "lead" sound over the saxophones... Miller's imagination, strong will, and determination kept his aspirations alive.. His music, a careful mixture of swing, jazz, and improvisation, flowed like spring with matchless string of hit records ( "Moonlight Serenade," "String of Pearls," "Pennsylvania 6-5000", "Little Brown Jug," "In the Mood," & "Chattanooga Choo Choo," among others...

The constant impact of radio broadcasts, and the drawing power at dance pavilions built and sustained the momentum of Miller's popularity...

June Allyson, who regularly played the little, lip-quivering waiting wife, again she is the petite and husky-voiced woman who, once married, is supportive and inspirational.. She finances Glenn what he needs to start his own band... Her scenes with Stewart have such a natural, easy-going on the screen, that we get completely drawn into their lives... Also featuring in the film are such legendary figures as Frances Langford, Gene Krupa, and Louis Armstrong...

With its unique jazz sound, 'The Glenn Miller Story' is a competent musical heart warmer with a well-cast star and successful reproduction of the Miller sound...

The Music of Glenn Miller and James Stewart, What an Awesome Combination!

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 27 May 2010]

The unemployed trombone player Glenn Miller (James Stewart) is always broken, chasing his sound to form his band and hocking his instrument in the pawn house to survive. When his friend Chummy MacGregor (Henry Morgan) is hired to play in the band of Ben Pollack, the band-leader listens to one Glenn's composition and invites him to join his band. While traveling to New York, Glenn visits his former girlfriend Helen Berger (June Allyson), in Boulder, Colorado, and asks her to wait for him. Two years later he quits the band and proposes Helen that moves to New York to marry him. After the success of "Moonlight Serenade", Glenn Miller's band becomes worldwide known and Glenn and Helen and their two children have a very comfortable life. Duting the World War II, Glenn enlists in the army and travels to Europe to increase the moral of the allied troops. In the Christmas of 1944, he travels from London to Paris for a concert to be broadcast; however his plane is never found in the tragic flight.

Glenn Miller was the great idol of my father and I recall that in my childhood, he loved the albums (long-plays) of this American musician and usually commented his tragic end. I do not know how many times I listened to hits like "Moonlight Serenade", "String of Pearls", "Pennsylvania 6-5000", "Little Brown Jug", "In the Mood", "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and other Glenn Miller's musics when I was a kid. This is the first time that I watch "The Glenn Miller Story" and the awesome combination of the music of Glenn Miller and James Stewart. Further, the lovely June Allyson shows a wonderful chemistry with James Stewart and together with the stunning Louis Armstrong, Frances Langford, Ben Pollack, Gene Krupa, Barney Bigard, James Young, Marty Napoleon, Arvell Shaw, Cozy Cole, Babe Russin and others personalities, they make a great tribute to a magnificent American musician and composer. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Música e Lágrimas" ("Music and Tears")

A Quest for a Sound

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 24 June 2005]

The Glenn Miller Story is a biographical tribute to a man who is always ranked as one of the great swing bandleaders of the late thirties to middle forties era. It is indeed fortunate that when James Stewart puts a pair of glasses on, he does actually look like the real Glenn Miller. I don't know what Helen Miller looked like, but I'm sure she was as supportive to her husband as June Allyson was to her screen hubby.

The Miller story begins with Stewart and pal Harry Morgan on the road as musicians. Stewart plays a slide trombone and has ideas of how the orchestra should sound as a whole. He spends a lot of time writing arrangements for the entire band. When they're not done right as is graphically shown in a scene when Miller's famous Moonlight Serenade is performed, he decides to form his own band.

He's still looking for that particular sound that he wants his orchestra to have and he chances on it in one of the more interesting scenes in the film. Swing fans when they hear it will recognize it as the genuine Glenn Miller.

One glaring fault for purists though is while the instrumentals are performed nicely, the vocal part of the Miller band is left out of the film. For whatever reason singers, Ray Eberle, Marian Hutton (Betty's sister)and most of all Gordon "Tex" Beneke are not in the film. In fact Chattanooga Choo Choo, Beneke's most famous number, is performed in the film by Frances Langford as herself.

My favorite scene in the film is the nightclub scene in Harlem on the Miller wedding night. June was definitely a patient wife, but hey, if you got a chance to jam with Louis Armstrong, you drop EVERYTHING for that opportunity. Gene Krupa and other top jazz musicians are in that scene with Stewart and Satchmo, making it a real treat for jazz aficionados.

For American music we are indeed fortunate that Glenn Miller succeeded in his quest for the right sound which is so lovingly captured in this film.

excellent biopic

[didi-5 · 22 March 2004]

James Stewart in one of his best roles of the 1950s playing the late bandleader in the embellished story of his life; June Allyson plays his wife – one of her best roles and I believe one of her personal favourites.

Watching the real Miller in ‘Orchestra Wives' and then watching this, Stewart is really a revelation in this role. All the hits of the band are represented – Moonlight Serenade, In The Mood, Tuxedo Junction, Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Pennsylvania 65000. Some artistic licence has been taken but the whole is funny, celebratory, and at the end fairly touching. One of the best Hollywood biopics, right in the middle of a glut of them (Love Me or Leave Me, With a Song In My Heart, The Eddy Duchin Story, Night and Day, Words and Music, Three Little Words …).

If music be the food of love, play on Glenn, play on!(after W.S.)

[Fleapit · 7/10 · 13 January 2002]

Produced nine years after his death this is Hollywood's obituary of swing era legend Glenn Miller. Essentially a musical told around the story of his struggle to achieve musical stardom. A film that will appeal to all lovers of 1930s swing music and Glenn Miller in particular. A film also for James Stewart fans. Casting the gangling Stewart as Miller was a huge gamble that succeeded; if it had failed so would have the film. This success was due to Anthony Mann's undoubted ability as a director. The Mann-Stewart combination had already proved itself but here both were on unfamiliar territory. Mann's forté was the outdoor adventure while Stewart was a pre-war light comedy star still trying to find a new identity. Mann had earlier directed Stewart in Winchester '73(1950)and the two were to go on to further success with The Far Country (1954) and The Man from Larramie (1955). He excels himself in bringing out previously unknown talents in Stewart that make this a career best for the Actor. Clad simply in a military raincoat, a trombone to his lips and sporting a USAAF officer's peaked cap he requires no further make-up to pass himself off as the wartime Miller. Among the lesser credits is the name of an unknown Henry Mancini but this was to be his big break as at the young age of 22 he was to become an Oscar nominee (jointly with Joseph Gershenson) for musical scoring. Before joining Universal Mancini had been a piano player and arranger with the post-war "Glenn Miller Orchestra", by using musicians from this band, made up mainly of sidesmen from Miller's own bands, Mancini ensured an authentic re-creation of the seductive Miller sound that had enchanted teenagers in the years leading up to the war. Regrettably an argument with the Miller Estate prevented the participation of saxophonist Ted Beneke, who had earlier led the post-war band and was renowned for his performance of Chattanoga Choo-Choo in"SunValley Serenade" (1941). The fidelity of the sound track of Miller's music won the film an Oscar for best sound recording of a musical. After a ponderous start the film picks up pace in apparent tune with Miller's success until the last reel is a non-stop performance of Miller standards. Miller was supported throughout by his wife, Helen, sympathetically played by a cuddlesome June Allyson, who ceaselessly encouraged him when all seemed to have failed. When news of his death reaches her one immediately feels her sadness in her loss and spontaneously grieves with her. Get your hankies out! A few minor lapses mar an otherwise competent production; Miller is incongruously seen in his army raincoat an a glorious summer's day conducting his wartime band at an outdoor concert in England just after D-day while the audience and band are in standard military attire; a continuity lapse shows a German flying bomb attack taking place before D-day, 6th June, whereas the first one did not reach England until the following week. Miller's loss at the peak of popularity, flying in advance of his band to make arrangements in Paris for his Christmas concert, ensured his enduring fame. As his plane and body were never recovered the mystery of his death has added to the legend. Only in the last decade have military historians been able to piece together his last moments and pinpoint where the plane came down. Whilst crossing the English Channel in dense fog the plane, which relied entirely on a compass for navigation, wandered off course and entered a prohibited area reserved for returning Allied bombers to drop any left over bombs; it was one of these that hit the plane so bringing to its end the life of one Glenn Alton Miller. Anthony Mann's deliberately abrupt end to the film comes as a jolt and dramatically conveys the unexpected loss of the patriotic Miller in his prime - the touch of the Master. A film that has stood the test of time; part fact, part fiction, it will remain the definitive tribute to the man and his music. Good wholesome entertainment for the whole family and a must for Stewart and Miller fans.

Glenn Miller Story-Forever in the Mood ***

[edwagreen · 8/10 · 9 January 2007]

Glenn Miller's rise to fame and the tragedy that took him from us at the height of his career makes for a wonderfully entertaining film.

This film is rich because of the wonderful performances of James Stewart as the band leader and June Allyson, the latter was just made for the picture. She captures the depth of a devoted wife and we all can just cry with her when her happiness was ended so suddenly.

Naturally, the supporting cast of musicians and scenes with Frances Langford, Louis Armstrong and Gene Krupa are just wonderful.

We view Miller from humble beginnings to stardom, the old-fashioned Hollywood Way-he earned it by hard work and perseverance as he went through life looking for that sound.

My main flaw with this film. Just like Miller's life, it ended too suddenly. It could have gone on and on while we all danced the night away in tribute to this find musician.

Ever Harry Morgan's tear in the end tells you what this was all about.

Endearing biopic without achieving greatness.

[hitchcockthelegend · 6/10 · 4 March 2008]

This is a very tidy film, it's got intelligence, integrity, and above all else...it doesn't merely rely on great tunes to pass as a Glen Miller story. Perhaps guilty of not fully fleshing out Miller's workaholic pursuit of the life changing sound, it manages to portray very well the grind of being on the road, and essentially it doesn't soft soap the defining moment of Miller's career as the swing sound is literally stumbled upon by accident.

James Stewart plays it safe as houses as Miller, it's perfect casting when you think that Miller was such a big household name, something of an American treasure it would seem. Though it should be noted that historians say that the sweet Glen Miller portrayed by James Stewart is not quite in keeping with the real man's persona. Regardless of any character liberty taken, director Anthony Mann crafts a very watchable tale, Stewart and the ever watchable June Allyson as Helen Miller ensure it's a very professional piece, and I dare anyone to not start tapping their feet to those wonderful tunes, but I still think that we are waiting for the definitive Glen Miller picture, some 50 odd years later. As for the ending? Well if it's played out as fact then it's a wonderful finale, but if the makers shoehorned "Little Brown Jug" into the end purely for romanticism? Well that could be construed as dangerously sugar coating what should be a sombre ending to the story. 6.5/10

One of James Stewart and Anthony Mann's most fondly remembered collaborations...for good reason

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 4 January 2017]

Not their best collaboration, my personal favourite is 'Winchester 73', but of the ones personally seen (not all but most) 'The Glenn Miller Story' is up there among their better ones. While there's more to see of their collaborations, none of the ones seen are less than good.

Biopics are very difficult to get right, especially ones of famous people in entertainment (i.e. film) and music (composing, singing, playing instruments). For example often coming to life when in action (whether acting, singing, composing or playing), but some suffer from the biographical elements not faring as good, with a tendency to play fast and loose with the facts. There are some great ones, some good ones, some uneven ones and some hugely problematic ones.

Luckily, 'The Glenn Miller Story' is one of the near-great ones. On a musical front it is nothing short of exceptional, no complaints there, but it was thoroughly enjoyable as a biopic too regardless of it not being a true account and very scratch surface because of not suffering from pacing or tone problems. Stewart is note-perfect in a role that plays to his strengths, despite him portraying a big band icon Stewart not only plays Miller with utter conviction but the performance also epitomises everything that Stewart himself is about and what made him such a great actor.

'The Glenn Miller Story', when it comes to Mann is very much removed from his darker and more psychological westerns that also star Stewart (the films that he's perhaps chiefly famous for), but there is not once a sense that he is beyond his comfort zone in an atypical genre for him, far from it. To me, actually, even with a lighter touch (much needed), without it ever feeling too much, it is one of Mann's stronger overall directorial efforts when it comes to his collaborations with Stewart.

As said to be expected, the music is exceptionally bewitching, with all the hits included and it was so wonderful to hear so many classics in one film. This said, 'The Glenn Miller Story' does have much more than a great performance and music. As well as June Allyson personifying charm and spunk, the supporting cast are just as good, with a superb Harry Morgan and cracking appearances from Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa, The Modernaires and Frances Langford. The chemistry between Stewart and Allyson is irresistible, and 'The Glenn Miller Story' is handsomely mounted and beautifully filmed with lavish use of colour.

Script-wise, 'The Glenn Miller Story' a vast majority of the time succeeds, with a nice and well balanced dose of humour that makes one feel good and tender sentiment, while the story's warm heart and bags of charm more than makes up for any misgivings of it being inaccurate and only scratching the surface. Really liked the characters and felt myself caring for them.

My only complaints really are the rather too sudden ending that should have been more sombre and the central relationship being portrayed somewhat too perfectly and sugar coated, which does despite the irresistible chemistry mean that parts do fall into saccharine-overboard camp occasionally.

In conclusion, a near-great film and it is easy to see why of all Stewart and Mann's collaborations 'The Glenn Miller Story' is generally one of the more fondly remembered ones. 8/10 Bethany Cox

One of those classics!

[menaka · 7/10 · 19 December 2001]

Were Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson made for the movie,or what?!

Great movie,lovely music!One of those movies that make you feel good all over,with a beautiful blend if wit,emotion and the Blues!What is even more impressive is the use of African American actors,considering the movie was made in 1954.The Jimmy and June combination evokes the chemistry of a Kate and Spencer movie.A true classic in every way,I'd watch it again in a heartbeat!

This is one of those movies ...

[kayhansen1 · 10/10 · 20 February 2022]

...that belong in a time capsule.

It beautifully captures the mood and the music particular to that moment in time.

The movie left a lasting impression when I first saw it as a kid in the 1960s. In a way, I felt like I was watching my own parent's story. It helped inform my impression of the WWII generation.

I wondered how it would hold up all these decades later and through my adult lens.

Brought me to tears.

It gave me a chance to really appreciate the immense talent of Jimmy Stewart as well as that of Glenn Miller. The music, for which it won an Oscar, is genius. Performing and playing themselves: Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa, Frances Langford, Ben Pollack, The Modernaires ... and a bunch of others.

As Purple Rain describes the 1980's zeitgeist, the Glenn Miller Story describes the 1940's zeitgeist in the way any really good movie does ... through a soft-filter lens and a great soundtrack.

Enduring and attractive biography about one of the greatest musicians in the history

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 23 May 2021]

This warm movie deals with Music of the Big Band Era living again thanks to the legendary and popular musician Glenn Miller : James Stewart who looks exactly every inch the trombonist. Concerning his emotive life from his poor starts as a humble trombonist and subsequently bandleader , his intimate love story , marriage to June Allyson, until his early death by a plane crash during WWII .Being one of the best and charming musical biographies ever to come out of the classic Hollywood . See it and hear it as never before !. It was a time that changed the world and one man put it to music.! . Their love made such wonderful music !.

An enjoyable and really attractive biography whose music had all of American tapping its feets. It results to be an agreeable drama with emotion, romance, well shot musical stage and packed to the gills with a clutch of successful tunes. Main and support cast are frankly wonderful . Stewart is terrific and even fakes the trombone playing well under score by Henry Mancini. While June Allyson as his beloved wife is awesome and sympathetic. Along with a nice plethora of secondaries such as : George Tobias, Harry Morgan, Charles Drake, Barton McLane, James Bell, and guest appearances from Louis Armstrong, Ben Pollack and Gene Krupa.

Of course, Glenn's music is the highlight of the movie, including the wonderful hit tunes as "Little Brown Jug" , "Chattanoga Choo Choo" , "In the Mood", "Moonlight Serenade" , "String of Pearls" , "Pennsylvania 6-5000". The picture colorfully photographed by William H Daniels was competently directed by Anthony Mann, delivering convincing portrayals of the characters. Mann was a Western expert as proved in "Bend the River, A Far Country, The Man From Laramie, The Naked Spur, Tin Star Winchester 73" . But Mann also directed other genres as wartime : "Men in War , Strategic Air Command" , Noir Film : "T-Men, Railroad" and Historical : "El Cid, Fall of the Roman Empire" , and Musical : "The Glenn Miller story", among others. Rating : 7.5/10. Notable, better than average.

Great Movie about Glen Miller and his music!

[athena60_98 · 10/10 · 3 April 2005]

This movie is a great movie about Glen Miller and his music. Jimmy Stewart does a superb playing the part of Glen Miller. June Allyson and Henry Morgan do great in this movie as well. You get to see and hear some great musicians like Louie Armstrong. You also get to hear lots of Glen Miller music like "Little Brown Jug," "Moonlight Serenade," "Pennsylvania 6-5000," "In the Mood," "String of Pearls." "America Patrol," and more. One of my favorite part in the movie is when Glen Miller and the band are in Enland playing "In the Mood" and a German V-1 buzz bomb flies by and explodes. Everone runs for cover except for the band, they continued to play.

Classic Biopic

[socrates4 · 7/10 · 20 May 2019]

THE GLENN MILLER STORY is a classic biopic starring Jimmy Stewart. The acting and storytelling are both great. The story is very well told. It is entertaining for the duration and very interesting as well.

That being said, the acting and filmmaking techniques here are quite dated. Some viewers might not appreciate them. If you're not used to watching older films, it might take a little while to get used to it. It's still a great movie though. Recommend.

Lacks a soul

[rooprect · 5/10 · 24 February 2009]

Of all the musical biopics I've seen, The Glenn Miller Story ranks pretty low. That's not to say it was bad; I'm just saying I've enjoyed the others much more. Films like "The Five Pennies" (about Red Nichols), "Til the Clouds Roll By" (Jerome Kern) or even the more recent 70s "Lady Sings the Blues" (Billie Holiday) were much more engaging and memorable to me because those films explored a dramatic conflict in the artist's life. I'm not talking about car chases & explosions; I just think a movie should focus on a particular difficulty that the protagonist must face: recurring obstacles, internal demons, or good old artistic pathos. Something to make it seem like there's a point to the struggle.

The Glenn Miller Story had no such conflict. Aside from a few money problems early on (always solved by hocking his horn at a local pawn shop), everything seems to go peachy keen. The whole film is like a gentle sled ride down a bunny slope. This is odd because Glenn's true life story had plenty of drama that could have been brought to the screen. Instead these moments were glossed over--almost as if the filmmakers were purposely trying to avoid any tension or passion. The "conclusion" was handled so vaguely I had to run over to wikipedia to read what really happened.

While I was at wikipedia, I learned a whole lot of other interesting things about Glenn Miller--none of which warranted more than a 30 second scene in the film. I'm talking about things like Glenn's "new sound" & how he struggled with it, his efforts to revolutionize the military's musical format & the tremendous resistance he encountered from officers & critics, and, as I mentioned, the VERY intriguing conclusion to his career & life. These major points were presented insufficiently in the film. It seemed like the filmmakers chose to focus more on the feel-good scenes like wedding parties, happy gigs and the happy couple cooing to each other (without ever showing how they fell in love in the first place). I was left in a state of disbelief.

It's hard for me to flunk any Jimmy Stewart film, so I'll probably try giving it another viewing someday. Maybe it's a good flick for a warm summer day when you don't want too much drama. But for now, I prefer the other films I mentioned, particularly "The Five Pennies" which really gives you an appreciation for how hard musicians struggle to reach success--and Louis Armstrong vs. Danny Kaye in duelling trumpets is worth the price of admission!

Another good biopic which convincingly shows an artist's struggle (though fictionalized) is "Young Man with a Horn" with Kirk Douglas and Lauren Bacall. If you really want a artistic pathos, of course go for AMADEUS!

Really, truly, one of the best!

[mommish · 2 January 1999]

"The Glenn Miller Story" appears on cable-TV from time to time. It is an historically accurate piece about a beloved man whose music defined an era.

Miller is portrayed as a gracious and kind man -- an officer and a gentleman. We see Jimmy Stewart's affectionate portrayal of this simple man who spent his short musical career searching for a particular sound. The results got the whole world dancing to his new beat: Swing! The music in this movie will surely get you on your feet!

The driving force in Glenn Miller's life was his love for his wife, Helen, amicably played by June Allyson.

A "must-see", movie classic. Be sure to bring a hanky!

Classic and touching

[HotToastyRag · 7/10 · 29 November 2021]

At the time of its release, everyone in the audience knew what to expect from The Glenn Miller Story. But watching it decades later, even with a love of the early 20th century, I didn't know anything about his life. Needless to say, I was pretty surprised by certain events in the movie.

Many musician biopics blend together, but they have a good reason for them: most musicians have a similar characteristic. Music consumes their lives, often at the expense of other basic needs. In this movie, you'll see James Stewart losing focus of his surroundings when he hears music in his head. He prioritizes concerts over his love for June Allyson, and he's seen time and again hocking his instruments for rent money only to buy them back again when he gets another gig in a band. This one does stand out among some of the others because it's set during a specific time period, the years before WWII.

With his long face, grey in the temples, and round glasses, James Stewart is a great choice for the famed bandleader. Plus, it was a great compliment for Hollywood to cast their favorite everyman as Miller. His longtime pal is played by Harry Morgan, and his sweet, devoted wife is June Allyson. Normally, I can't abide June, so realize my praise for her in this movie is quite rare and precious. Her scenes with Jimmy were very cute, especially the proposal and wedding scenes. Even her dramatics in the film were convincing. She wore a particularly effective expression in her final scene that actually brought a lump to my throat.

You're going to have to be a music lover to like this movie. You'll hear tons of old big band standards, and you'll be taken back to a golden era. Plus, you'll see a classic movie of James Stewart, and that's always fun!

" It's a special sound and I'll know it when I find it "

[thinker1691 · 8/10 · 13 June 2011]

Under Anthony Mann's direction, this film called " The Glenn Miller story " is as close to the heart as can be when retracing the life of the great American composer. From first to last, the story is well written and with the added talents as James Stewart who plays Glenn Miller, Harry Morgan as Chummy MacGregor and George Tobias, the true persona of the American Band Leader shines clear. Because they worked so well together, June Allyson once again portrays, Miller's wife Helen Berger Miller adding both her voice and sympathetic appeal. The movie tells the story from the beginning when Miller was nearly destitute, but forever struggling to find that 'Special Sound' until he eventually found when he formed his own band. Shadowing his life is that inescapable sound of Glenn Miller and his orchestra which accompanies the movie and one is hard pressed not to recall the highlighted tunes such as 'Moonlight Seranade' and 'In The Mood.' The overall effect of Miller's tunes are what gives this homage to his time and era, allowing audiences to remember the man and his music. Exceptional rendition of his life and times. Easilly recommended to all. ****

'In the Mood' for a good movie

[utgard14 · 7/10 · 18 June 2022]

Easygoing biopic of the titular bandleader, played with charm by the great Jimmy Stewart and directed by his frequent collaborator Anthony Mann. This is unlike any of their other films together, mostly westerns. It's a biopic like they used to make them - uplifting, positive, entertaining. If made today it would almost certainly focus on whatever scandalous lies they could think up about the subject, often spread decades later. In this particular case it would likely be exclusively about his tragic death and the many conspiracy theories surrounding it.

Anyway this is thankfully not that kind of picture. Made in a different time, as they say. The music is exceptional, of course. The romantic story is perfect as well. Stewart and June Allyson had great chemistry. It's a leisurely paced film, perhaps too much so for some. But I enjoyed it.

Another feel good Stewart-Allyson romance and reasonably historic treatment of Miller's rise to music immortality.

[weezeralfalfa · 9/10 · 7 August 2013]

Dramatizes the prolonged struggles of Big Band icon Glenn Miller to front his own financially viable band and to discover a signature band sound that audiences would embrace. It also serves as a tribute to his many popular songs after he discovered the band sound he was looking for. It also dramatizes his much resisted, eventually successful, attempt to somewhat modernize military march music, as exemplified by his "St. Louis Blues March", and his many off-the-parade-field entertainment performances for the troops and UK civilians, either live or via radio. It includes renditions of a dozen or so of his standards, plus various other numbers. The musical aspects are nicely mixed with his personal life, including financial woes, and his initially problematic resumption of his romantic relationship with his future wife, Helen(June Allyson). Once they connect, June is consistently a major player in the film. Fictional Chummy MacGregor(Harry Morgan) serves as Glenn's constant music and personal buddy throughout. After Glenn joins the service, he seems to be acting as his substitute in the Miller household. Buddy teams, of course, were a common device in Hollywood films. Sometimes, the two often were at odds with each other(reluctant buddies), which much added to the drama and comedy. The Dorsey brothers provided a real life example, much exploited in their biop. No such conflicts here. Of course, many of the specific details in Miller's personal life presumably were improvised.

If you prefer to have the real Glenn Miller present in the film, you will have to try to find an old VHS or DVD copy of the two films that featured his band : "Sun Valley Serenade" and "Orchestra Wives". I rate the former as more entertaining than the present film, with the latter film being less so. I rate John Payne's character in the former film, as not far behind Jimmy Stewart, who plays Miller in the present film. However, Sonja Henie, the lead female in the former film, is much more interesting than June Allyson's character in the present film. Her impish character, determined to steal her chosen man from his fiancé, skiing and ice skating exhibitions, and occasional dancing and singing scenes, are far superior entertainment to June's rather bland character, admittedly constrained by historical considerations. Sonja added a youthful charm and spunkiness that June often brought to her '40s films, where she often included some dancing and singing, but which had somewhat faded in her '50s films, where she usually did straight dramatic roles.

The present film includes about twice as many Miller standards as in "Sun Valley Serenade", including 5 numbers featured in that film, but excluding the theme song "It Happened in Sun Valley". Several were done more interestingly in that film. "I Know Why", from that film, was being played when Miller's trumpet player supposedly split his lip(looks very fake!), supposedly instigating Miller to conceive his signature band sound. None of the several new Miller standards from "Orchestra Wives" was included in the present film. "Little Brown Jug", not included in either of these films, pops up several times in the present film, including being the last song featured in the film, broadcast from Paris, after Miller's disappearance. Along with "Moonlight Serenade", it functions as the personal theme song for Glenn and Helen.

Jimmy Stewart was an excellent choice to play Miller. We don't usually think of him as being a musical actor. However, in his pre-Hollywood days, he did some singing and musical instrument playing. In a few of his early films, he did a bit of singing, and played a music teacher and musical instrument store owner in "Pot 'O Gold". I wonder, if Miller had lived, would he have been asked to play himself in this film, as did the Dorseys in their film biop? Based on his performance in his two Hollywood films, Stewart provided a more pleasing personality and was much more at ease in films.

June was also a good choice as Miller's sweet cheerleading wife, she and Stewart having been a popular lead team in "The Stratford Story". However, I found that this older June had lost some of her youthful appeal. She began her Hollywood career about a decade earlier, mainly as a singer/dancer with down home charm. Unfortunately, her historical role in this film didn't allow her any stage singing or dancing.

In contrast to Miller and Helen, I liked the upbeat early version of "Moonlight Serenade", with words and a stage dancing routine. It's nice to try out radically different arrangements and contexts of standards. I also liked the too brief instrumental partial rendition of "Over the Rainbow", although this had not yet been composed in the historical period dramatized. ..The buzz bomb during the outdoor playing of "In the Mood" reminds us of the danger to Brits at home, even late in the war. However, recent thinking is that probably Glenn died from a British bomb ejected in a no-fly zone over the English Channel. The poor weather, as suggested in the film, may have contributed to this tragedy.

Superb biopic, superb Jimmy Stewart, superb soundtrack

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 8 March 2012]

This is an exceptionally fine bio-pic. From beginning to end, the entire filming was handled just about as perfectly as one could desire. The story does not need to be reviewed here, because it's the well known story of how Glenn Miller got started, his early tribulations, his ultimate success, and his death in WWII.

There are a number of factors that make this film so good, chief among them the chemistry between Jimmy Stewart (as Glenn) and June Allyson as his wife. They were exceptionally good together in a total of 3 films. This is one of Stewart's most pleasing performances! The music here is also excellent, and from what I understand, these are the best renditions of the Miller Sound ever made due to technically more impressive recordings than some of the original recordings (of course, most of these tunes come from the 40s, while these recordings were made in the mid-1950s).

While it is very much Stewart's and Allyson's picture, the supporting cast does a fine job, as well. Harry Morgan is very pleasing here as friend and pianist. Charles Drake is fine as an associate. George Tobias, almost always fun, is very pleasant here. And Barton MacLane plays a good guy here as General Hap Arnold. There are also a number of "guest appearances" that are really special -- Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa, Frances Langford, and others.

The photography and color are great, although in the version currently being shown on TCM, there seems to be a slight color issue late in the film...but not enough to detract from enjoying the film.

Again, an excellent biopic that didn't inspire me to buy the DVD, but did inspire me to download the soundtrack! Highly recommended.

"In The Mood" for a great love story!

[PudgyPandaMan · 8/10 · 31 July 2008]

I was born in the 60's. so Big Band Music was way before my time. So naturally, I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of the music, but of course have heard it from time to time. There are a few memorable pieces that you can't help but run across and that become somewhat "familiar". Well, I certainly didn't know enough to know the names of the songs or who performed them.

Well, to my surprise as I am watching this movie, most of the ones I would recognize were all in this one little picture. So needless to say, this man's music has transcended it's appeal to those of that generation, when someone 60 years later, recognizes and appreciates the unique sound he put together.

So, with that being said, I basically knew nothing about the man's life, and certainly could not have predicted the ending of the movie because of that. I know everyone who watched this movie when it came out would have known, and so I'm sure it was anti-climatic. But for me it was quite a shock and saddened me greatly.

I was very touched by the beautiful love story between Miller and his wife. I think Stewart and Allyson played their roles superbly and had a wonderful and endearing chemistry between the two. I don't know if the details of their courtship were accurate, but it's amazing that she would just up and agree to meet and marry him after not seeing or hearing from him for 2 years. If it is true, it must mean that 2 people really know when they are right for each other and destined to be together.

One scene I found amusing, is on their anniversary, Mrs. Miller is "out shopping". When she gets home, she surprises her husband by bringing home a baby! I know they couldn't have children of their own and already had adopted a boy. I just can't imagine someone doing this without there having to be lots of planning, both parties signing forms, etc.

This is a great movie, for the characters, the superb acting, the great music, and the appearance of several other musical performers. I especially liked the club scene where Louis Armstrong performs (except for the changing colors spinning in across the camera lens - that was distracting).

It Helps To Like The Music

[ccthemovieman-1 · 6/10 · 27 September 2006]

A nice movie about a nice couple making nice music. I guess that pretty much sums up this film. Individually, I have praise for everyone but as a whole, to be honest, the film is just so-so. It's nice, but nothing special.

I found Miller's music somewhat slow and boring, which was a disappointment. Perhaps if I were older and more of a fan of Miller's sound, the movie would have been better. June Allyson was one of the queens of wholesome-looking actresses in her day, but I never cared for her voice. James Stewart and Harry Morgan are the males and play good guys, as well, with Stewart in the lead as Miller.

For the music fans, there are cameos by Louis Armstrong, Frances Langford, Gene Krupa and The Modernaires.

James Stewart, and Glenn Miller?

[martinpersson97 · 9/10 · 30 April 2023]

As a big fan of cinema, and someone who also enjoys music a great deal, a film by an acclaimed director, starring James Stewart and accounting the musical journey of jazz icon Glenn Miller - this was of course a very anticipated watch, safe to say.

And it sure didn't disappoint by any means. James Stewart, as throughout his entire career, excells in the role, and it might be one of the best one of his career. He really captures the gravitas of the great Miller, who tragically died a few years prior to this film - and it works both great as a biographical film and a homage to his career.

Overall, an incredible film with great cinematography, cutting and editing and of course a splendid score to accompany it. The acting is stellar as well.

For one last time, Glenn Miller sings again!

I Still Don't Know Much About Glenn Miller

[Michael27-1 · 6/10 · 28 July 2005]

Glenn Miller was a timid man, with a pushy wife. At least that is what "The Glenn Miller Story", a loose biographical look at the latter part of the famed band leader's life, would have you believe. And just when did his wife become so ambitious? The filmmakers never really let us know. But not being familiar with the details of Miller's life myself, I took this Universal-International tale very lightly and did not take the details, or lack thereof, to heart too much.

Old reliable James Stewart plays Miller, as we follow his life from his more lean days as a musical hopeful until his untimely death in a World War II plane crash. Along the way, we watch as Miller makes successes in his career, as well as his budding relationship with college sweetheart and eventual wife, Helen(June Allyson). After enduring setbacks in creating his signature sound and his wife's eventual infertility, he reaches the pinnacle of his career, only to lose his life while participating in America's war effort.

Stewart plays Miller convincingly enough, if a little boring at times. But Stewart does manage to inject the right amount of sweetness and earnestness to make Miller seem likable and of rooting-value. Allyson, who has never been a favorite of mine, warbles her way through the film as if she has a mouth full of marbles. And she never truly brings the character to life to make me see past Allyson just playing a part. "The Glenn Miller Story" does have its moments, though. There are a great few moments of cinematography in a nightclub performance of Louis Armstrong, in which various colors of lenses rotate on the camera lens. There is also a touching, if underdone scene at the end, when a heartbroken Helen listens to Glenn's posthumous performance on the radio. But these great moments are unfortunately weighed down by other not-so-great moments. For instance, when Helen finds out she won't be able to have children of her own, she seems to take the news as if someone just told her that the Piggly Wiggly stopped carrying her favorite brand of detergent. They never seem to want to delve too deeply into the difficult moments. Nonetheless, the movie works. Stewart and a fine supporting cast create a foundation which holds up the good and the bad, and Glenn Miller's tale is glossy and engaging, if a tad bit uneven at times.

Not suggested

[zetes · 5/10 · 19 August 2002]

Biopic is an enormously difficult genre to do successfully. They're especially difficult to do if the subject was particularly beloved. Add to that the fact that Glenn Miller died tragically, and very recently. His family was still perfectly alive, as were, I assume, many members of his band. If anything interesting happened in Glenn Miller's life, you'd never know it from watching The Glenn Miller Story. It's an awfully bland little picture, with its only energy coming from always reliable Jimmy Stewart and Miller's own music. Oh, and a brief appearance by jazz legend Louis Armstrong (who actually looks kind of scary in close-up!). June Allyson, who plays Miller's wife, is embarrassing. She's very, very poor in the film. Not one other actor in the film registers. I say just go out and buy some Glenn Miller music (and mix in some Louis Armstrong!) instead of sitting through this one. 5/10.