The Glenn Miller Story (DVD, 2003)

James Stewart doesn't look that much like Glenn Miller, but he has the mannerisms and actions down perfectly, and the sound track holds up after all this time. June Allyson plays her part with much emotion, giving this fantastic film (and piece of history) a very heartwarming appeal, especially at the end, I cry every time I see it. The best scene is when Miller and the band are performing outdoors and the sirens sound for a bombing raid - but they keep on playing, you can see it in Stewart's eyes that he is hopefully trying to keep everyone's mind off the war by performing "In The Mood", while at the same time knowing that he is risking not only his own life, but his band mates and all those in attendance who jump to the ground when a nearby bomb is dropped, shaking the ground, and the band stops for just a second, then as they see that the bomb went off far enough away that they are safe, the band comes back stronger than ever! If this scene were shown in a movie theater today, it would garner much applause. A+++++

The Glenn Miller Story was about the life and works of Glenn Miller. A brilliant and hard working man who was passionate about music and his family. While watching the movie he keeps referring to a certian sound he is looking for and not the norm of that era. Little Brown jug, string of pearls, Pennsylvania 6500, Moonlight serenade, are all pieces of his life that he made into masterpieces. I'm rather fond of his music as it reminds me of my late grandfather who listened to it while in his work shop fixin stuff. Jimmy Stewart, as Glenn Miller, was a great choice for the part considering he was a great actor and a great man. If you're like me and love watching about the old days and love watching and listening to the Big Bands of that era, then you will defenitely love this movie!

The Glenn Miller Story is as jam-packed with half-truths, mis-truths, calumnies, apocrypha and bunk as a bio-pic can be and maybe even more but it sure is fun to watch! I would guess that at this point in time it looks and sounds miles better than it did at anytime since it's release back in 1955. The reason, of course, is the new technology incorporated into each and every DVD in the world! The picture is vibrant and the sound, rich and crystal clear, the music sounds great even if Paul Tanner (trombone) is the only actual Miller orchestra musician to actually appear in the movie. To answer your question: Yes, "The Glenn Miller Story" is as corny and sappy as you remember it being, I can't think of a better reason to add it to your DVD library!

This is a great old story about the life of Glenn Miller (James Stewart), his music,and his friends. Glenn was troubled from an early age trying to find that special sound, a sound that nobody else had yet found. He didn't quite know what it was, but knew that he would recognize it when hr heard it. Glenn's best friend, Chummy, was always there wherever he went. they moved around a lot as did all musicians back then, writing and playing music, looking for just that right sound. Deciding he just can't live without her, Glen calls his girlfriend (June Allyson) and proposes. She meets him in New York and they are married. Over the next few years Glenn's wife squirrels away enough money for Glenn and Chummy to start up their own band. They struggle for a long time, and just when everything totally falls apart, he finds that sound! By accident, while rehearsing the band, the trumpet player splits his lip and can't play. The lead must be changed, so he tries it with a sax lead and clarinet follow. This was the exact sound he was looking for. His orchestra is an instant success, and the music sales go through the roof. The band is very successful and all of the trappings of success are theirs. When WWII begins, Glenn enlists and is accepted into the Army as an officer. Here he leads an Army band. When he meets General Arnold, he asks permission to put together his old band using his old musicians, most of whom are already in the service. His idea is to travel overseas and bring American music to the troops over there. General Arnold thinks it is a wonderful idea and gives his permission. Glenn and his band head to England and are a smash. At Christmas 1943 Glenn hitches a ride with some other officers to Paris. His plane never arrived and was never found. The nation mourned his loss. This movie doesn't have the greatest acting, but it was a good story of an American Icon of the 1930's and 40's who gave his life in service to his country. The musical score is full of Glenn Miller's big hits and they bring back a time when this world was much different. There are cameo appearances by Gene Kreuper, Louie Armstrong, Artie Shaw and many others.

This movie is a fine tribute to Glenn Miller, and the music is especially well arranged. Miller himself was a musician whose arrangements became famous. The various Miller classic numbers are highlighted by Miller's rendition of the St. Louis Blues. Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson co-starred in several classic movies and this one is one of their best. The semi-tragic ending doesn't detract from the movie's appeal.