The Glenn Miller Story (1954)

THE GLENN MILLER STORY is a biopic of the famous 1940s-era musician, here played by James Stewart in a story directed by Anthony Mann. The two made many such films during the 1950s, many of them westerns, and all of them are watchable, although some more than others. This one I was less interested in, purely because I didn't find the subject matter as interesting as other biopics.Now, it's hard to fault THE GLENN MILLER STORY as a film in itself. It charts the usual rise to fame in a chronological order, and the attention to scene and detail is fine. The whole thing hangs together on the lynch pin of Stewart himself, who puts his all into the role and comes across completely convincing as a result. The music scenes are lively and entertaining, it's just that the non-music stuff drags and feels a little dated.

. . . on the eve of the band's big debut, The Glenn Miller Orchestra (Version 2.1) would NOT have been a success, according to THE GLENN MILLER STORY. This movie shows how the least little incident in an artist's life--a belated birthday gift, a random phone number--becomes fodder for national hits in the right hands. Apparently Karma plays the lead role in separating the wheat from the chaff. Take Joe's fragile lip, which forces James Stewart (as the title character) to rearrange all his band's songs overnight with his NEXT best instrumentalist--a clarinet player--now in the lead trumpet role. This produces the mellow jazz sound that distinguishes the Miller band forevermore. But Karma is a two-way street, as anyone who has watched Fred Astaire as dancer Vernon Castle or Petulia Clark as Mrs. Chips may recall. Glenn has solemnly pledged to his wife Helen (June Allyson) NEVER to let his band play "her" song, "Little Brown Jug." Sure enough, the minute Glenn feels cocky enough to tempt fate by renouncing this vow, he disappears into the Channel's fog.

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).

I doubt that any role Jimmy played, was any more natural than to portray bandleader Glenn Miller. He takes the role and runs with it. June Allyson playing Jimmy's wife a role that became very natural for her is also very effective. These two must have had such a strong friendship because their ability to take on a married couple role is sweet and convincing. The music is fantastic, Frank Morgan is excellent in the buddy role, and while the life of Glenn Miller ended abruptly at 40, adding a sad ending to the movie, there is a bittersweet quality since we know the music will go on forever. It's been more than 50 years, Major Miller died long before I was born, yet my iPod is loaded with 72 great songs by the band. Don't miss this great film, and while you're at it, follow-up with the other big band portrayals, (Orchestra Wives, Benny Goodman Story, Tommy Dorsey Story, etc). You will be humming and tapping your heels to Moonlight Serenade for a long time.