The Glenn Miller Story
Directed by:
Anthony MannCinematography:
William H. DanielsComposer:
Henry ManciniCast:
James Stewart, June Allyson, Harry Morgan, Charles Drake, George Tobias, Barton MacLane, Sig Ruman, Kathleen Lockhart, Louis Armstrong, Marion Ross (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
A talented young trombonist, Miller (James Stewart) falls for Helen Burger (June Allyson) while studying at the University of Colorado. He gets his first big break after leaving college performing his own arrangement of 'Everybody Loves My Baby' at an audition, and builds himself a reputation working for bandleader Ben Pollack (playing himself). Marriage to Helen follows, and Miller finds success with his own 'sound' after a trumpet player splits his lip, forcing him to substitute a clarinet solo on 'Moonlight Serenade'. He goes on to become the leading jazz bandleader of his day, but tragedy looms with the outbreak of World War Two. Many of Miller's erstwhile colleagues, including Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa and Frances Langford, appear here as themselves. (Universal Pictures UK)
(more)Reviews (2)
As a biopic, it follows predictably beaten paths, but the wonderful positive atmosphere trumps that. This film caresses you pleasantly all the time, without any negative feelings. The relationship with Helen, wonderfully played by June Allyson, is terribly funny (“Bought you a present for your birthday.” – “My birthday? That isn't until next November.” – “This is for your last birthday...”), some of the absurd situations made me laugh, and June is a real sweetheart, the ultimate woman in discomfort. And the real Louis Armstrong is playing – cool, jazz, what more could you ask for? And “Moonlight Serenade” is a song that will last for ages.
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That overly positive atmosphere of Hollywood during ‘50s is really crazy. Or to be clear it is not something I would prefer. But when Glenn Miller talks and plays with his band it is so brilliant that you can never get enough of it.
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