Product ReviewsThe Glenn Miller Story (DVD, 1954)

The Glenn Miller Story (DVD, 2003)

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.Read full review...

A gem of a film from Hollywood's Golden Age

If you are a movie buff, if you like oldies, if you just like a great story which can be viewed by any member of your family at any occasion, you will love the Glenn Miller Story.
Hollywood in its prime knew how to pair the right actors for the right project.
The Glenn Miller story tells the life of Big Band Leader, Composer, Trombonist, Glenn Miller
as he rose from a struggling musician to becoming a world sensation with his Big Band Swing.
James Stewart plays the role of Glenn Miller with charm, warmth, good looks and believe-ability. June Allison is his perfect match in her smart, spunky, all-American girl next door who becomes Glenn's wife.
No spoilers here; watch it for yourself to see the journey !
No sex, no profanity, no blue humor. Just a lovely story, set during another time. Enjoy.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

Both entertaining and heartwarming, over and over again

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+++++Read full review...

One of my favorites!

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!Read full review...

Timeless Stewart!!

A real treat for all Big Band fans especially those who love the 'Miller' sound. The film shows the work behind the songs, the crafting of arrangements and even the associations behind the managers, club owners and performers...not in intricate detail but just enough to understand the complexity of the Big Band world. There is of course, the love story and it's well told and full of detail, some stretched a little bit for audience interest but otherwise fairly accurate.
The performances of Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson are flawless and there seemingly is a good onscreen relationship between the two stars which adds to the humor which both actors brought to many of their classic performances.
The film is a typical 40's/50's paen to romantic biographies ( a little staged and corny at times) but worth every effort to learn a bit more about the amazing sound and efforts to gain that 'sound' by Glen Miller, his orchestra and his beloved wife! Great film for music lovers and devotees of the classic screen.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: clothesbeautymore

The Glenn Miller Story

I'm not a professional critic, nor do I get paid for my opinions. Now I'll say, I Love this movie! The movie doesn't have to be factually correct, it's just about how it makes you feel. And as a former Military member USAF, Major Alton Glenn Miller was and is treasured by us. He does hold a special place with us G.I.s. A man who gave us so much, from his music to his life... He let you simply remember home when it was extremely necessary. The love of your home and loved ones can really get you though anything. The part that gets me is the first few bars of "Moonlight Serenade", the next part is the ending, which you cannot change. If only you could warn him. He simply flew off into eternity and into our hearts. Thanks and please see the film again. If you haven't see it, more importantly feel it.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: dltiff952

Great story. Great music.

Saw this movie when I was young. Actually saw the Band itself but with out Glen Miller. Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson were marvelous. Stewart captured the essence of the character.A movie for the entire family. Music you can understand as well as enjoy.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: goodwillbks

Excellent Radical Idea Glenn Miller had ahead of his time.

Glenn Miller Story the best. Actual appearance of Louis Armstrong in the film. Moonlight Serenade, Tuxedo Junction, all good. Glenn Miller was well ahead of his time, radical ideas of new music.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: thinkingdvd

A classic, heartwarming movie for lovers of music from the Big Band era.

This is a classic movie, and the true, highly entertaining story of one of the world's greatest Big Band leaders. It was filmed in rich Technicolor, unlike most movies made in the 1950s. You will also hear all of Glenn Miller's most famous hit recordings in this movie. Glenn and his wife are played by two of Hollywood's best actors of the time, Jimmy Stewart and June Alyson.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: retro_rewind

The oldies are the best.

The movie is such a good one. The actors are excellent and the story follows the actual history of Glenn Miller. Entertaining! Many times the oldies are still the best.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: troyacurtis5960