The Glenn Miller Story [1954] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Amazon.co.uk Review

James Stewart, at his warmest and most avuncular, plays the bandleader who rocketed to fame during the swing era. The Glenn Miller Story may be a whitewashed version of Miller's life but it certainly is a pleasant example of the feel-good Hollywood biopic, with the usual conventions: early struggles, loyal wife (June Allyson at her chirpiest), personal sacrifice--Miller joins the Army when war breaks out, although he doesn't have to--and ultimate tragedy. All the Glenn Miller classics filling the soundtrack make the film pretty easy to take, too: "Moonlight Serenade," "A String of Pearls," "Chattanooga Choo-Choo." Miller plays the great "In the Mood" with his military band during a World War II air-raid warning. Pure corn, but it works. Director Anthony Mann, better known for his superb series of hard-bitten fifties westerns with Stewart, keeps the story moving gently and gracefully. A hot jazz interlude features Louis Armstrong and Gene Krupa. --Robert Horton, Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

First rate entertainment.......2005-06-19

I first saw this film on TV 20 years ago and am very pleased that it has come out in a crisp DVD version. James Stewart gives a very watchable portrayal of the struggle and triumph of the famous American musician, while June Allyson gives a moving performance that shows that her star on the Walk of Fame is richly merited. The film contains some of Miller's most famous compositions like In the Mood - the climax of this in the film against the background of a German air raid is heartening as well as causing the audience within the film to cheer and applaud. A very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon (or later).
Highly recommended.

Golden and Good Oldie.......2000-06-30

Excellent nostalgic film. It's plot is slightly creaky but James Stewart in his own special way saves the day. The music is robust and enjoyable and even has some of Miller's work as played before he created his "Sound". It also has amusing moments that show even a trombone playing band leader can be a star. This is a good sentimental tribute to a man who was taken too early.

Customer Reviews:

Great Film, shame about the DVD!!.......2007-07-16

I was very pleased when I heard they had finally got around to releasing this classic movie. Unfortunately, Studio Canal have chosen to give us no extras whatsoever - not even subtitles!! This film was made for the Festival of Britain in 1951 and was a major movie at the time, so there must be loads of footage out there. No excuses, this is a big disappointment. The picture quality is fair, but the colour balance is pretty dreadful and it all looks slightly blurred. As for the sound, its the old mono soundtrack and it doesn't sound as if it's been remastered particularly well, if at all. I tend to think this may have been taken from a tape master as it really doesn't look a whole lot different from my VHS copy. Pity!

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