Product description

The Glenn Miller Story [1953]

Price:
RRP: £15.99
Average customer rating: 5.0

Binding : DVD
EAN : 5050582198973
Label : Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer : Universal Pictures UK
Publisher : Universal Pictures UK
Release date : 2005-02-21
Title : The Glenn Miller Story [1953]
Actor : Array
Audience rating : Universal, suitable for all
Format : Array
Languages : Array
Number of items : 1
Original release date : 1953-01-01
Region code : 2
Running time : 108
Studio : Universal Pictures UK
Theatrical releaseDate : 1953

Editorial reviews

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

Customer reviews

review by: chas windsor date: 2007-12-13 rating:

my all time favourie
i fell in love with the glenn miller music when i was a 10yr old during the war and have remained one ever since, i must have watched this film about 15 times both on t.v. and on this brilliant dvd. jimmy stewart acted his part superbly but i think june allyson was absolutely amazing, in the final scenes when she was listening to the broadcast from paris after glenn was reported missing was one of the most emotional scenes in any film i have ever seen it even brought tears to an hard hearted so & so like me.

review by: ray dorrity date: 2007-08-06 rating:

Best Musical Film Ever
If I could I would give this movie 100 stars.
It is a classic example of where fiction overtakes fact and the fiction becomes fact.
Everything about the movie is flawed, including June Alyson's 1953 "A" line skirts, black and white soldiers marching together in 1943 (the US army was totally segregated then), a B29 parked in the background when the plane only came in service in 1944, the pre 1801 Union flag (without the red cross of St. Patrick) in the BBC studio and again hanging from the "castle" wall as the V1 was exploding as the Miller band carried on playing. However, only a sad b*stard like me would spot all this stuff!
It has all the sterotype Hollywood castings. The Jewish benefactor, the "best friend" (Harry Morgan from Dragnet and M*A*S*H)
I should hate it, but I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT!
Forgetting all the 1950's Hollywood crap, it's Glenn Miller's music that makes the film and James Stewart IS Glenn Miller.
I fell in love with Glen Miller's sound when my older sister took me to see the Herb Miller Band (Glenn's brother) in the middle 50's. It was made up of a lot of the original band and even at the age of 10 I became addicted.
Over the years, I have worn out Vinyl, 8 Track and Cassettes and I am currently playing a CD to death.
I've had the movie on Betamax, VHS and now DVD.
If you don't have this movie, then you may need some serious professional help.
Don't spend big bucks on a psychiatrist, buy the movie and enjoy.

review by: date: 2006-10-20 rating:

More Jimmy Magic
Apparently, when this boipic was being made, Glenn Miller's fans were incensed as they felt Mr Jimmy wasn't good looking enough to play the role. However, once it came out, for the most part they did an about face, as the resemblence was uncanny. That is due, primarily, to Stewarts ability to *become* his character. In It's a Wonderful Life, he really is George Bailey - a man who feels he has nothing to live for; in Harvey, he really is talking to a 7ft white rabbit - to the point where you can almost see him, too. This film is no different. He *is* Glenn Miller, with all his lovely Jimmy charm.

There are a few scenes in here where you can tell Jimmy Stewart's laughter is spontaneous and genuine, and for those parts alone it's worth getting the film. The script *is* funny, and both Jimmy and June Allyson (who died only a few months ago) had genuine comedic talent. Once you hear Allyson's exasperated "Well, honestly" you'll positively *look* for reasons to say it, too.

It's a delightful film, from start to finish, notwithstanding the sad ending. In terms of the Stewart compendium, it's a hidden gem. In fact, apart from Anatomy of a Murder, it may be the gemmiest.

review by: date: 2006-04-26 rating:

A REAL FEELGOOD MOVIE
Prabably not Stewarts best movie but definately one of his most likeable ones that you can watch again and again and appreciate the excellent music and story.

There needs no explanation, the story is a biopic of the life of famous band leader Glenn Miller and his search for that special sound. Stewart plays the part beautifuly and even looks like Miller which really helps us in reliving that era.

Definately a film worth watching time and again,you know exactly what is coming up but the quality of acting and story makes this one a jem.The only disappointment are the extra features or lack of them,this is such a famous film that i am sure there are hidden moments that could be added. Look at the DVD of Capras brilliant Stewart film "Its a wonderfull Life" the extras improve ones understanding of that amazing film.

Possibly its an opportunity missed but donot miss this film.
If for some reason you have never seen this Stewart classic its a film well worth buying for a history of Millers music and life.

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