The shelf

The Glenn Miller Story (1954) poster

All Ages

The Glenn Miller Story

1954

Trombonist Glenn Miller struggles for years to find his own sound, supported by the patient Helen Burger, whom he marries. Success finally comes, and during WWII he takes his band overseas to play for the troops.

The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.

Runtime
1 hour 56 minutes
Rating
G (re-release rating per TMDB)
Director
Anthony Mann
Cast
James Stewart, June Allyson, Harry Morgan, Charles Drake, and George Tobias
Picture
Color
Genre
Drama, Music, Romance
Shelf
Family

Why it’s here

A bandleader and his devoted wife, with "Moonlight Serenade" and "In the Mood." Service to the troops, and a marriage that stays sweet.

Context notes

For parents, before you press play.

Glenn disappears on a flight over the English Channel, which is sad for younger viewers. Nightclub drinking and smoking; nothing else of note.

Discussion questions

When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.

  1. How did Helen help Glenn?
  2. What was Glenn's "sound"?
  3. Why did he go overseas?
  4. Which song was your favorite?

Content advisory

Dove: no drugs, sex, language, violence, or nudity flagged.

Trailer

Best edition

The disc comes first.

The Glenn Miller Story Blu-ray

Blu-ray · November 20, 2018

Coming later

Where to stream

Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.

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