The shelf

The Stratton Story (1949) poster

All Ages

The Stratton Story

1949

Texas farm boy Monty Stratton is discovered pitching on the sandlots and makes it to the Chicago White Sox, marrying his sweetheart Ethel along the way. At the height of his career, a hunting accident takes his leg.

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 46 minutes
Director
Sam Wood
Cast
James Stewart, June Allyson, Frank Morgan, Agnes Moorehead, and Bill Williams
Picture
B&W
Genre
Drama, Romance
Shelf
Family

Why it’s here

A true story of a pitcher who loses a leg and fights back with his wife's love. James Stewart and June Allyson make a picture of loyal marriage.

Context notes

For parents, before you press play.

Monty accidentally shoots himself while hunting and his leg is amputated (not graphic). He despairs and pushes his wife away for a time, then recovers with her help, which is a good talk about facing hardship.

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 Monty feel after the accident?
  2. How did Ethel help him?
  3. What did it take for him to pitch again?
  4. Which moment stuck with you?

Content advisory

WebSearch synthesis: an accidental hunting gunshot leading to an amputation (not graphic); no notable language or other concerns.

Best edition

The disc comes first.

The Stratton Story DVD (Warner Archive Collection)

DVD · 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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