This is an exceptionally fine bio-pic. From beginning to end, the entire filming was handled just about as perfectly as one could desire. The story does not need to be reviewed here, because it's the well known story of how Glenn Miller got started, his early tribulations, his ultimate success, and his death in WWII.
There are a number of factors that make this film so good, chief among them the chemistry between Jimmy Stewart (as Glenn) and June Allyson as his wife. They were exceptionally good together in a total of 3 films. This is one of Stewart's most pleasing performances! The music here is also excellent, and from what I understand, these are the best renditions of the Miller Sound ever made due to technically more impressive recordings than some of the original recordings (of course, most of these tunes come from the 40s, while these recordings were made in the mid-1950s).
While it is very much Stewart's and Allyson's picture, the supporting cast does a fine job, as well. Harry Morgan is very pleasing here as friend and pianist. Charles Drake is fine as an associate. George Tobias, almost always fun, is very pleasant here. And Barton MacLane plays a good guy here as General Hap Arnold. There are also a number of "guest appearances" that are really special -- Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa, Frances Langford, and others.
The photography and color are great, although in the version currently being shown on TCM, there seems to be a slight color issue late in the film...but not enough to detract from enjoying the film.
Again, an excellent biopic that didn't inspire me to buy the DVD, but did inspire me to download the soundtrack! Highly recommended.
There are a number of factors that make this film so good, chief among them the chemistry between Jimmy Stewart (as Glenn) and June Allyson as his wife. They were exceptionally good together in a total of 3 films. This is one of Stewart's most pleasing performances! The music here is also excellent, and from what I understand, these are the best renditions of the Miller Sound ever made due to technically more impressive recordings than some of the original recordings (of course, most of these tunes come from the 40s, while these recordings were made in the mid-1950s).
While it is very much Stewart's and Allyson's picture, the supporting cast does a fine job, as well. Harry Morgan is very pleasing here as friend and pianist. Charles Drake is fine as an associate. George Tobias, almost always fun, is very pleasant here. And Barton MacLane plays a good guy here as General Hap Arnold. There are also a number of "guest appearances" that are really special -- Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa, Frances Langford, and others.
The photography and color are great, although in the version currently being shown on TCM, there seems to be a slight color issue late in the film...but not enough to detract from enjoying the film.
Again, an excellent biopic that didn't inspire me to buy the DVD, but did inspire me to download the soundtrack! Highly recommended.