Glenn Miller (band leader) story

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Have you ever watched a movie that left a lasting impression on you?

Last night on TMC the Glenn Miller story with James Stewart & June Allyson was on. I thought, "what the heck," and watched it.

For one thing - James Stewart - what a handsome man! and June Allyson - so pretty.

But, I never really knew about the life of Glenn Miller, just that I liked some of his music.

The movie shows how he joined the service to better serve our country with his music, and then went overseas during WWII.

I was shocked to learn that the plane he was in was lost in transit on its way from England to France where he was going to prepare for a Christmas concert.

I know this happened a long time ago, but watching the movie just made me so sad for his wife and young children - what music would we be listening to today (well, those of us who still listen to the big band sound, even if once in awhile) if he had continued to live and make music.

Thought I would include links to his biography here, and if any of you like those biography type movies, and see that this one is going to be on tv, grab some popcorn & sit & watch it - it's good.


http://www.glennmiller.org/history.htm
http://www.answers.com/topic/glenn-miller-bandleader-trombonist-missing-person

ETA: In the movie it shows that he & his wife adopted two children. Jimmy Stewart portrayed him as a loving husband and loving father.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

My dad was really into big bands (he was even the base disc jockey when he was in the USAF in the late 40s between WWII and Korea) and always had a lot of Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman. I have a couple of Miller songs on my Ipod. He was really excellent. BTW he didn't have children, just a wife. It was a shock to me growing up when I found out he was lost without a trace in WWII.
Robin M.

 

[mickey4ver]

I am a fan of 'old' movies...I've watched old movies for years, just love them, they don't make em like the used to

The Glenn Miller Story, well, I couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've seen the movie, in fact, when it was on last night, I watched a few minutes, then moved on to something else, I thought its pretty bad when I know what is going to be said or what scene is next from seeing it so many times It is a wonderful story and movie, the truth kinda molded just a tad to make a 'good' movie. I honestly couldn't tell you how many times I've seen it...guess I first saw it as a youngster...and I'm now 57, so that should give you an indication of the years from then til now that I've had to watch this movie

If you like Jimmy & June together, another good one to catch is called 'The Stratton Story'...its another 'biographical' type movie about a baseball player who lost a leg in a hunting accident and came back to play baseball. Yet another oldie but goodie!!

I so appreciate anyone who also appreciates the actors and movies from yester year....I love them and TCM is such a great movie resource. I'm always checking out to see what's on so I can DVR it to watch when I have time. It's nice there is still a cable channel that gives the classics the due they deserve. AMC used to be a great outlet for these movies, but they started putting commericals on and showing 'newer' classics.

 

[Michelle67]

Thanks for the tip! I will definitely watch for it. I love Glenn Miller's music, and so does my nine year old daughter.

 

[travelbug]

I remember that movie well. It was interesting and touching. I thought James Stewart was a great choice to play Glenn Miller. I'd like to see the movie again sometime.

 

[mickey4ver]

I believe in 'real life', not movie life his 2 children were adopted

 

[McRed]

Here are two movies to really watch out for. Both Movies feature the real Glenn Miller and his Orchestra. The First movie is called "Orchestra Wifes". Not only is Glenn Miller and the Orchestra in the movie but it also includes Jackie Gleason and Ceasar Romero...AKA the Joker...as band members.
The other movie is called "Sun Valley Serenade". This is actually a Sonya Henning Movie, and is more comedic than the other movie. This one is about a down and out band trying to make it big by trying lots of media stunts from the band's manager...Milton Burle.
Both Movies feature awesome music and the dance talents of a group known as the Nicolas Brothers. "Sun Valley" has a wonderful arrangement of Chattanooga Choo-Choo that I swear goes on for seven minutes. First they do the whole song without singing, then Tex Beneke gets up from the Sax Section and joins the Modernaires in singing the song. Then the band cranks up again as the forementioned Nicolas Brothers do a dance routine. It'll really get ya' going.
I recorded both these movies years ago when AMC was commercial free. I have since dumped them over to DVD, and watch them every Christmas.

 

[DISUNC]

Here is a test from the Movie.....According to the movie, What was his wifes phone number before they married?

 

[akhenaten]

I loved the glen Miller story!! It was a fantastic film...

another childhood favorite of mine was "Pride of the Yankees" the lou gehrig story!!

Another moving story well told!!!!

You may want to check it out........

 

[lisajl]

Hey! I watched it last night, too. I have seen it many times. My DH came home late and was watching it with me. Then we stayed up to watch the Benny Goodman story. Honestly, not as good, but still interesting.

I love TCM. Every time Cat on a Hot tin roof is on, I can't move off the couch. That is a great movie, that says a lot about family and how we are with them.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I don't remember the movie that well but knowing the music I'd guess her phone number was Pennsylvania 6-5000!
Do you remember the Glenn Miller mention in "Young Frankenstein"? "Pardon me boy, is this the Transylvania station?" "Yah, track 29--can I give you a shine?"
I showed part of Pride of the Yankees when I taught "Tuesdays With Morrie" because most of my students didn't know who Lou Gehrig was!
Robin M.

 

[akhenaten]

I don't remember the movie that well but knowing the music I'd guess her phone number was Pennsylvania 6-5000!


Robin M.

Actually it was the phone # of the Pennsylvania Hotel in NYC...
I believe it still is.....

 

[agnes!]

Jimmy Stewart was a wonderful man. I met him once at a book-signing. My mother met both him & hs beautiful wife Gloria a number of times.

If you love Jimmy Stewart, check out the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, PA (where Jimmy grew up). It's a must for any of his fans. Indiana also has a film festival of sorts every year with a guest of honor. One time it was Shirley Jones(who starred in "Cheyenne Social Club" with Jimmy). Other guests have been Nick Clooney and the actress who played "Zazu" in "It's a Wonderful Life".

I LOVE the Nicholas Brothers, they were true artists.

agnes!

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

I have seen the movie in the past. In real life, I play swing music. We've been doing some Big Band Classics at our concerts this summer. We feature "In the mood" and a couple more.

 

[DISUNC]

I don't remember the movie that well but knowing the music I'd guess her phone number was Pennsylvania 6-5000!

Actually it was the phone # of the Pennsylvania Hotel in NYC...
I believe it still is.....

Cool, I have to try that.

Jimmy Stewart was a wonderful man. I met him once at a book-signing. My mother met both him & hs beautiful wife Gloria a number of times.

If you love Jimmy Stewart, check out the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, PA (where Jimmy grew up). It's a must for any of his fans. Indiana also has a film festival of sorts every year with a guest of honor. One time it was Shirley Jones(who starred in "Cheyenne Social Club" with Jimmy). Other guests have been Nick Clooney and the actress who played "Zazu" in "It's a Wonderful Life".

I LOVE the Nicholas Brothers, they were true artists.

agnes!

Really???? I will have to check that out. Jimmy Stewart is my all time favorite!!!!

 

[akhenaten]

Really???? I will have to check that out. Jimmy Stewart is my all time favorite!!!!

something we can agree upon!!

 

[celerystalker]

Here is a test from the Movie.....According to the movie, What was his wifes phone number before they married?

867-5309?

Tee hee. Just kidding.

I couldn't remember it, but I love how all the band would put down their instruments and say it with him in the song.

Very good movie! I, too, love Jimmy Stewart.
Definitely see Harvey if you haven't.

My ex husband was really into glen miller and introduced me to him and the movie - I had NO IDEA!!!!! how the movie was going to end.



Anyway, another favorite of mine is swing kids - about the swing movement in Germany right before and during WWII.
For a different take on how things were.
I BAWLED during that movie.

SPOILER FOR ANOTHER historical MOVIE/biopic:

















I just watched Rocky marciano the other day - same kind of thing! I was completely caught off guard by the tragic end!

 

[akhenaten]

Cool, I have to try that.



!

New York Hotel Pennsylvania
www.hotelpenn.com

401 7th Ave
New York, NY 10001
(212) 736-5000
P(7) E(3)6-5000

yep it still is......

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I believe in 'real life', not movie life his 2 children were adopted

In the movie his 2 children were adopted.

Great movie, I seen it many times. Oh and Pennsylvania 6500 was the number she was supposed to call, but was it her number?

 

[rie'smom]

I love this movie. My grandmother loved big band music and when I spent time with her, she taught me how to do some of the dances-the Big Apple, Jitterbug,etc-very fond memories.