The Stratton Story

Starring: James Stewart, June Allyson, Agnes Moorehead
Directed by: Sam Wood
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Drama, Sports
1949

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary:Monty Stratton (James Stewart) rises as a star pitcher with the Chicago White Sox. His entire life changes after a hunting accident causes him to lose one of his legs. He falls into a deep depression, dealing with the fate of his new life.

Review:

Tim: James Stewart as a baseball player = Brilliant, brilliant idea. Stewart gives a tremendous performance, and as a result, we have a truly great movie here. I'm not sure why, but I just love the idea of Stewart as a ballplayer. He looks convincing, and the story provides him with a great deal to work with. He has been more effective than here, but not by much. Sometimes the idea of a certain actor playing a certain part is just exciting and inspiring.

Stewart works so well in this role. He has a good pairing with June Allyson. This was their first film together (they later starred in The Glenn Miller Story and Strategic Air Command). They work well together and have an odd type of chemistry. They are fun to watch together on screen.

This film is so successful and so moving because it charts the rise, fall, and rise of a good, honest man. We watch as Stratton is plucked from obscurity, rises rapidly to stardom, and riding the wave of joy and hope, suddenly crashes down into the pits of despair. From this lowest point do we find our inspiration, watching as the human spirit triumphs against all challenges. In these moments, the film comes completely together, and we are left amazed.

The Stratton Story has something for everyone- it is a baseball story, a biopic, a love story, a story of human triumph, and more. This film is solidly made, has a very good cast, and tells a believable and exciting story. This film is a gem that is often overlooked, yet as a huge box office success when it was theatrically released.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Glenn Miller Story, Strategic Air Command