James Stewart; at his warmest and most avuncular; plays the bandleader who rocketed to fame during the swing era. The Glenn Miller Story may be a whitewashed version of Miller's life; but it certainly is a pleasant example of the feel-good Hollywood biopic; with the usual conventions: early struggles; loyal wife (June Allyson at her chirpiest); personal sacrifice--Miller joins the Army when war breaks out; although he doesn't have to--and ultimate tragedy. All the Glenn Miller classics filling the soundtrack make the film pretty easy to take; too: "Moonlight Serenade;" "A String of Pearls;" "Chattanooga Choo-Choo." Miller plays the great "In the Mood" with his military band during a World War II air-raid warning. Pure corn; but it works. Director Anthony Mann; better known for his superb series of hard-bitten fifties westerns with Stewart; keeps the story moving gently and gracefully. A hot jazz interlude features Louis Armstrong and Gene Krupa. --Robert Horton