The Stratton Story (1944)

When the Look and Feel are Right, Corniness Doesn't Matter

If baseball is so symbolic of America that it becomes a metaphor for how we like to think we are or can be, then films that celebrate the immortals of baseball can easily tap into a well of mythic consciousness that resonates with each generation that watches them. In THE STRATTON STORY, director Sam Wood recreates a celluloid vision of grass roots America that audiences could well remember from PRIDE OF THE YANKEES. James Stewart as Monty Stratton has never been better as the small town pitcher who goes from the minors to the majors only to discover that the biggest obstacle of all is not the fearsome sluggers of Murderers Row but rather the difference between success and failure is the ability to rise above personal misfortune by sheer effort of will.

Director Wood splits screen time between country scenes of dusty roads and Texas farmhouses with baseball parks, all of which are populated by the good folks that we see in any painting by Norman Rockwell. Stewart as Stratton does far more than aw-shuck his way through a role that in the hands of a lesser might have emerged as little more than a bumpkin stereotype. As Stratton struggles to rise in the hierarchy of baseball and slowly connects with June Allyson as Ethel, we can see that despite some serious obstacles in the way, we have no doubt that he will succeed. Indeed, we find that as Stallone later could do as Rocky, we pull for him from the very first reel where Frank Morgan first sees him in some out of the way ball field and just knows that he is destined for greatness. For a movie that is grounded in baseball, most of the really interesting parts occur off the field. We can identify with the cast in a manner that is rare. Agnes Moorehead as Stratton's mother is the rock that Ethel leans on when Monty loses a leg in a hunting accident, and Ethel tries to be that rock for a man who first needs to know what it means to be a man before he knows what it means to be a ball player. The on the field scenes ring with hardscrabble baseball lore, so much so that we do not care that the cliches add up mostly to justify the winning games that emerge from Stratton's prosthetic leg as much as from his strong right arm. There are several cameos of real life ball players and managers, all of whom add a note of authenticity to a film that already rings true on every level that counts. What emerges by the end is an entertaining look into just what constitutes a myth of a larger than life hero that is peculiarly American. When Gary Cooper gave his "I am the luckiest man in the world" speech at the close of PRIDE OF THE YANKEES, he might also have been speaking to Monty Stratton who can now see himself as similarly blessed. In fact, it is the audience that can participate in Gehrig's and Stratton's paean to luck and happiness. Only the very best films like THE STRATTON STORY can claim that. September 28, 2008

Genuinely Delightful

This movie is based on a true story, which always makes for the best kind of movie! And it is genuinely delightful. The picture quality is very clear, so much so, that the people I was watching the movie with couldn't believe it was a movie from the forties. Jimmy Stewart does an excellent job of portraying Stratton, a "country" baseball player from Texas who makes it to the majors and then wounds himself while hunting for rabbits. Resulting in the amputation of his leg. June Allyson is so very likeable as Stratton's very encouraging wife. The interplay between Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson is very sweet and very funny. Overall, the movie is just so delightful and likeable that I recommend it for everyone of all ages. It has a lot of baseball that can appeal to the young and old alike and the story is one that reaches everyone. It is actually one of the better movies I've seen, and given how many I like to watch, that's really something! June 14, 2008

Great Come Back!

True Story Marty Stratton, who pitched for the Chicago White Sox in the 1930's. After consective 15-win seasons in 1937-38, Marty's career was on the rise, when before the 1939 season, he had an accident that cost him his right leg. The movie shows how he, with the help of his wife, started pitching again. Through he never pitches in the majors again he did pitch again. Great movie to show how you can come back and do things you love even if you are disabled. March 29, 2008

Fun old Jimmy Stewart movie

I love old movies and what was not to love with Jimmy Stewart in this one. March 26, 2008

Standing Strong

The Stratton Story is a film about a baseball hero (James Stewart), a man who fought hard to go from being a farmer to a major name in pitching for the Chicago White Sox. Through his persistence and good attitude, he was able to begin an ideal life with a wife (June Allyson), to take care of the farm where his mother (Agnes Moorhead) lived, maintain his friendship with the man who got him his start (Frank Morgan), and have children. However, an accident left him without a right leg and therefore out of the game he loved.

Stewart is amazing as always, nonchalantly charismatic playing a highly respectable character with a heart of gold. Allyson is the ideal wife, strong-willed and wholesome, a treat as soon as she walks onto the screen. The two make a great team and the lovers theme "You Are My Shining Star" only serves to make the bond sweeter.

This film is a biopic, but the mood is not haughty as to seem overly important. This makes it easier to digest since it is heartfelt but not overplayed. June 26, 2006

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