Chicago White Sox pitcher Monty Stratton is an affable long drink of water with an easy, whiplike delivery and a pitch so unhittable the young phenom racks up consecutive 15-win seasons. But Stratton's greatest victory doe... more »sn't come on the manicured green diamonds of our national pastime. James Stewart portrays Stratton, who loses a leg in an accident just as his career is on the rise...and whose triumph over despair and disability leads him to pitch again. Stewart signed on for the role when he realized the film would be an inspiration to injured World War II GIs. The film still inspires. Awarded an Oscar?* for Best Motion Picture Story, directed by Sam Wood (The Pride of the Yankees) and supported by a top cast that includes real-life ballplayers, The Stratton Story is sports biography at its best.« less
The story seemed pushed and James Stewart was a miscasted actor. Check out the other Stewart movies that are much better than this one!
Movie Reviews
The Stratton Story
Ivan Narayan | Vancouver, Canada | 07/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For Baseball Lovers and/or for those whom just enjoy Jimmy Stewart movies, you will love this movie. Stewart plays Monty Stratton, an upcoming WhiteSox pitcher who gets into an hunting accident and loses his leg. Stewart brillianty portrays the one legged man, who musters the strength and courage to go beyond his handicap and triumph against amazing odds. June Allyson excellently portrays his loving, supportive wife. Many top baseball stars of the time also participate in the movie. One of the few baseball movies that races through the entire range of human emotions with tremendous success."
A Grand Slam
Ivan Narayan | 02/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here is a great movie both for those who love baseball and those who don't. The story of Monty Stratton who had just made his mark as a major league pitcher with the Chicago White Sox. He had just completed a fabulous year and was to be the Sox mainstay for years to come when an unfortuanate hunting accident resulted in the amputation of his right leg. His courage and discipline combined with the faith of his wife and family provide a marvelous and miraculous result. James Stewart is perfect for the title role. Combining a down home relaxed approach with determination he brings the portrayal alive. June Allyson (in her first of three pairings with Stewart) is excellent as the supportive wife and Agnes Moorehead plays Stratton's mother with a sense of pioneer honesty and compassion. The thing true baseball fans will appreciate most is the authenticity of both the uniforms and the ballparks. Since the movie was made in the forties the ball parks were still available as were the uniforms. Also in the movie were many big leaguers including Jimmy Dykes who managed Stratton for the Sox. All in all this movie was sensitive without being sappy and handled a tough story with genuineness and integrity."
Real Movies
Firewagon | 12/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not your current fare of hyped up, computer generated, special effects gone wild type of film. This movie has screen legends of days gone by in a compelling true story.
I have seen most, if not all, of Jimmy Stewart's films and don't recall anything he had ever done that he wasn't believeable in. June Allyison, with that foggy voice, was only one of my boyhood sceen goddesses. What can you say about Agnes Moorehead - only one of the great character actresses of the "greatest generation!" And, you have four of 1949's professional baseball players apearing as themselves, including Bill Dickey.
A true love story that will lift all boats!"
Standing Strong
Samantha Kelley | USA | 06/26/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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."
A must have for Jimmy fans
A. Toland | Aloha, OR USA | 09/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a GREAT story about a Baseball player from a small town. Even though life throws him a few curve balls he still manages to make the most of the situation. The characters are lovable, and this story is one you'll take into your heart."