Did Jimmy Stewart Really Play The Trombone In The Glenn Miller Story? Did Jimmy Stewart Learn The Trombone For The Glenn Miller Story?

James Stewart took trombone lessons in order to actually play during scenes where Glenn Miller is seen performing with his orchestra.

However, while learning from his tutor, Stewart’s attempts at practicing the instrument made such horrible noises that the teacher reportedly went home in a rage every night to his family.

It was decided that Stewart would accurately mime the motions of playing (especially apparent during the performance of String of Pearls) while his trombone tutor Joe Yukl did the actual playing.

Among those attending the premiere of the film was Glenn Miller’s mother, who thought the film good enough, but opined that her son was better-looking than James Stewart.

One of Glenn Miller’s trombones is on display at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, OH, along with other Miller memorabilia.

According to the display notes, the Miller estate allowed James Stewart to “play” this trombone in this film. Another trombone and additional memorabilia are displayed at the Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum in Clarinda, IA.

Second of three movies where James Stewart and June Allyson played husband and wife. The other two are Strategic Air Command & The Stratton Story.