Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26945 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-08-15
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Dubbed, Subtitled, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish, French
• Dubbed in: French
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 102 minutes

Review
The Stratton Story was a home run at the box office when released, when the name "Monty Stratton" still held considerable recognition factor. Viewers today won't know much about him, but once they start watching, they're bound to get hooked. Stratton is not a great film, but it's one that most people will find hard to resist. Even those who object to the manipulative nature of some of the storytelling, or to what are now some fairly clich�d situations probably will be willing to let those objections pass, for Stratton's heart is so much in the right place that most can't help but like the old lug. The story may be manipulative, but it's a doozy -- and truth to tell, scenarists Douglas Morrow and Guy Troper do an excellent job of tugging at the heartstrings while still keeping things light. They're helped enormously in this by the presence of James Stewart in the title role, who knows how to reach down into the depths when necessary but also knows how to toss off lines and bring unexpected lightness at key moments. June Allyson turns in one of her best performances in a role that could get easily have been sailed through, Frank Morgan adds some humor and Agnes Moorehead is stern yet winning. Inspirational yet controlled, Stratton is a winner. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide

On the DVD
ccVintage featurette Pest Control
Classic cartoon Batty Baseball
Audio-only bonus: radio show with Stewart and Allyson
Theatrical trailer
Languages: English & Fran�ais
Subtitles: English, Fran�ais & Espa�ol (feature film only)

Synopsis
Both Van Johnson and Gregory Peck were considered for the role of baseball star Monty Stratton in the 1949 biopic The Stratton Story before settling upon the real Stratton's own first choice, James Stewart. The film covers several years in the 1930s, as Texas farm boy Stratton rises from the minors to the Chicago White Sox. Along the way, Monty marries an Omaha gal named Ethel (June Allyson), who gives him a son. In November 1938, Monty accidentally shoots himself in the leg while on a hunting excursion. When the leg has to be amputated, it looks as though Stratton's pitching career is over. He broods over his bad luck for months before snapping out of his self-pity and learning to walk with his new prosthesis. To prove to himself that he's overcome his handicap, Monty takes a job pitching with the Southern All-Stars. His return to baseball is rough sledding (the other team persistently bunts balls out of his reach), but Monty Stratton is finally able to make a successful comeback. Only occasionally playing fast and loose with the facts (the time-frame of Stratton's real-life return to baseball is telescoped by several years), The Stratton Story was one of the best and most profitable baseball pictures ever turned out by Hollywood. Fans of the game will get an extra kick from the presence in the cast of big-leaguers Bill Dickey and Jimmy Dykes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Customer Reviews

The Stratton Story
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
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.