He was reported missing in action on December 15, 1944, while travelling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II. His plane disappeared in bad weather somewhere over the English Channel.
There is a truly great movie that depicts his life and music. It is called
The Glenn Miller Story. The movie was filmed in 1954 and stars James Stewart and June Allyson.
Here is a clip from this movie.... the song is called Saint Louis Blues March. Now this sequence is considered to be an anachronism because the parade happened in 1942, just after Miller was inducted into the army, but the B29 bomber in the background wasn't introduced until 1944. Also, the marching troops are desegregated which didn't happen until 1948. However the movie is enjoyable nonetheless.
I think the best part of the movie introduced one of my all time favorite songs called In the Mood. I just loved how the band played on in the middle of an air raid....true genius of the director to create this effect.
On a more personal note....throughout the movie, June Allyson, who portrayed his wife, loved the song Little Brown Jug. She always hoped that he would rearrange the music...but he hated the song so vowed he would never play the song. However just before he was reported missing he finally did rearrange the song and I just loved the outcome.
Of course there are a number of other great tunes he composed like A String of Pearls, Moonlight Serenade, Tuxedo Junction, and Pennsylvania 6-5000 to name a few. All great tunes!
When you get the chance....see the movie...you won't regret it!
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