The Glenn Miller Story, starring Stewart and June Allyson, went into general release in the U.S. on December 10, 1953. At the same time, Universal-International issued a special interview disc to help promote the film. The record was released in two different formats – a 12-inch, 33 1/3 RPM red vinyl disc and a 7-inch, 45 RPM red vinyl disc (DCLA 1337).
In the campaign booklet sent to theaters, there was even a small ad letting owners know that the disc was available:
Both discs featured an open-end interview with Stewart on one side and another with June Allyson on the other side. As with all open-end interviews, only the star’s answers are on the record. The local DJ would ask the questions and then play the appropriate answer track. Here are the questions and then Stewart’s answers…you play the DJ.
As our guest today we are privileged to talk with one of Hollywood’s least talkative citizens — Jimmy Stewart. Few performers in Hollywood achieve stardom, fewer still achieve stature as well as stardom, and modest self-effacing Jimmy Stewart is one of them. Perhaps during this interview you will understand why Jimmy Stewart has remained on the Hollywood scene as one of the stars’ favorite stars. Hello, Jimmy…and a real warm welcome.
Jimmy, I know one thing that’s happened in that — well, twenty-five years, isn’t it, since you first went to Hollywood?
Your billing is still James Stewart, but does anybody ever call you James — isn’t it Jim or Jimmy pretty much all of the time?
Well, we’ll stick to Jimmy, and if I’m not mistaken, you started your film career in about 1935 with M-G-M. Do you remember the title of your first picture?
I’m sure it was, Jimmy, because what happened to your career after that is motion picture history. We’ve heard some wonderful reports about your Technicolor picture, The Glenn Miller Story, in which you play the role of Glenn Miller, and June Allyson plays your wife. I noticed in your biography that you play the accordion and also the piano. How do you rate yourself as a musician?
Well, let’s hear about them.
Well, those instruments weren’t too much assistance in your portrayal of
Glenn Miller.
When we see The Glenn Miller Story, Jimmy, will the sounds we hear issuing forth from the trombone be you playing the instrument?
If that’s the case, then I know you put a lot of time and effort into perfecting your movements to make the role convincing. Jimmy, there’s just one more question before you leave — I watched you and your wife make your joint television debut on Jack Benny’s program. I was wondering if Mrs. Stewart has any aspirations for a movie career?
Jimmy, that’s a wonderful story to end this interview with, and we’ll certainly be looking forward to seeing you and June Allyson co-starring in Universal-International’s Technicolor biography of the great bandleader, The Glenn Miller Story. It was a real pleasure having you on the show, Jimmy Stewart.
