Load of rubbish!!

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

"Music for Millions" is a very frustrating film to watch. There is so much to like about it that it's a shame the plot takes a very dark and uncomfortable twist...one that practically ruins the picture. Fortunately, the excellent acting and music manage to salvage it...a bit.When the film begins, poor little Mike (Margaret O'Brien) has arrived unexpectedly in order to live with her sister, Barbara (June Allyson). Barbara plays in an orchestra...an orchestra consisting mostly of women due to the war. In the orchestra, Barbara has a lot of friends and life is grand. During this part of the film, the only real concerns are how to get the nosy landlord to accept having Mike live with Barbara as well as how lonely the pregnant Barbara is with her husband off in the war.About midway through the film, the screenwriter took an insane choice. A telegram arrives saying that Barbara's husband is dead...and they decide to NOT tell her because they were concerned about Barbara's unborn child. So, for months they keep it from her...even when Barbara assumes he MUST be dead because she has heard nothing from him. She's practically hysterical with worry...and yet her friends KEEP up the pretense...which seems cruel and stupid. How does the film manage to handle it...I know...toss in a happily ever after Hollywood ending!!! Huh?!?As I said, the plot was a problem and it's a darn shame. It's probably June Allyson's best performance and yet it's overshadowed by a dopey plot. It's a shame...a real shame.

I know we live in a different world than we did in 1944, but its surprising to find a mainstream studio film that has a "power of prayer" theme. A beautifully told, sweet and honest story with (I'll have to admit) lots of overly sentimental scenes, this movie is about hope, and prayer, and belief in a higher power during difficult times. We have forgotten what it feels like to live in a world where most everyone was united against a clearly defined evil, and, I think we have to admit, a country that was much more united in its views of God and faith. I celebrate the diversity of today and am proud of our country because of it, but this ancient world of 1944 did exist. And it is worth celebrating too.

This is a wonderful movie, where the trauma from a war, which invades all countries during all wars, is seen through the eyes of a child. A brilliant actress, Margaret O'Brien, takes viewers through the torment of WWII, praying for the safe return of her sister's husband. I taped this movie when it played on TCM, and I've watched it many times, because it sends multiple hidden messages to those who watch with wisdom. The movie exposes a woman's fear of losing the father of the fetus in her womb. That fear is something that people continue to experience in today's world. Adults in the movie learn from the wisdom of the little girl, Mike, who helps her sister during this struggle. During WWII the music in this movie was marvelous for millions; it's quite inspiring to viewers today, as well.

This little movie is a warm, loving, funny movie full of hope and faith from a 7 year old child in a time of World War. They don't make them like this any more, plain acting NO special effects. You can't find it on any type of video, though I can't imagine why, with all the trash being brought out today. If you can catch it on one of the movie channels DO NOT MISS IT; grab something warm to drink and some tissues.