‘Music for Millions’ (1944): Wartime Prayer and Music

MGM distinguished itself during the Golden Era of Hollywood, particularly the 1940s, by featuring famous classical musicians in its major films. They not only performed musical numbers but also played acting roles in the stories.

One of my favorite wartime musicals is “Music for Millions” (1944), which is perfectly described by its title and features musical performances by two very different but equally legendary musical talents, Jose Iturbi and Jimmy Durante. Iturbi, Spanish concert pianist and conductor who made 10 movies at MGM in the 1940s–50s, and Durante, the Brooklyn vaudevillian with a raspy voice and a hilariously rambunctious piano style, couldn’t be more different.

This movie isn’t just a series of musical numbers, however. In fact, all of the music is entirely “in context,” since it’s being performed by the characters in the story. Add to that a charming cast of lovely young actresses, and you have a moving story about a group of female musicians who support each other during an orchestra tour of the military bases in World War II.

Little Sister Arrives

The story begins when an 8-year-old girl nicknamed Mike (Margaret O’Brien) arrives in New York to stay with her much older sister, Barbara (June Allyson). Barbara, an expectant mother whose husband is in the army, is a string bass player in a symphony orchestra. She rooms with six other female musicians, who are rapidly becoming the majority in the orchestra as the male instrumentalists are drafted for military duty.

Mike (Margaret O'Brien) arrives on the stage of conductor Joseph Iturbi, in "Music for Millions." (MovieStillsDB)

Conductor Jose Iturbi controls his temper over Mike’s disrupting the show to see her sister, at the suggestion of his manager, former pianist Andrews (Durante). However, he soon begins to truly bond with the adorable little girl, while Andrews remains hostile toward her.

Mike is a very religious little girl, faithfully praying to God and St. Christopher. As the orchestra begins touring, Barbara grows increasingly concerned about her husband, Joe, since she hasn’t received a letter from him in months. However, Mike encourages her to bring her fears to the Lord. Little do the sisters know that the other girls have received news about Barbara’s husband, which they struggle to keep a secret.

This was one of the first starring roles of June Allyson, a rising star who would become the quintessential girl next door. Margaret O’Brien, age 10, who was fresh off her highly acclaimed performance in “Meet Me in St. Louis,” received star billing for her role of the faithful little girl.

The most prominent of the other girls is Rosalind, a sharp-witted harpist, who is played by Marsha Hunt, the oldest Golden Era star upon her death last September at 104. Marie, a sweet but ditsy blonde clarinetist, is played by Marie Wilson, who would later become well known as the title character in “My Friend Irma.” The third main friend is Helen, played by Helen Gilbert, who was a cellist in MGM’s orchestra before she started acting.

The Music

The story is beautifully woven together by exquisite pieces of classical music. The classical music featured includes Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto, “The March of the Toys” by Victor Herbert, Waltz in E Minor by Fredric Chopin, and George Frideric Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from “The Messiah.”

A very poignant song in the story is Claude Debussy’s “Claire de lune,” which is played on the piano by Jose Iturbi and on the harmonica by Larry Adler, a famous mouth organ player. On the jazzy side, Jimmy Durante performs two comedic songs while accompanying himself on piano.

This large dedication of time to classical music is thanks to Joe Pasternak, the movie’s Hungarian producer, who loved music of many genres and brought countless famous musicians to the screen.

In the 1940s, many movies included religious themes or scenes. However, “Music for Millions” has a particularly poignant spiritual theme because it is not overtly religious. There are no clergy shown onscreen, and the only scene in a church does not take place during a service. This is a very relatable story about faith. Mike’s demonstration of faith, prayer, and trust in God is relatable to anyone who believes in a higher power.

One night on a train, Mike climbs into her sister’s bunk and finds her crying. She reluctantly confides to her sister that she doesn’t think Joe will ever come back, since she fears the worst after not receiving a letter from him in months.

Barbara (June Allyson) talks with her sister (Margaret O'Brien), in a lobby card for "Music for Millions."  (MovieStillsDB)

Mike encourages her to confide her loneliness to God, but Barbara reveals that she doesn’t believe God knows or cares about her problems. The child’s faith is a beautiful response to her sister’s fear and hopelessness in a particularly dark moment, reminding us where we can turn when we feel lost.

Barbara later confesses how lonely and frightened she feels to Jose Iturbi, when his beautiful piano rendition of “Claire de lune” brings her to tears. He cheers her up by inviting her into his room, offering her sound words of encouragement, and playing an upbeat Chopin tune.

Prayer and Music

This movie focuses on a group of brave, feminine young women who bond together and support each other during the dark days of World War II. The star of the story is little Mike, beautifully played by Margaret O’Brien in one of her finest early performances. She is a little guardian angel to all the other characters, touching the life of everyone she meets.

Mike (Margaret O'Brien) and Andrews (Jimmy Durante), in a lobby card for "Music for Millions." (MovieStillsDB)

“Music for Millions” is a very inspiring movie, offering laughs, smiles, tears, and tunes. It will touch your heart in the best way possible. The next time  you’re planning a movie night, grab some popcorn and enjoy this touching celebration of the best antidotes for care, prayer, and music!