Chicago White Sox pitcher Monty Stratton is an affable long drink of water with an easy, whiplike delivery and a pitch so unhittable the young phenom racks up consecutive 15-win seasons. But Stratton's greatest victory doesn't come on the manicured green diamonds of our national pastime. James Stewart portrays Stratton, who loses a leg in an accident just as his career is on the rise ... and whose triumph over despair and disability leads him to pitch again. Stewart signed on for the role when he realized the film would be an inspiration to injured World War II GIs. The film still inspires. Awarded an Oscar for Best Motion Picture Story and supported by a top cast that includes real-life ballplayers, The Stratton Story is sports biography at its best.

Director Sam Wood's final film presents the real-life story of courageous sports hero Monty Stratton. Jimmy Stewart presents a career-defining performance as the young Chicago White Sox pitcher who loses a leg in a tragic hunting accident. Depressed, Stratton at first refuses to walk with his new artificial limb, but under the encouragement of his wife, Ethel (June Allyson), he relearns to walk just as his young son takes his own first steps. With courage and determination, Stratton builds his strength and returns to the sport at which he excelled, becoming a minor league star. This uplifting story avoids becoming maudlin by virtue of Wood's excellent directing, a truly beautiful performance from Jimmy Stewart, an Academy Award-winning script from Douglas Morrow and Guy Trosper, and the very real chemistry between Stewart and actress Allyson.