When a motion picture features the unbridled individuality of Jimmy Durante, the uncontested childhood charm of Margaret O'Brien, and artistry on the piano by Jose Iturbi, it becomes quite easy to overlook accompanying faults. "Music for Millions" may be somewhat wearing in its trite two-hour tug at wartime heart strings, but it is well stocked with talent that comes to the rescue during emotionally topheavy moments.

The "millions" in the title are members of the armed forces stationed in the United States who hear symphony music performed by a noted orchestra on tour of service camps. June Allyson and and Marsha Hunt head a troupe of girl instrumentalists manning the violins for victory, Durante acts as manager of the outfit and general good humor man, and Miss O'Brien goes along as mascot. There are frequent syrupy interludes of worry about Joe, Miss Allyson's husband who is missing in the Pacific, but there are also magnificent renditions of Handel's "Messiah" under the baton of Iturbi, and "Au Clare de Lune" by Larry Adler with his harmonica.

If "Music for Millions" cannot be recommended without qualifications, it is simply because the plot lacks originality and the sprightliness of several in the cast is held down under sentimentality. Similar productions have been less entertaining; this one is saved by the sincerity of June Allyson and the whimsy of "Umbriago." ssh