"Tender Mercies" and "Billy Elliot"...my two favourite stories.Don't care how often you tell them in how many films...I'm a sucker for the fallen idol and the kid who's different.
As to Glen's death. I've heard the latest rumour, but I still think he was bombed out of the sky by planes dumping their loads after an abortive raid. If the other story's true;
"Oh, Glen!" (said in the sexiest voice in recorded history...June Allyson's)