A vast improvement on the cutesy, blatantly unrealistic and cliched story on which it is based, the Disney film Pollyanna is a truly enjoyable, BELIEVABLE film. It has a very charming, nostalgic feel to it. The period costumes and sets are very good, and the direction is good, too. The best thing about it, however, are the performances. The talented cast really makes you believe in them and forget they're all stereotypes. Jane Wyman is quite good as Aunt Polly, as are Agnes Moorehead, Adolphe Menjou, and espicially Karl Malden. And Hayley Mills more than holds her own, giving a very good, subtle, believable performance. This Pollyanna does not spend all her time chatting her mouth off and misinterpreting every cold act of her aunt's as an expression of love, which made her very annoying in the book, but rather, she really gets to know people and very subtly brings out the best in them. A truly good family film, much better than the book, and one really worth viewing.
86 Reviews
A sweet and moving adaptation
spletinckx5 January 2006
Many different movies have been made out of Eleanor Porter's novel throughout the years. The story of the young Pollyanna, adopted by her strict aunt after the death of her parents, bringing back a long lost joy to an entire village is rather well known. Still, this Walt Disney version is both very charming and moving. It is probably thanks to David Swift excellent craftsmanship as a director, portraying some interesting characters while alternating with success funny or lighter moments with deeply moving ones. It may be thanks to a beautiful cast of experienced actors such as Jane Wyman (as the strict aunt), Karl Malden (as the flaming priest), Adolphe Menjou (as the recluse Mr Pendergast) or Agnes Moorehead (as the hypochondriac Mrs Snow). It could also be related to the beautifully optimistic message of joy and friendship. Yet, it is certainly due the exceptional on-screen presence of young British actress Hayley Mills. Her performance, only surpassed, in my opinion, by the one she delivers in The Parent Trap, earned her an Academy Award and allows her to deliver the spontaneity, curiosity and joy of living characteristic of Pollyanna. With such a package of qualities, this movie may do more than bring the best out of its character by bringing the best out of ourselves thanks to a little bit more than two hours of happiness.
A deliciously subversive adult film for kids
ptb-85 February 2011
It is well worth taking another look at POLLYANNA if you and your family have not seen it for a long time. You will be delighted to realize just how subversive this intelligent witty film is. In fact Pollyanna's surname IS Wittier. People who carp that this is a syrupy sweet film and moan about Disney saccharine movies are missing the point. POLLYANNA is a sly film about misuse of power, loneliness, bullying and meanness using a good natured teen to counterpoint a town of adults who have lost their way in their own lives. She has to be a strong opposite in order for each adult to have a revelation about their own unpleasant behavior. The key adult is her Aunt Polly who has not had sex for a long time, as a result she is bitter and bossy and all the town is afraid to stand up to her. Aunt Polly's sexual frustration is pointed out several times because, in a family film as sharp as this you can have very adult situations wrapped in gauze and acceptable as a character flaw. Pollyanna simply by being positive (and clever and funny) has a profound affect on everyone in need of re awakening. Pollyanna even takes on the hypocrisy of the church and the contents of the bible: One astonishing and powerful scene is in an open field on a very hot day with the church Pastor (a terrific Karl Malden) is practicing his latest fire and brimstone scare campaign. Pollyanna visits him and by being her intelligent self politely demolishes his mindset. He is found later by his wife collapsed with a overwhelming awareness of where he has been wrong. He then becomes a catalyst for motivating the town to stand up to Aunt Polly's sabotage of all their lives. What is so deliciously refreshing about POLLYANNA is that is it simple courtesy and commonsense from the mouth of a confident blossoming 13 year old girl (as 'the future') ...the milk mustache scene is completely THERE in mid screen for any slow learners. The direction is terrific and hilarious and there are many big laughs in small moments scattered through the film; Jimmy and the fish, Pollyanna imitating a cow chewing, the granny playing the drums, Pollyanna being handed sandwiches while hiding in a bush in the conservatory.... loads of crowd pleasing moments for a big audience of families to relish. Particularly moving is the whole subplot about the prisms of light. Agnes Moorehead has a hilarious turn as a hypochondriac who comes good and helps find Pollyanna a doll. Many many matching emotional moments all through this film. Adolph Menjou also has a great spot as the town scary man supposedly with a cellar full of slaves and rats. So take my advice and look for the wickedly funny jokes at the expanse of the status quo and have a wonderful time laughing and wiping tears with your kids and you embrace every magnificently produced sly comedy moment of this utterly clever heartwarming film. POLLYANNA is a complete success. Even vintage car enthusiast are included in the delighted audience for this film. The very funny opening scene of the naked boy swinging on a rope will alert you to the fact this is a film with a very wicked agenda. The production values of antiques costumes and gorgeous visuals are as lavish as MY FAIR LADY. And thank your lucky stars that it wasn't remade with Lindsay Lohan as THE PARENT TRAP was.
The best film to ever to come out of the Disney Studios
luke-3125 June 1999
This is an absolutely remarkable film.It is uplifting,life-affirming,and painfully truthful about human ways.Even though it is set in the early 1900's, its message is still very applicable in the modern world.I was blown away by the genuine power of Hayley Mill's performance.The supporting cast is also excellent,especially Karl Malden and Agnes Moorehead.If you want to see a nearly flawless and absolutely charming fim,than this is the one to see.Far and away Hayley's best performance.
Nice work...
gusienka17 April 2005
This movie ,,Pollyanna'' is quite fascinating especially the leading actress makes a wonderful atmosphere while watching the actual film. A good adaptation but it would have been nice if they'd show the ending with Pollyanna on crutches. In some moments you could have seen a tear in my eye, which proves the fact of the movie being sad and realistic. Sweet Haylie Mills and the other actors make a great-standard presentation of their talent.Unfortunately their seems to be something missing and my vote goes for the ending. I also loved to see Agnes Moorehead and the lovely cooks.If you liked this movie you'd probably love ,,The parent trap'' with the same actress, or should I say actresses taking the lead. A good film for the whole family.
Gorgeous!!!
ralphfas25 March 2006
As Pollyanna would say, the movie is simply "gorgeous"! In my 57 years I've seen this movie more times than I should admit. Just watched it again on Hallmark and felt compelled to offer my first comments on IMDb.
Everyone can feel down, lonely or put upon at one time or another. "Pollyanna" is just the right medicine for those ailments. I realize this is early Disney, but that is a positive attribute, not an indictment. Cheezy? How about "touching" instead? The cast, the performances, the setting, and most of all, the message are right on.
The film makes me laugh and cry every time I view it. How could you possibly ask for more? Guess I'm just a soft touch. Highly recommended for all but the terminally cynical.
Everyone can feel down, lonely or put upon at one time or another. "Pollyanna" is just the right medicine for those ailments. I realize this is early Disney, but that is a positive attribute, not an indictment. Cheezy? How about "touching" instead? The cast, the performances, the setting, and most of all, the message are right on.
The film makes me laugh and cry every time I view it. How could you possibly ask for more? Guess I'm just a soft touch. Highly recommended for all but the terminally cynical.
Subtlety and Hayley rescue a sugary story
Irie21215 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
To really appreciate this film, imagine Shirley Temple as Pollyanna. Temple was extraordinarily talented, but her cherubic qualities guaranteed that her Rebecca (of Sunnybrook Farm) would be the cinematic equivalent of a Hallmark card. Rebecca and Pollyanna are similar characters in quite different plots (though both were orphans), but Hayley Mills never even tries to be adorable as Pollyanna. In fact, quite the opposite. She's a lanky adolescent with pigtails and knock-knees, and she never delivers a saccharine line or maudlin moment. In the course of the movie, she leads a variety of sour adults-- a recluse (Menjou), a crosspatch (Moorehead), a minister (Malden), a curmudgeon (Ian Wolfe), a maid (Mary Grace Canfield), and a spinster aunt (Wyman)-- toward a better humor. At no point is she a cheerleader; indeed, she mostly just asks them questions, showing interest in them, interest that they return, and her good humor gets them to reconsider their grim outlooks.
It's simplistic, of course, and even ridiculous (the town seems to have more orphans than citizens). But that is where subtlety comes to the rescue, and craftsmanship. It's a well-made film, particularly in terms of art direction and costumes which were clearly designed with Technicolor in mind. The direction and photography are uninspired, but no great creativity was required because characters and story are the whole point, and the screenplay has elements sophisticated enough for any critic. The early anecdote about crutches foreshadow the climax in just the right way, for instance. Even better is a lovely metaphor about prisms, when Pollyanna enters the home of the recluse who has (don't ask) an endless quantity of lamp prisms in his cluttered mansion. Playing with the prisms, she charms Menjou and later Moorehead, and moviegoers, for whom the prisms are a colorful visual symbol of cheerier points of view.
The real subtlety, though, is in the performances. Malden plays his fire-and-brimstone minister to the hilt, and Donald Crisp is a stoutly impassioned mayor. But most of Pollyanna's converts, particularly Wyman and Menjou, deliver quietly supportive, reflective performances. In spite of a story in which the adults are barely believable caricatures, this film was so solidly constructed and underplayed that the children's-book aspect is overwhelmed by the genuinely delightful message, and a marvelously realistic performance by Hayley Mills.
It's simplistic, of course, and even ridiculous (the town seems to have more orphans than citizens). But that is where subtlety comes to the rescue, and craftsmanship. It's a well-made film, particularly in terms of art direction and costumes which were clearly designed with Technicolor in mind. The direction and photography are uninspired, but no great creativity was required because characters and story are the whole point, and the screenplay has elements sophisticated enough for any critic. The early anecdote about crutches foreshadow the climax in just the right way, for instance. Even better is a lovely metaphor about prisms, when Pollyanna enters the home of the recluse who has (don't ask) an endless quantity of lamp prisms in his cluttered mansion. Playing with the prisms, she charms Menjou and later Moorehead, and moviegoers, for whom the prisms are a colorful visual symbol of cheerier points of view.
The real subtlety, though, is in the performances. Malden plays his fire-and-brimstone minister to the hilt, and Donald Crisp is a stoutly impassioned mayor. But most of Pollyanna's converts, particularly Wyman and Menjou, deliver quietly supportive, reflective performances. In spite of a story in which the adults are barely believable caricatures, this film was so solidly constructed and underplayed that the children's-book aspect is overwhelmed by the genuinely delightful message, and a marvelously realistic performance by Hayley Mills.
Don't Be Fooled By Pre-teen Appearances
kimmie55 April 2003
A period piece that boasts about "The Glad Game?" Ready to tune out? So was I, until I got what was happening. This movie is profound, not only in its execution of story, but in the relevant, lovely message it naturally brings, as opposed to the message it sells. I've viewed it 5 times and each time, I am newly informed as to how I can adjust my attitude for a better way of life. I come from a school of thought where sunny is ridiculed and message movies are tedious, so the lead is an obvious target of disdain. Stay with Pollyanna awhile and watch her reform all the bitter, crusty malcontents on the planet into fans with a straightforward logic and uncanny point of view. A true heroine.
Good '60s Disney movie, but not the best
nucksfan4life7 June 2002
Disney was making many quality family movies during the '60s, including "Pollyanna," which I found to be not as great as some other films from the studio. I enjoyed this movie, even though its been 42 years since it was made. Many of the actors give strong performances, and Mills shines as the title character. It was very interesting and entertaining to watch her bring happiness into the lives of everyone in the town. My only caution is that the pacing of the movie seems to be a bit slow. Other than that, this is another timeless Disney treasure that I think many families will be able to enjoy for a long time.
Playing The Glad Game For Keeps
bkoganbing20 October 2007
Filling the tiny, but oh so impressive feet of Mary Pickford in one of her most acclaimed silent screen classics was quite a chore for Walt Disney. But in an impressive American screen debut, Hayley Mills launched her career in a most impressive way as Pollyanna.
Pollyanna, who is now an orphan, comes to live with her aunt Polly played by Jane Wyman who is one reserved New Englander. She's the richest woman in town and pretty much everyone kowtows to her. But when the eternally optimistic Hayley Mills comes to live in that town, her infectious spirit seems to effect everyone and everything around her.
Pollyanna is one of Disney's best live action films, Mills and the rest of the cast make it believable without being maudlin. Disney gave Mills and Wyman an impressive roster of players in support that include, Donald Crisp, Leora Dana, Karl Malden, Nancy Olson, James Drury, Reta Shaw, Mary Grace Canfield, and Kevin Corcoran as Mills's partner in juvenile hijinks.
Two people deserve special mention. One is Adolphe Menjou because this turned out to be his last film. He plays Mr. Prendergast the old miser who lives alone and miserable, but who softens at the warmth Pollyanna brings in his life. The second is my favorite here, Agnes Moorehead, who plays crotchety old Ms. Snow, one of those old folks who seem to enjoy being sick and miserable. Her scene at the end with Hayley Mills is the most touching of all in the film.
Pollyanna like George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life both never realizes all the good she's done in that town and like Jimmy Stewart's character faces a crisis. But all her friends rally to her in an It's A Wonderful Life type climax.
Walt Disney does a wonderful job in recreating that era before World War I in small town America, very much like The Music Man. Pollyanna is what they mean by fine family entertainment, as good now as it was when I first saw it in theaters in 1960.
In fact it might just make one curious enough to check out the Mary Pickford silent version.
Pollyanna, who is now an orphan, comes to live with her aunt Polly played by Jane Wyman who is one reserved New Englander. She's the richest woman in town and pretty much everyone kowtows to her. But when the eternally optimistic Hayley Mills comes to live in that town, her infectious spirit seems to effect everyone and everything around her.
Pollyanna is one of Disney's best live action films, Mills and the rest of the cast make it believable without being maudlin. Disney gave Mills and Wyman an impressive roster of players in support that include, Donald Crisp, Leora Dana, Karl Malden, Nancy Olson, James Drury, Reta Shaw, Mary Grace Canfield, and Kevin Corcoran as Mills's partner in juvenile hijinks.
Two people deserve special mention. One is Adolphe Menjou because this turned out to be his last film. He plays Mr. Prendergast the old miser who lives alone and miserable, but who softens at the warmth Pollyanna brings in his life. The second is my favorite here, Agnes Moorehead, who plays crotchety old Ms. Snow, one of those old folks who seem to enjoy being sick and miserable. Her scene at the end with Hayley Mills is the most touching of all in the film.
Pollyanna like George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life both never realizes all the good she's done in that town and like Jimmy Stewart's character faces a crisis. But all her friends rally to her in an It's A Wonderful Life type climax.
Walt Disney does a wonderful job in recreating that era before World War I in small town America, very much like The Music Man. Pollyanna is what they mean by fine family entertainment, as good now as it was when I first saw it in theaters in 1960.
In fact it might just make one curious enough to check out the Mary Pickford silent version.
Hayley Mills: an "all-American" British girl-next-door
moonspinner557 April 2001
Despite a curious penchant for licking her lips, young Hayley Mills (in only her second film) is a pleasant and lovely presence on the screen. Playing an optimistic orphan who comes to stay with her rigid aunt, Mills really is Pollyanna--a cheerful sprite not above getting into some mild mischief. She matches wits wonderfully with curmudgeons like Agnes Moorehead (in a sparkling performance) and Jane Wyman (who takes a little too long to come around, but when she does--opening up the front doors of her home--it's very rewarding). I tired soon of Karl Malden's early blustering as the town preacher, but the rest of the supporting players are engaging and colorful. Too bad the ending doesn't tell us if Pollyanna is going to be all right. Granted, it's already a lengthy movie, but I would've liked to have seen her on crutches or something. As for Hayley Mills, she works her big blue eyes and cherubic face to good advantage. The Disney magic is firmly in place, yet with the wrong actress in the leading role, the film might never have been this moving. *** from ****
DVD 2-disk set was prepared with care, love, and mastery. An example for ALL other studios and directors to follow!!!
bopdog2 June 2002
The DVD double-disk edition of this movie is a perfect example of just how GREAT DVDs can be! Ostensibly a "big-kids' movie," "Pollyanna" is good enough to appeal to adults as well. I saw it when I was 10 years old, and fell in love with it then. I also had a crush on Haley Mills, as did most of the other boys I knew. Coming back now and finding the movie on DVD to be a treasure for myself--- nostalgia, childhood revisited, etc.--- came as no surprise. However, finding the high quality of bonus materials and extras on the two disks was amazing. Good for Disney Studios... Very well done!
Contrast "Pollyanna" DVD extras with those found on the new "Harry Potter" DVD. "Harry," an excellent movie, nonetheless has DVD extras that are mostly geared towards children. "Harry's" entire second DVD disk, the bonus disk, has high production values (that is, it was obviously expensive to produce), but most of it is so simplistic and slow that one can only imagine it was designed for the 8- to 12-year old crowd. Which is fine (note, however, that the "Interviews" selection on that disk is excellent and informative for adults, too).
"Pollyanna," however, gives us half a dozen bonus disk features that are ALL aimed at adults (yet might also be appealing to older, brighter, more inquisitive children). For example, Disney's film restorer guy gives a behind the scenes explanation and multiple demonstrations of how and why color film degrades, and how it can be brought back to life. "Where are they now?" type things give us modern day glimpses of the surviving stars of the movie. We get to hear them relate their experiences on the set, and experiences vis-a-vis the movie since that time. We see archival TV footage of Walt Disney commenting on the movie, what Haley Mills thought at the time, what she went through, what her dad (famed actor Sir John Mills) said, and what she thinks NOW, etc. The film's writer and director also makes in-depth appearances in various features on the bonus disk, AND, he and Haley Mills provide an interesting audio commentary as the feature itself is viewed (I read that the director, whose name I cannot recall this instant, died at the age of 80 or 81, just a few months ago. His death came just after the DVD bonus materials were prepared). The whole thing was as meaty and appropriate and entertaining as anything I've ever seen on The History Channel, or A&E or Bravo channels.
Finally, the movie itself has been restored and lovingly presented (again, optional director and star commentary is available). It is still a good and solid entertainment! I gave this DVD edition of "Pollyanna" 10 out of 10. Seriously, I hope the other studios and DVD makers will study this disk religiously, and learn how it's done! I'd love to see ALL my DVDs prepared with this degree of detail, care, and mastery.
Contrast "Pollyanna" DVD extras with those found on the new "Harry Potter" DVD. "Harry," an excellent movie, nonetheless has DVD extras that are mostly geared towards children. "Harry's" entire second DVD disk, the bonus disk, has high production values (that is, it was obviously expensive to produce), but most of it is so simplistic and slow that one can only imagine it was designed for the 8- to 12-year old crowd. Which is fine (note, however, that the "Interviews" selection on that disk is excellent and informative for adults, too).
"Pollyanna," however, gives us half a dozen bonus disk features that are ALL aimed at adults (yet might also be appealing to older, brighter, more inquisitive children). For example, Disney's film restorer guy gives a behind the scenes explanation and multiple demonstrations of how and why color film degrades, and how it can be brought back to life. "Where are they now?" type things give us modern day glimpses of the surviving stars of the movie. We get to hear them relate their experiences on the set, and experiences vis-a-vis the movie since that time. We see archival TV footage of Walt Disney commenting on the movie, what Haley Mills thought at the time, what she went through, what her dad (famed actor Sir John Mills) said, and what she thinks NOW, etc. The film's writer and director also makes in-depth appearances in various features on the bonus disk, AND, he and Haley Mills provide an interesting audio commentary as the feature itself is viewed (I read that the director, whose name I cannot recall this instant, died at the age of 80 or 81, just a few months ago. His death came just after the DVD bonus materials were prepared). The whole thing was as meaty and appropriate and entertaining as anything I've ever seen on The History Channel, or A&E or Bravo channels.
Finally, the movie itself has been restored and lovingly presented (again, optional director and star commentary is available). It is still a good and solid entertainment! I gave this DVD edition of "Pollyanna" 10 out of 10. Seriously, I hope the other studios and DVD makers will study this disk religiously, and learn how it's done! I'd love to see ALL my DVDs prepared with this degree of detail, care, and mastery.
Little girl brings joy and hope wherever she goes
helpless_dancer14 November 2000
Wise beyond her years little girl, played to perfection by Hayley Mills, brings a breath of new life and happiness to a town long kept under the thumb of a haughty, unhappy, domineering and wealthy woman. Very good film for the whole family.
Stupid, simplistic and way too sweet
preppy-313 December 2008
A little orphan named Pollyanna (Hayley Mills with her English accent intact) goes to live with her strict (but sweet) Aunt Polly (Jane Wyman). She's so nauseatingly sweet that all the mean old people in the town find warmth, love and happiness through her. Yuck! Even for Disney this is syrupy.
This is a typical live action Disney film. Everybody talks in a G rated way, all the mean (but secretly nice) adults end up being sweet and kind and all the kids are ridiculously cute and "lovable". The story itself is just ridiculous--even for Disney. A little orphan spreading peace and love all around. Sheesh! The acting is pretty bad too. Talented actors like Wyman, Richard Egan and Karl Malden (as a priest!) can do little with the lousy dialogue. Mills is terrible also --but she was only 14 when she did this. Only Agnes Moorehead manages a performance. The film also moves VERY slow--it runs over 2 hours! Also the last 20 minutes are so unbelievably manipulative I actually felt like throwing something heavy at the TV! Too long, too sweet and too unbelievable. This gets a 2 for Moorehead alone.
This is a typical live action Disney film. Everybody talks in a G rated way, all the mean (but secretly nice) adults end up being sweet and kind and all the kids are ridiculously cute and "lovable". The story itself is just ridiculous--even for Disney. A little orphan spreading peace and love all around. Sheesh! The acting is pretty bad too. Talented actors like Wyman, Richard Egan and Karl Malden (as a priest!) can do little with the lousy dialogue. Mills is terrible also --but she was only 14 when she did this. Only Agnes Moorehead manages a performance. The film also moves VERY slow--it runs over 2 hours! Also the last 20 minutes are so unbelievably manipulative I actually felt like throwing something heavy at the TV! Too long, too sweet and too unbelievable. This gets a 2 for Moorehead alone.
Arguably the most heart-warming of Walt Disney's live-action films
gdisney993 April 2004
Warning: Spoilers
SOME SPOILERS
I wish that this movie could sink-in to some of the more cynical minds that walk the earth today. It is a great story that is full of meaning and nostalgia (which I love).
Now before you sit down to watch this film, remember that the book, "Pollyanna,' was a smash hit in the early 1900s. Several books followed the original along with board games and other children's merchandise. It is also important to note that the Pollyanna character was much more "glad" (more on that later) and overly talkative in the book than in Disney's rendition.
But Disney's telling of the story, choice in casting, and authentic 1900s period recreation could not be any better. The film is set in the picturesque town of Harrington where all politics and decision-making are controlled by the wealthiest resident, Polly Harrington (Pollyanna's adopted aunt). Until being adopted, the little girl Pollyanna did not live a silver-spoon lifestyle. We soon find out that she was very poor while living with her missionary parents before they died. This somewhat explained why she is overwhelmingly upbeat and "glad.' She plays "The Glad Game" with her new friends and neighbors and gradually wins over the entire town with her optimism and love. What was so moving about this story is how this little girl made grownups realize that they should be happy to be healthy and alive.
Director David Swift went through hundreds of girls to find the right Pollyanna. And thanks to Uncle Walt (Disney), he found a Special Academy Award winner in Hayley Mills. Other notable characters that I loved were Jane Wyman as the prim and proper Aunt Polly, Karl Malden as the fire and brimstone Minister, Adolphe Menjou as the town hermit Mr. Pendergast, Reta Shaw as the cake-baking Mrs. Lagerlof and Agnes Moorehead as the hypochondriacal Mrs. Snow. All of these characters had great moments of dialogue which made the story seem so real.
The one thing I love about Walt-era Disney films is the attention-to-detail. And the detail in this film was incredible. Costumes, buildings (Main Street USA, anyone?), songs, automobiles and the town bazaar are just some of the things that were authentic. Even the preacher's (Karl Malden) passionate flamed sermons were something not uncommon in this time period.
This film really showed Walt's sentimental side. During the screening of the film, Walt wiped tears from his eyes because it was so touching. And how could anyone not do the same? I certainly do when I see the end. A perfect mix of cute moments for children and meaningful points for adults, Pollyanna (like Mary Poppins) is also "practically perfect in every way."
I wish that this movie could sink-in to some of the more cynical minds that walk the earth today. It is a great story that is full of meaning and nostalgia (which I love).
Now before you sit down to watch this film, remember that the book, "Pollyanna,' was a smash hit in the early 1900s. Several books followed the original along with board games and other children's merchandise. It is also important to note that the Pollyanna character was much more "glad" (more on that later) and overly talkative in the book than in Disney's rendition.
But Disney's telling of the story, choice in casting, and authentic 1900s period recreation could not be any better. The film is set in the picturesque town of Harrington where all politics and decision-making are controlled by the wealthiest resident, Polly Harrington (Pollyanna's adopted aunt). Until being adopted, the little girl Pollyanna did not live a silver-spoon lifestyle. We soon find out that she was very poor while living with her missionary parents before they died. This somewhat explained why she is overwhelmingly upbeat and "glad.' She plays "The Glad Game" with her new friends and neighbors and gradually wins over the entire town with her optimism and love. What was so moving about this story is how this little girl made grownups realize that they should be happy to be healthy and alive.
Director David Swift went through hundreds of girls to find the right Pollyanna. And thanks to Uncle Walt (Disney), he found a Special Academy Award winner in Hayley Mills. Other notable characters that I loved were Jane Wyman as the prim and proper Aunt Polly, Karl Malden as the fire and brimstone Minister, Adolphe Menjou as the town hermit Mr. Pendergast, Reta Shaw as the cake-baking Mrs. Lagerlof and Agnes Moorehead as the hypochondriacal Mrs. Snow. All of these characters had great moments of dialogue which made the story seem so real.
The one thing I love about Walt-era Disney films is the attention-to-detail. And the detail in this film was incredible. Costumes, buildings (Main Street USA, anyone?), songs, automobiles and the town bazaar are just some of the things that were authentic. Even the preacher's (Karl Malden) passionate flamed sermons were something not uncommon in this time period.
This film really showed Walt's sentimental side. During the screening of the film, Walt wiped tears from his eyes because it was so touching. And how could anyone not do the same? I certainly do when I see the end. A perfect mix of cute moments for children and meaningful points for adults, Pollyanna (like Mary Poppins) is also "practically perfect in every way."
Overlong and a little slow, with a jarring change of tone towards the end, but exquisitely filmed and well acted
TheLittleSongbird6 June 2010
Considering that Pollyanna was his debut, writer and director David Swift does a very good job here. Pollyanna does have its faults, but it is a solid adaptation of a charming book.
Where Pollyanna isn't so strong is in the length and the pacing. At over 2 hours, the film is a little too long, while the film does move fairly slowly. My final flaw is that twenty minutes or so before the end, the tone changes and this change was somewhat jarring.
Nonetheless, Pollyanna is exquisitely filmed with stunning cinematography, costumes and scenery, and the music is lovely. The script is well written and the story still has its charm. The direction is as solid as the film itself, while the acting is very good. Hayley Mills gives a spirited performance in the title role, while Agnes Moorehead comes very close to stealing the film. Karl Malden, Jane Wyman and Adolphe Menjou also do great turns as the cheerless citizens whose lives are transformed by Pollyanna.
Overall, has its faults but it is a solid and charming film. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Where Pollyanna isn't so strong is in the length and the pacing. At over 2 hours, the film is a little too long, while the film does move fairly slowly. My final flaw is that twenty minutes or so before the end, the tone changes and this change was somewhat jarring.
Nonetheless, Pollyanna is exquisitely filmed with stunning cinematography, costumes and scenery, and the music is lovely. The script is well written and the story still has its charm. The direction is as solid as the film itself, while the acting is very good. Hayley Mills gives a spirited performance in the title role, while Agnes Moorehead comes very close to stealing the film. Karl Malden, Jane Wyman and Adolphe Menjou also do great turns as the cheerless citizens whose lives are transformed by Pollyanna.
Overall, has its faults but it is a solid and charming film. 7/10 Bethany Cox
PRACTICALLY PERFECT IN EVERY WAY
lrrap23 July 2020
Amazing film.
David Swift's script is beautifully proportioned and structured; it gives EXACTLY the right amount of time to each of the characters and their interactions with Pollyanna. Because of this superb layout and pacing of the plot, the final scenes are utterly, totally convincing and "weighted" in their sincere, profound, and overwhelming emotion. I was blown away (at age 69) as I watched it for the first time (on the 60th anniversary of its release).
What's more, the characters are all 3-dimensional-- like REAL people. I feared that Jane Wyman's Aunt Polly would be a fearsome, tyrannical, miscreant that would beat the young girl and send her to bed hungry for her mis-steps; but no, she was a real, multi-dimensional person, with all of the assets and flaws that you would expect in real life. Her romantic association with Richard Egan was underplayed, very nicely controlled. In fact, like most everything in the film, it was BEAUTIFULLY rendered.
The Agnes Moorehead and Karl Malden characters DID get a tad too caricatured at times-- but minimally so. And there's no way a 13-year old girl could have survived a three-story fall onto a hard road surface....but, we have to forgive the director one little oversight.
Subtle, Natural, charming, effervescent.....doesn't BEGIN to describe the superbly talented Hayley Mills; she's astounding to watch. So many amazingly deft details to her performance-- check the scene in the field where she tries to read her locket to Karl Malden and does the brief "cross-eye" take. It is SO delectably funny and realistic---and this scene was filmed on her very first day of shooting-- thrust right into the middle of a major American production with an all-star cast. She is not to be believed.
Great to see late-career appearances by Adolphe Menjou and Donald Crisp, two legendary actors from Hollywood's Golden Days.
Perhaps the most amazing aspect of this film is the TOTAL TECHNICAL COMMAND of David Swift, who both wrote the excellent screenplay AND directed the film. His accomplishment is all the more impressive since his experience up to this time was pretty unremarkable, with no big-screen directing to his credit. How fortunate for all of us that Walt Disney saw something in the guy's work that gave him the confidence to turn the reins of this major production over to a relative novice.
LOVELY FILM in every respect; too bad there's not a soundtrack of Paul Smith's charming, ebullient score available. It's just one more aspect of "Pollyanna" that will keep me a regular viewer of this truly GREAT movie. LR
David Swift's script is beautifully proportioned and structured; it gives EXACTLY the right amount of time to each of the characters and their interactions with Pollyanna. Because of this superb layout and pacing of the plot, the final scenes are utterly, totally convincing and "weighted" in their sincere, profound, and overwhelming emotion. I was blown away (at age 69) as I watched it for the first time (on the 60th anniversary of its release).
What's more, the characters are all 3-dimensional-- like REAL people. I feared that Jane Wyman's Aunt Polly would be a fearsome, tyrannical, miscreant that would beat the young girl and send her to bed hungry for her mis-steps; but no, she was a real, multi-dimensional person, with all of the assets and flaws that you would expect in real life. Her romantic association with Richard Egan was underplayed, very nicely controlled. In fact, like most everything in the film, it was BEAUTIFULLY rendered.
The Agnes Moorehead and Karl Malden characters DID get a tad too caricatured at times-- but minimally so. And there's no way a 13-year old girl could have survived a three-story fall onto a hard road surface....but, we have to forgive the director one little oversight.
Subtle, Natural, charming, effervescent.....doesn't BEGIN to describe the superbly talented Hayley Mills; she's astounding to watch. So many amazingly deft details to her performance-- check the scene in the field where she tries to read her locket to Karl Malden and does the brief "cross-eye" take. It is SO delectably funny and realistic---and this scene was filmed on her very first day of shooting-- thrust right into the middle of a major American production with an all-star cast. She is not to be believed.
Great to see late-career appearances by Adolphe Menjou and Donald Crisp, two legendary actors from Hollywood's Golden Days.
Perhaps the most amazing aspect of this film is the TOTAL TECHNICAL COMMAND of David Swift, who both wrote the excellent screenplay AND directed the film. His accomplishment is all the more impressive since his experience up to this time was pretty unremarkable, with no big-screen directing to his credit. How fortunate for all of us that Walt Disney saw something in the guy's work that gave him the confidence to turn the reins of this major production over to a relative novice.
LOVELY FILM in every respect; too bad there's not a soundtrack of Paul Smith's charming, ebullient score available. It's just one more aspect of "Pollyanna" that will keep me a regular viewer of this truly GREAT movie. LR
Not so outdated, a valuable Disney output!
lasttimeisaw6 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
A Disney's vintage live action mounted with magnificent Technicolor treatment, running more than 2 hours, POLLYANNA is a life-affirming fairytale directed by old-hand writer David Swift as his feature debut, while accidental tragedy sweeps under its carpet.
A young girl named Pollyanna (Mills), who has lost her parents and is adopted by her aunt Polly (Wyman) in Harrington's Town, where she is not just a prim wealthy matriarch, but also the mighty decision-maker of the whole town, yes, she is the sole heiress of Harrington family. So up from the mayor Karl (Crisp), the minister Paul Ford (Malden), down to her house staff, assistant Nancy (Olson), cook Tillie (Shaw) and maid Angelica (Canfield), everyone is either intimidated by her supremacy or surrendered to the vested interest involved.
Therefore, Pollyanna's arrival is destined to break the unhealthy equilibrium and bring her ingenuously sanguine school of thought into the town by winning over everyone! It will hardly work in an authentically cynical world, but thankfully it is in Disneyland, the stranger- shunning recluse Mr. Pendergast (Menjou in his final silver screen presence) is actually a Mr. Nice Guy, and the cantankerous bed-ridden Mrs. Snow (Moorehead, shines in her scene-stealing bellyaching) is no more than a big baby just needs a little bit of motivation. Even Reverend Ford can be generously granted a thorough catharsis through Pollyanna's seemingly unintentional chit-chat. The point is in Harrington's Town, there is no evil, even for Aunt Polly, she is never malevolent, in fact she is just shackled by her self-appointed lofty duty to act as a role model for the townsfolk, as discreetly as possible. Her strong intention to maintain the ancient orphanage is more for the building's legacy other than her own sake, albeit a better solution is to build a new one. So, things can have been tread lightheartedly until DP Russell Harlan's ominous overlooking shots raise no less fear for agoraphobic than Hitchcock's VERTIGO (1958, 8/10), also amps up the suspense is Paul J. Smith's ferociously taut accompanying score which in most of time is as jolly as a bumblebee in the spring. For those who haven't read the novel from Eleanor H. Porter (me included), it is a shocking twist, and in one second, we may even believe we will lose her forever, only if it was true, the film would be worshiped for its groundbreaking bravura and gutsy dare to defy Disney's family-friendly quintessence. Although it turns out to be a bluff, the movie is excellent in at least tricking me into believe it even for a split second.
Hayley Mills won a Juvenile Award in the Oscars, which in my opinion, the Academy should keep it aside from the usual acting branch (in that case we could have avoided the glaring category fraud cases such as Hailee Seinfeld and Tatum O'Neal), Mills is quite distinctive from other cherubic child sensations, she is neither a pretty doll nor a resplendent princess, she is plainly approachable, Mills illuminates the screen with her refined line-delivery and urgent sincerity without ever over-acting or dumbing down to memories by rote. Jane Wyman also establishes a powerhouse omnipresence in her absolute wheelhouse, never flaunts in the abysmally ambiguous "villain" categorization where she is, her aunt Polly is a victim of overpriced dignity, she enriches her with every bit of nuance which may not in the script. Most supporting characters are cartoon-ish, Richard Egan is quite a dull as Dr. Chilton and Nancy Olson is unprecedentedly harsh at the beginning, but Karl Malden's hectoring Sunday sermon is very amazing to watch and not to go deep into religion, people are either too devout or put-upon to hear it for three years, still is not long enough to brainwash their simpleton minds.
A young girl named Pollyanna (Mills), who has lost her parents and is adopted by her aunt Polly (Wyman) in Harrington's Town, where she is not just a prim wealthy matriarch, but also the mighty decision-maker of the whole town, yes, she is the sole heiress of Harrington family. So up from the mayor Karl (Crisp), the minister Paul Ford (Malden), down to her house staff, assistant Nancy (Olson), cook Tillie (Shaw) and maid Angelica (Canfield), everyone is either intimidated by her supremacy or surrendered to the vested interest involved.
Therefore, Pollyanna's arrival is destined to break the unhealthy equilibrium and bring her ingenuously sanguine school of thought into the town by winning over everyone! It will hardly work in an authentically cynical world, but thankfully it is in Disneyland, the stranger- shunning recluse Mr. Pendergast (Menjou in his final silver screen presence) is actually a Mr. Nice Guy, and the cantankerous bed-ridden Mrs. Snow (Moorehead, shines in her scene-stealing bellyaching) is no more than a big baby just needs a little bit of motivation. Even Reverend Ford can be generously granted a thorough catharsis through Pollyanna's seemingly unintentional chit-chat. The point is in Harrington's Town, there is no evil, even for Aunt Polly, she is never malevolent, in fact she is just shackled by her self-appointed lofty duty to act as a role model for the townsfolk, as discreetly as possible. Her strong intention to maintain the ancient orphanage is more for the building's legacy other than her own sake, albeit a better solution is to build a new one. So, things can have been tread lightheartedly until DP Russell Harlan's ominous overlooking shots raise no less fear for agoraphobic than Hitchcock's VERTIGO (1958, 8/10), also amps up the suspense is Paul J. Smith's ferociously taut accompanying score which in most of time is as jolly as a bumblebee in the spring. For those who haven't read the novel from Eleanor H. Porter (me included), it is a shocking twist, and in one second, we may even believe we will lose her forever, only if it was true, the film would be worshiped for its groundbreaking bravura and gutsy dare to defy Disney's family-friendly quintessence. Although it turns out to be a bluff, the movie is excellent in at least tricking me into believe it even for a split second.
Hayley Mills won a Juvenile Award in the Oscars, which in my opinion, the Academy should keep it aside from the usual acting branch (in that case we could have avoided the glaring category fraud cases such as Hailee Seinfeld and Tatum O'Neal), Mills is quite distinctive from other cherubic child sensations, she is neither a pretty doll nor a resplendent princess, she is plainly approachable, Mills illuminates the screen with her refined line-delivery and urgent sincerity without ever over-acting or dumbing down to memories by rote. Jane Wyman also establishes a powerhouse omnipresence in her absolute wheelhouse, never flaunts in the abysmally ambiguous "villain" categorization where she is, her aunt Polly is a victim of overpriced dignity, she enriches her with every bit of nuance which may not in the script. Most supporting characters are cartoon-ish, Richard Egan is quite a dull as Dr. Chilton and Nancy Olson is unprecedentedly harsh at the beginning, but Karl Malden's hectoring Sunday sermon is very amazing to watch and not to go deep into religion, people are either too devout or put-upon to hear it for three years, still is not long enough to brainwash their simpleton minds.
Great FAMILY film
slduehring18 June 2004
This is a great family movie. I recommend this movie for children & their mothers. It might be a little cheesy for dads or men. It is very idealistic - Good values - good plot. It is not for everyone - especially if you are not "young & pure at heart" (or at least long to be). This Disney film is about a young girl and her joyous, Christian outlook on life. Her view & beliefs turn the town around. Hayley Mills was a wonderful young actress who also starred in Parent Trap (original), Summer Magic, That Darn Cat, etc. I have to make this review at least 10 lines - so I'll just end by saying that I hope this becomes a family favorite in your house, as it is in ours.
Humanity through a child's eyes
sol-5 July 2006
My main motivation for seeing Pollyanna was the wonderful 'Hayley Mills'. She won a special Oscar for her performance in the film, and Mills made this right in between 'Tiger Bay' and 'Whistle Down the Wind', two films that boast extraordinary performances from her. There's no comparison in quality between those two performances and her acting Pollyanna, but she still does a fine job with the lead role. And it is a pleasant enough film overall, even if one dripping in sentimentality and even though it pushes its message a bit too hard. The film kept me interested most of the time, and I was moved at times by the story.
The plot of the film is very slim - a girl moves to a town where she is able to cause some morose individuals to changes their ways - however it does have a lot to say about optimism and how simple the world is through the eyes of a child. I was particularly impressed with the music used in the film. It is hardly ever just incidental. Most of the time the music reflects what Pollyanna is thinking or feeling: her curiosity, her longing for acceptance, her excitement, etc.
Pollyanna does not understand a lot of what is going on in the minds of the townsfolk. Mills succeeds in making her look as if she is on the verge of expressing her confusion out loud, only covering it up at the last minute by trying to see how some good can come. It is a gradual thing too that she develops - compared to how she blurts out about her aunt's wealth near the beginning. The film is a reminder of life during childhood, and trying to have a good time in a world with so much that one does not understand.
The Technicolor processing gives the material an appropriately vibrant feel with sharp, intense colours. One especially good sequence for colour is when the camera photographs a boy looking underwater at a fish. The whole lake/river below the surface comes alive. The art direction and costumes are generally really good too. I wasn't around in 1900 to be able to comment properly on the costumes, however the detailed interior and exterior decoration is excellent, providing a real sense of the time.
The film has a lot going in its favour, and for that reason it makes fairly good entertainment. It is not marvellous entertainment - there are not really enough laughs for it to be a comedy, nor enough drama for it to be a good drama - nor is it particularly complex film-making, but it is just a film that is made well enough that it can be enjoyed as well as admired to a degree. The characters are not much, the storyline is not much, and the film hammers the message home, but most of what it has to say about being happy in life, looking on the bright side, the charm of children and the joy of experiencing childhood, does come across well.
The plot of the film is very slim - a girl moves to a town where she is able to cause some morose individuals to changes their ways - however it does have a lot to say about optimism and how simple the world is through the eyes of a child. I was particularly impressed with the music used in the film. It is hardly ever just incidental. Most of the time the music reflects what Pollyanna is thinking or feeling: her curiosity, her longing for acceptance, her excitement, etc.
Pollyanna does not understand a lot of what is going on in the minds of the townsfolk. Mills succeeds in making her look as if she is on the verge of expressing her confusion out loud, only covering it up at the last minute by trying to see how some good can come. It is a gradual thing too that she develops - compared to how she blurts out about her aunt's wealth near the beginning. The film is a reminder of life during childhood, and trying to have a good time in a world with so much that one does not understand.
The Technicolor processing gives the material an appropriately vibrant feel with sharp, intense colours. One especially good sequence for colour is when the camera photographs a boy looking underwater at a fish. The whole lake/river below the surface comes alive. The art direction and costumes are generally really good too. I wasn't around in 1900 to be able to comment properly on the costumes, however the detailed interior and exterior decoration is excellent, providing a real sense of the time.
The film has a lot going in its favour, and for that reason it makes fairly good entertainment. It is not marvellous entertainment - there are not really enough laughs for it to be a comedy, nor enough drama for it to be a good drama - nor is it particularly complex film-making, but it is just a film that is made well enough that it can be enjoyed as well as admired to a degree. The characters are not much, the storyline is not much, and the film hammers the message home, but most of what it has to say about being happy in life, looking on the bright side, the charm of children and the joy of experiencing childhood, does come across well.
The best Film to treat depression that I know of. ( spoiler)
sageaqua15 July 2002
Warning: Spoilers
The hearts and flowers, enough to make you sick attitude of this film, is the best non drug remedy that I know of if you suffer from depression or your feeling down. Just try it, watch it three times back to back, and you well feel better, not well but more hopeful, then when you started. For those that want a nice children film this also fits the bill nicely. Even if you, dislike children skinny dipping, it is consistent with the 1800's times period.
Sentimental family film is nostalgic and entertaining with some fine performances...
Doylenf7 December 2008
POLLYANNA succeeds as a wonderful vehicle for HAYLEY MILLS, who was rightly awarded a special juvenile Oscar for her role as the sunshine girl who spreads cheer and good will to a town that really needs some cheering. JANE WYMAN is fine as her stern and wealthy aunt and the rest of the cast is equally impressive in a variety of supporting roles.
Disney has given the tale a wholesome flavor with sets and costumes entirely in keeping with the early 1900s era and spared no expense in hiring the best players for the interesting supporting characters.
KARL MALDEN has a fine time with the role of a hellfire and brimstone preacher talking about unconverted souls. NANCY OLSON is Wyman's maid who is told not to carry on a relationship with a suitor while under her employ. RETA SHAW is a gruff scullery maid. KEVIN CORCORAN is a mischievous schoolboy with his own method of catching fish. RICHARD EGAN is a doctor friend from Wyman's past who still harbors feelings for Wyman (as Aunt Polly). ADOLPHE MENJOU is the misunderstood "meanest man in the world," according to little Kevin Corcoran.
And AGNES MOOREHEAD does her usual scene-stealing turn as a crotchety hypochondriac.
Although the tale itself might be too syrupy and too commonplace for some folks, it moves along at a brisk pace under David Swift's direction but could have used some tighter editing, with a running time of 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Disney has given the tale a wholesome flavor with sets and costumes entirely in keeping with the early 1900s era and spared no expense in hiring the best players for the interesting supporting characters.
KARL MALDEN has a fine time with the role of a hellfire and brimstone preacher talking about unconverted souls. NANCY OLSON is Wyman's maid who is told not to carry on a relationship with a suitor while under her employ. RETA SHAW is a gruff scullery maid. KEVIN CORCORAN is a mischievous schoolboy with his own method of catching fish. RICHARD EGAN is a doctor friend from Wyman's past who still harbors feelings for Wyman (as Aunt Polly). ADOLPHE MENJOU is the misunderstood "meanest man in the world," according to little Kevin Corcoran.
And AGNES MOOREHEAD does her usual scene-stealing turn as a crotchety hypochondriac.
Although the tale itself might be too syrupy and too commonplace for some folks, it moves along at a brisk pace under David Swift's direction but could have used some tighter editing, with a running time of 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Americana with an English twist.
CBW-221 May 1999
I think that Pollyanna is a fine film. Its humor and charm are broad and rough-hewn of the Mark Twain variety. Thrown into this American mix, in the leading role, came a wonderfully subtle and natural, English actress named Hayley Mills. In her American film debut, she captivated audiences to the extent that she received a special Oscar that year for outstanding performance by a child actor. Hayley was unlike anything we (Americans) had ever seen. Disney's adaptation of Pollyanna from Eleanor H. Porter's novel is good. The supporting characters are uniformly fine. Karl Malden's "fire and brimstone" sermon is still hilarious.
a Disney classic
rebeljenn11 March 2006
'Pollyanna' is a film about a young girl that goes around making people happy and finding happiness in life. It's an inspiring little Disney film, and I enjoyed it when I was a child; I have not seen it since then, so it may not be as good from an adult's eyes as it was from the eyes of a child. This film seems to have been forgotten by today's audience, and it's one of those lost Disney gems that needs to be dusted off and shown again to a new audience and to those of us who remember. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this as a child, and I thought it was a lot of fun. Can't say how adults would find it, however. I would give this film a 7 out of 10.
Saccharine
twanurit12 June 2002
Toothy Hayley Mills portrays an orphan girl who comes to stay with her stand-offish aunt (Jane Wyman) in a small 1912 town and manages to change almost everybody's life. This overlong film is technically competent, with good costumes, period flavor, etc., but is brought down by overly sweet and all-too-predictable situations. Richard Egan is brought in solely as a love interest for the never-married Wyman character, Karl Malden is annoying and over-acts as a pompous preacher, while Nancy Olson is pretty and charming as a maid (and on the DVD documentary has hardly aged at all). Wyman, an astonishingly good actress, deserves better than this drivel. The picture has an ending that has to be seen to be (dis)believed.
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