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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I'll admit it...I like the movie. A lot. The story line -- the little orphan who unselfconsciously endears herself to others through her optimism and uncomplicated view of things -- could, in less expert hands, make a pig gag. Instead, and thanks in large part to Hayley Mills' performance, we have a sweet-natured family film which any number of adults may enjoy, especially if they watch it with their children. What I like about the movie:
1. Hayley Mills. She was a child actor who had talent and an un-pushy, natural personality. She wasn't a little tricked-up beauty queen who looked like a cheap doll. She just seemed like a nice, shrewder-than-you'd-expect kid. I doubt if the movie would have worked anywhere near as well as it does without Mills. For a look at just how versatile and good she was as a child, look at the movies Tiger Bay made the year before Pollyanna and Whistle Down the Wind made the year after. These are complex, serious stories about children and adults. Mills does much to make them as good as they are.
2. The by-play between Mills and Kevin Corcoran as Jimmy Bean. The two work well together without being icky. Corcoran was just about as unself-conscious a young actor as was Mills. The scene the two of them share with Adolphe Menjou when they first meet this mysterious old crank and then are taken into his home is fine ensemble acting before ensemble acting had a name.
3. Adolphe Menjou. As the ironic, smart curmudgeon who finds he has a heart after all, Menjou gives an expert performance. Watch him as the manipulating lawyer in Roxie Hart; he's uproarious. Or the political general in Paths of Glory; he's reprehensible. He brings a lot of welcome skeptical relief to the movie.
4. Jane Wyman. She had a tough role. We had to start out seeing her as rigid, judgmental, controlling and unsympathetic...then Wyman had to let us see a little vulnerability that would make us question our first impression...then Wyman had to let us see that Polly actually was a woman we might like and who could love a man. Not easy. I thought Wyman did a good job.
5. The scene when Karl Malden as the churchman finally stands up to Polly during his sermon. This is a setting that's as old as the hills (the mouse stands up to the squire, to the mayor, to the general, to the...) and it still works. We love seeing the self-righteous get theirs, and this is an emotionally satisfying scene.
Pollyanna is an optimistic, sweet movie but with a little vinegar sprinkled here and there.
1. Hayley Mills. She was a child actor who had talent and an un-pushy, natural personality. She wasn't a little tricked-up beauty queen who looked like a cheap doll. She just seemed like a nice, shrewder-than-you'd-expect kid. I doubt if the movie would have worked anywhere near as well as it does without Mills. For a look at just how versatile and good she was as a child, look at the movies Tiger Bay made the year before Pollyanna and Whistle Down the Wind made the year after. These are complex, serious stories about children and adults. Mills does much to make them as good as they are.
2. The by-play between Mills and Kevin Corcoran as Jimmy Bean. The two work well together without being icky. Corcoran was just about as unself-conscious a young actor as was Mills. The scene the two of them share with Adolphe Menjou when they first meet this mysterious old crank and then are taken into his home is fine ensemble acting before ensemble acting had a name.
3. Adolphe Menjou. As the ironic, smart curmudgeon who finds he has a heart after all, Menjou gives an expert performance. Watch him as the manipulating lawyer in Roxie Hart; he's uproarious. Or the political general in Paths of Glory; he's reprehensible. He brings a lot of welcome skeptical relief to the movie.
4. Jane Wyman. She had a tough role. We had to start out seeing her as rigid, judgmental, controlling and unsympathetic...then Wyman had to let us see a little vulnerability that would make us question our first impression...then Wyman had to let us see that Polly actually was a woman we might like and who could love a man. Not easy. I thought Wyman did a good job.
5. The scene when Karl Malden as the churchman finally stands up to Polly during his sermon. This is a setting that's as old as the hills (the mouse stands up to the squire, to the mayor, to the general, to the...) and it still works. We love seeing the self-righteous get theirs, and this is an emotionally satisfying scene.
Pollyanna is an optimistic, sweet movie but with a little vinegar sprinkled here and there.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Hayley Mills can't fail to capture your heart. Fine performances from a range of endearing characters: grumpy old so & so's go through a process of enlightenment and transformation as a result of the charms of a 'new kid on the block'. Pollyanna brings a simple message of joy to an adult population that seem to have forgotten, or grown out of, life's basic pleasures. Perhaps a little 'squeeky clean' & slow in places, but smiles and tears almost guaranteed.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Pollyanna was one of the films I remembered having seen when I was a child and having enjoyed it very much, with bits of it sticking in my memory until now. It didn't disappoint me seeing it again after so long - Hayley Mills gives a wonderful performance as the optimistic little girl that changes a whole village in turn of the century America. The rest of the cast includes a very impressive line of Hollywood veterans, all in top-form. It is a tribute to Walt Disney's talent that the film still holds so well.
The DVD looks amazing: this is surely the same restored copy as the 2-disc american release: one of the discs disappear while crossing the Atlantic, as well as some extras, but it includes a nice making of which is not mentioned anywhere in the packaging.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Another brilliant film from Haley
They just don't make them like this anymore. There is something to be said for innocence and Haley Mills was always able to portrait this. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jay123
excellent
great value for money for a classc film, me and 12 year old daughter have watched this film over and over
Published 4 months ago by deena
A Gem of Yesteryear
This DVD is such a worthwhile purchase as it is suitable for family viewing and portrays life in America a century or so ago. Read more
Published 12 months ago by N. Kulik
A great family viewing
Pollyanna played by Haley Mills is one of the best family films ever. It's vibrant cast is fantastic and every moment of it is filled with fun and excitement. Read more
Published 13 months ago by L. Clapp
Pollyanna
I've loved this film since I was little. Saw it on Amazon for very cheap so had to get it! And love Amazon's free dleivery service too. Proper wholesome old movie.
Published 16 months ago by S. Kirkham
Delightful
Purchased this DVD for my daughter, who is 4, as she loves the book. It is a lovely story, but she did lose interest half-way through, although I am sure it is one she will grow... Read more
Published 17 months ago by JLS
Pollyanna
What can I say about this. Wonderful historical drama. Takes you back to a time long forgotten. Good family film. Hayley Mills at her best. Read more
Published 22 months ago by E. Barnes
Pollyanna
I've seen a few versions of this story, but this has got to be the best one. Hayley Mills is delightful in the starring role, and all the other characters seem perfectly cast. Read more
Published 23 months ago by JeanLouise
HAYLEY'S GREAT, BUT THE MOVIE'S BORING
Having never read the book, I cannot comment on how faithful this movie adaptation is. Certainly, Hayley Mills was the best choice to play the role of Pollyanna at the time and she... Read more
Published on 10 April 2010 by C. Kingswell
Childrens DVD
I read this story to my Grandaughter when she was 7 yrs old and we have watched the DVD together several times. We are still not to old to enjoy it. ( 21ys and 70yrs)
Published on 27 Mar 2010 by M. Pitchacaren
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