Polly

Polly is a 1989 American family drama film directed by Kenneth Bowser, starring Sofía Coppola, Kairi Shepherd, and Judy Davis. The story is an adaptation of the novel "Pollyanna" by Eleanor H. Porter and takes place in the 1950s, though not as traditional in its storyline as the source material. The film follows the tale of Polly Harrington, a young, cheerful, and optimistic orphan girl who leaves her orphanage to live with her wealthy and bitter aunt, Polly Bedford. Polly Bedford has been widowed twice, and her life is filled with sorrow. The people in the small, southern town she resides in are equally miserable. The town is gripped by a crippling gloominess that has consumed the residents of the once-hospitable community. However, Polly's arrival brings an unusual ray of sunshine to the town. With her irrepressible cheerfulness and optimistic outlook on life, Polly decides to change things by teaching everyone "the Glad Game". The Glad Game, or as Polly's father once called it, the art of finding happiness in all things, is an exercise that Polly employs to maintain a positive perspective on the darkest days. Whenever Polly encounters a situation that could normally be viewed as bleak, she seeks out something to be glad about. By focusing on the good in each situation, Polly slowly starts to transform the lives of those around her. Despite her aunt Polly's reluctance to participate, Polly's Glad Game begins to bring out the best in the townsfolk, as they learn to see the brighter side of life. The arrival of the charming and kind-hearted Dr. Allison MacKenzie, Polly's cousin and a young physician, also provides a turning point in the story. Dr. MacKenzie is instantly drawn to Polly, whose innocence and kindness captivate him. The friendship they develop eventually blossoms into romance, though both Polly and Dr. MacKenzie are unaware of these feelings at this stage. However, the change in attitude and the newfound happiness that has taken hold in the town are not without challenges. Polly's bitter and selfish aunt Polly Bedford finds it difficult to see the positive impact Polly's Glad Game has on those around her. Her resistance is rooted in her deep-seated fear that Polly might uncover the secrets of her troubled past, which might threaten the fragile balance she has worked so hard to maintain in her life. Polly Bedford tries to undermine Polly's efforts by telling her the truth about her past, but her intention is not out of concern for her niece's well-being but rather to destroy her newfound happiness. As Polly continues her battle to bring joy to her new community, she faces opposition not just from her aunt but also from some other townsfolk, who resist the sudden change in their environment. Despite these obstacles, Polly persists, and the film builds up to a dramatic climax that showcases her remarkable strength of will and character. In the end, Polly manages to transform the town and bring its residents closer, while her bond with Dr. MacKenzie deepens. In Polly, the 1950s era setting creates an intriguing backdrop for the story. The film showcases the era's societal attitudes and customs while still exploring universal themes that continue to captivate audiences today. The story revolves around the importance of perspective, the impact of positive thinking on one's life, and the transformative power of love and friendship. The film's adaptation takes a few liberties with the original novel, but these changes allow the story to be explored in a way that's unique to the 1950s time period. The music and the cinematography of the film also contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere, which is a testament to the enduring power of optimism and resilience. Ultimately, Polly is a heartwarming story that celebrates the beauty of innocence and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity. The film's message resonates with viewers of all ages, offering a compelling reminder of the transformative power of kindness, generosity, and the Glad Game.