The most important thing you need to remember before you watch, or re-watch, this wonderful film is that, in 1960, Disney was not the impersonal corporate behemoth you see today (owning about 1/3 of all US media) but rather the personal hobby of its creator, Walt Disney, who supervised every aspect of every project. Especially the ones he liked.And he LOVED this one, and spared no expense to make it perfect. (Look for that phrase in the reviews of current movies -- 'spared no expense' -- and good luck trying to find it!) Mills steals every scene with a smile or a smirk or a glance. Makes Lindsay Lohan look like a wannabee. And every supporting character is cast by a major star from the period.In many ways, a perfect film.

The Disney Studios scored a bullseye with their 1960 classic Pollyanna, a lavishly mounted film adaptation of the famed novel by Eleanor H. Porter, about a young girl's arrival in a small turn of the century community, practically owned by her iron-fisted aunt, and her effect on her aunt and on the community as a whole.Hayley Mills is enchanting, as usual, as "the glad girl", a child whose eternal optimism seems to rub off on everyone she comes in contact with, except with her own Aunt Polly and it is the slow burn of the relationship between these two and Pollyanna's eventual melting of her aunt's icy exterior, that makes this wholesome family film a worthwhile experience.Mills received surprisingly solid support from Jane Wyman, an actress who usually played good girls, as Polly's emotionally distant Aunt Polly, Richard Egan as the town doctor, who has always been attracted to Polly, but has always been kept at arm's length by the woman, Karl Malden as the Reverend, and Nancy Olson as Polly's housekeeper.David Swift's simple but direct screenplay, his spirited direction, and expensive production values are the final touches to a family classic that still holds up pretty well.

i can't say enough great things about this wonderful Disney vehicle that launched Hayley mills career in the sixties. based on the book of the same name, it stars mills as the effervescent Pollyanna as she brings joy and happiness to a small town ruled by her seemingly cold and indifferent aunt played by jane Wyman. with a-list stars such as Richard Egan, Karl malden, Nancy Olsen, Agnes moorehead and countless others, it's an excellently written and direct film from start to finish. while the film runs well over the two hour mark, one doesn't notice as it is well-paced. when the film was released, many male viewing audiences were not interested as they felt the story line was geared more towards women and young girls. there is a lot to like here as the films touches on the many different lives of the towns habitants and how Pollyanna changed them through her charm and presence. she is not one to be deterred or stopped in her tracks by someone who is a grouchy hermit such as Mr. pendergas or Agnes moorehead's character who is chronically ill and forever in her nightgown and bed. somehow, Pollyanna is able to add some sunshine and life into their dreary existence. i especially enjoyed the scenes where the town has a carnival and everyone participates and for once without the rule of aunt Polly, begin to experience the joy and happiness of the good things in life. over-all i suggest everyone see this film at least once. you won't regret it.

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.