Michael's Movie Grade:A+
Year Released:1960
History
Walt Disney planning to use actor John Mills as the lead in the future Disney film Swiss Family Robinson (a role he would get). Because of this he went to see a British film entitled Tiger Bay. However not only was John Mills in the movie but also his daughter Hayley Mills (Tiger Bay being her first film). Walt was not only impressed by John Mills but was equally (if not more impressed) with Hayley. He soon signed Hayley up for a contract. Pollyanna seemed to be the perfect vehicle for her and so it was natural that this would be her first film for Disney (and her first American film). 362 girls were considered for the role before Hayley, but Walt was not happy with any of them. Pollyanna was another debut, it was also the first feature film directed by David Swift. David Swift started working at Disney as an animator in the late 1930's. Most of his work was as an assistant animator to animation legend Ward Kimball. He would leave Disney in the late 1940's and do a lot of work for Television. He would create the show Mr. Peepers. He would also direct episodes of shows like Wagon Train, The Rifleman and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. This was his first project back at Disney. He would later also direct The Parent Trap for Disney. You can see David Swift in a brief role as a fireman in Pollyanna.
Pollyanna had the biggest name cast for a Disney film since 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Included in this all star cast was Jane Wyman, Karl Malden, Agnes Moorehead, Nancy Olson and Adolphe Menjou. Nancy Olson was personally called by Walt, and she came out of a five year break from films to appear here. Pollyanna was the last film Adolphe Menjou appeared in. Also appearing in this film was an established Disney star Kevin Corcoran, who had already been in Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, and Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks at the Circus, as well as episodes of The Mickey Mouse Club TV show.
Pollyanna was one of the longest Disney films at this time. Because of this David Swift wanted to trim the movie by 20 minutes. Walt however refused to let Swift cut anything from the film.
Pollyanna was hailed by critics as one of the greatest Disney live action films. However it did not fare as well at the box office. Walt personally attributed this to the name of the film scaring off too many male movie goers.
Review
Incredibly moving film. One of the most moving live action Disney films.
What really makes this movie come to life is how great the characters are. None of the characters are one dimensional. They are all really well thought out. They all are faulted (including Pollyanna), but are all very good people inside. Because of the complexities of these characters, they feel like real people. Because of how real they feel, the emotional scenes become very powerful. It doesn't hurt that every character is cast perfectly. Even though the actors are big names, it feels like you are watching the characters instead of the actors.
This film may be very sentimental, but that sentiment is never forced. This sentiment feels very natural. This film also features an amazing feeling of small town Americana that could only be from Disney. This film has in my mind one of the most emotional moments in Disney history. I won't give away what it is but this scene never fails to make me cry.
Overall an amazing movie and a must watch for all fans of Disney.
Film Credits
Director: David Swift
Writer: David Swift
Based off the book by Eleanor H. Porter
Cast: Hayley Mills (Pollyanna), Jane Wyman (Aunt Polly), Richard Egan (Dr. Edmond Chilton), Karl Malden (Reverend Paul Ford), Nancy Olson (Nancy Furman), Donald Crisp (Mayor Karl Warren), Agnes Moorehead (Mrs. Snow), James Dury (George Dodds), Reta Shaw (Tillie Lagerlof), Leora Dana (Mrs. Paul Ford), Edward Platt (Ben Tarbell), Anne Seymour (Mrs. Amelia Tarbell), Mary Grace Canfield (Angelica), Jenny Egan (Mildred Snow), Gage Clarke (Mr. Murg), Ian Wolfe (Mr. Neely), Nolan Leary (Mr. Thomas), Edgar Dearing (Mr. Gorman), Paul Frees (Barker), Stephanie Gorman (Singer), Tim Graham (Orphanage Worker), Harry Harvey (Editor), Jon Lormer (Mr. Geary), Hans Mobus (McEnerney), William Newell (Mr. Hooper), Charles Seel (Train Conductor), David Swift (Fireman), Arthur Tovey (Fishing Booth Attendant)
Producers: Walt Disney, George Golitzen
Music: Paul J. Smith
Cinematographer: Russell Harlan
Editor: Frank Gross
Art Directors: Caroll Clark, Robert Clatworthy
Set Decorators: Emile Kuri, Fred M. MacLean
Costume Designer: Walter Plunkett
Assistant Director: Joseph C. Behrn
Sound Artists: Robert O. Cook, Dean Thomas
Hair Stylist: Ruth Sanifer
Makeup Artist: Pat McNalley
Special Effects: Ub Iwerks
Matte Artists: Peter Ellenshaw, Albert Whitlock, Jim Fetherolf
Resources Used
The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
-Michael J. Ruhland
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