TheLittleSongbird I am with those who does consider this 2003 version better than the 1960 Hayley Mills film, which I still liked though it did have moments where it was sickly sweet and jarred in tone towards the end. This version is charming without being cloying and much more even in terms of overall tone. The writing has sweetness and wit, and the story as well as being faithful in spirit to Porter's story has plenty of charm and heart while never over-doing it. This version looks beautiful too, all very colourful and evocative as well as lovingly photographed. The music has Christopher Gunning's usual trademark of soothing, simple melodic writing, and is suitably unobtrusive. The cast are just wonderful. Georgina Terry is never less than effortlessly charming, and she is brilliantly supported by a sympathetic yet firm Amanda Burton. Kenneth Cranham is helped by the fact that Mr Pendleton(whose individual relationship with Pollyanna is expanded upon and very movingly) is far more interesting here, and Aden Gillet's Dr Chilton is a warm handsome presence. Pam Ferris also does a fine job as Mrs Snow, even if I did find Agnes Moorhead a little more memorable. The ending is very understated and did move me a great deal. My only criticism with this otherwise wonderful version is the length, I just wish it were longer. That aside, it is the superior version and highly recommended. 9/10 Bethany Cox

aimless-46 This 2003 Masterpiece Theatre version of "Pollyanna" is the ultimate feel-good movie and because it is a bit less sappy than the 1960 Disney version you can enjoy repeated viewings anytime you need some cheering up. The new version is also more faithful to Eleanor Porter's original 1913 story and more focused on characterization than on elaborate set design and visual dynamics (there is no town fair and the comic relief has a more mature quality). And the setting is moved to Edwardian England with liberal use of wide angle lenses to capture the lush countryside.The real improvement, however, is in the casting of the title character. Georgina Terry, with her red hair and freckles, projects such effortless charm that even the most cynical should be won over. Hayley Mills' performance was more forced and she was really too old for the role. Terry's Pollyanna is much more convincing, both in her continuing attachment to her father and in her struggles to play his glad game in the face of so much adversity. "I suppose it's as easy to be happy about things as to not be". This struggle was at the core of Porter's story and the 2003 version makes a real effort to construct a multi-dimensional Pollyanna who would have met with Porter's and her readers' approval.Otherwise, the physical casting of the two movies are amazingly similar. Amanda Burton and Pam Ferris in particular conjure up vivid memories of their predecessors Jane Wyman and Agnes Moorehead. Burton portrays Aunt Polly more sympathetically, much more in line with Porter's original characterization. Instead of a ruthless and conniving queen bee, she is more hurt than mean. The tip off comes early as she amusingly allows herself to be persuaded by Tim (Tom Ellis) to purchase a motor car. Tim provides most of the film's comic relief as his prowess with automobiles is contrasted with his shy and awkward romantic overtures toward Nancy (both motor car and romance are creations of the adaptation and not part of the Porter's original story). And Aunt Polly's obsession with flies is nicely played for laughs.There is a trade-off between the versions relative to the characters. Moorehead's Mrs. Snow was more memorable and entertaining; Ferris is not given enough material. Conversely, Kenneth Cranham (Mr. Pendleton) has more to work with than did Adolphe Menjou (Mr. Pendergast) and is not handicapped by having to share scenes with Kevin Corcoran. As in the book, the less irritating Jimmy Bean (Ben Thornton) of the 2003 version has a smaller role and there is more emphasis on Pollyanna's individual relationship with Mr. Pendleton (who was once in love with Pollyanna's mother).The only real weakness of the Masterpiece Theatre version was the need to adapt the story to a compressed 90-minute running time. This was to some extent a mixed blessing because while there are transitional gaps, the time constraints forced them to get creative ant this led to some nice sequences. A montage of a bewildered Aunt Polly receiving a parade of townspeople extolling Pollyanna's virtues is especially good, and it nicely sets her up for a mild scolding by Nancy about not allowing Pollyanna to speak openly about her father. They also responded positively to the running time issue by jumping right into the story at the beginning (just running the titles over the scene) and by wrapping things up with an understated ending that let the audience just interpret what they were seeing.The "Pollyanna" story has a timeless appeal for children who get off on her ability to influence adults but this film version is also a wonderful family film. This convincing story of how an 11-year-old girl's indomitable spirit positively impacts everyone around her offers enough nuances to keep adults entertained and may even elicit a few tears from otherwise cynical observers.Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Andrew Hopper Amanda Burton plays, as usual, a great role in this drama which is particularly moving in parts. The plot is very interesting and the costumes and settings are second to none. Georgina Terry was a wonderful actress in this for someone who was so young and Pam Ferris always adds her touch of comedy to dramas!Great drama! 10/10!

joseph-51 This was on TV in England the other night, and it was rather cringe making thanks to being a very sweet story. But it was also entertaining. SLIGHT SPOILER COMING UP**** A young girl goes to stay with her Aunt Polly after her father passes away. However, Aunt Polly is rather strict and wants no mention of Polltanna's father. In the local village, she teaches some of the rather grumpy inhabitants the Glad Game, which helps people look on the bright side of life. However, look out for that motorcar Pollyanna! **** SPOILER ENDS HEREUnlike the classic Disney version (which is still good), it isn't as apple pie and the setting is England instead of USA (I don't know if the actual book had an English or American setting). The film certainly follows the original storyline of the book.Pollyanna- A wonderful story and a film for all.