Pollyanna (1960)

It's been raining A LOT lately and during these intense thunderstorms, I like to pop in a cheerful movie and climb into bed and stay there for the entire day. I think the quintessential happy movie must be Pollyanna and I had the sudden urge to see it again today because it just makes me smile.

For those who haven't seen it, it's about a young girl Pollyanna who goes to live with her rich aunt after her parents have died. Her happy-go-lucky spirit ends up changing the attitudes of the people in the whole town. The term "Pollyanna" was derived from this movie and now it refers to anyone who acts ridiculously naive and idealistic, which I actually think is a rather unfair description of the real character of Pollyanna, who was much more multi-dimensional than people give her credit for.





This is set during the early 1900s and for a lover of Victorian things - like myself - this film is a true delight! The aunt's huge Victorian mansion is just amazing, especially the interiors.


the parlor where the aunt is doing some embroidery


the conservatory, which is a must in any Victorian house


the kitchen, which is allegedly connected to the conservatory, although you can't really tell from the set design


this is actually a cranky old professor's house and not Pollyanna's but I wanted to show you his gorgeous library/den


also, this old vintage car is to die-for, no?

Towards the end of the film, the town holds a big bazaar to raise money for a new orphanage. And I was falling all over myself marveling at the gorgeous Japanese paper lanterns and all the various food booths. There are a lot of great party design ideas here.







Also...old lady playing drums? Coolness factor +10!



Anyway, the movie is really fun and entertaining and really worth checking out whenever you need a mood lifter.

Posted in: children's films,Disney,Victorian house