The History of Mr. Polly (1949)

Quiet and somewhat direction-less, Alfred Polly uses the money he inherits from his father to marry and to set up shop in a small town. His heart is in neither of these enterprises and he ... See full summary »

Director:

Anthony Pelissier

Writers:

H.G. Wells (by), Anthony Pelissier (adapted for the screen by)

Stars:

John Mills, Betty Ann Davies, Megs Jenkins

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Mills	...	Alfred Polly
Betty Ann Davies	...	Miriam Larkins Polly
Megs Jenkins	...	The Innkeeper
Finlay Currie	...	Uncle Jim
Gladys Henson	...	Aunt Larkins
Diana Churchill	...	Annie Larkins
Shelagh Fraser	...	Minnie Larkins
Edward Chapman	...	Mr. Johnson
Dandy Nichols	...	Mrs. Johnson
Sally Ann Howes	...	Christabel
Juliet Mills	...	Little Polly
Laurence Baskcomb	...	Mr. Rumbold
Edie Martin	...	Lady on roof
Moore Marriott	...	Uncle Pentstemon
David Horne	...	Mr. Garvace

Storyline

Quiet and somewhat direction-less, Alfred Polly uses the money he inherits from his father to marry and to set up shop in a small town. His heart is in neither of these enterprises and he eventually resorts to desperate measures to break free. His random wanderings in the countryside lead him to a new opportunity that just might be what he's been looking for all along.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 April 1950 (Australia)

Filming Locations:

Denham Studios, Denham, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Two Cities Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First feature film of Lyndon Brook.

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Quotes

The Innkeeper: What sort of work do you want?
Alfred Polly: I've never properly thought that out.

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Connections

Remade as The History of Mr Polly (1959)

User Reviews

Fantastic!

I have loved this film ever since I first saw it at approximately at the age of 6, 7 years on it's still one of my favourites. It's a heart warming tale that the whole family will love. Having never read the book I can't really compare but even so if the film's this good then I'm sure the book will be as good, if not better! I do not understand why the overall rating for this film is an average of 6.6. The people who vote obviously have no taste as this film is a masterpiece of acting. John Mills I credit as one of the best actors to have lived and one year after his death I don't think enough credit has been given to this man and his acting skills.