Polly (1989)

An musical adaptation of the book "Pollyanna" set in the 1950's in which an orphan tries to use gladness to unite the people in a small southern town

Director:

Debbie Allen

Writers:

William Blinn (adaptation), Eleanor H. Porter (novel),

Stars:

Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Rashad, Dorian Harewood

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Keshia Knight Pulliam	...	Polly
Phylicia Rashad	...	Aunt Polly
Dorian Harewood	...	Doctor Shannon
Barbara Montgomery	...	Mrs. Conley
T.K. Carter	...	George
Vanessa Bell Calloway	...	Nancy
Brandon Quintin Adams	...	Jimmy Bean
Ken Page
Larry Riley	...	Reverend Gillis
Butterfly McQueen	...	Miss Priss
Brock Peters	...	Mr. Pendergast
Celeste Holm	...	Miss Snow
George Anthony Bell	...	Mr. Tarbell
Tom McGreevey	...	Doctor (as Thomas McGreevey)
Michael Peters	...	Mr. Thurm

Storyline

An musical adaptation of the book "Pollyanna" set in the 1950's in which an orphan tries to use gladness to unite the people in a small southern town

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Plot Keywords:

orphan | 1950s | children | middle class | remake | 

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Genres:

Family | Musical

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 November 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Pollyanna

Filming Locations:

Pasadena, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

While many of the characters from the original "Pollyanna" story retain their names, Dr. Chilton becomes Dr. Shannon and the character is changed from a physician to a music teacher.

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Quotes

Nancy: Polly, this is Mrs. Conley. Mrs. Conley...
Mrs. Conley: ...this is Polly? Ha! Ha! Well you're a lil' runtsy aren't ya' child?
Polly: I'm as big as I know how to get!

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Connections

Version of Pollyana Moça (1958)

User Reviews

childhood favorite

This was one of my favorite movies growing up. The story of a young African-American girl during the time of segregation overcoming all odds with an effervescent spirit and a "glad" attitude really connected with me. The characters, music, and dancing are all light-hearted and fun. Although Phylicia Rashad and Keshia Knight Pulliam acted together in the "Cosby Show", the relationship in this movie is fresh. I found just about all the characters of the movie to be unique and lovable. I especially enjoy Celeste Holm as "Miss Snow." The relationship that develops between her and Polly, in spite of age and race, makes this story truly remarkable. The character "Jimmy Bean", a poor orphan boy, who befriends young Polly, the niece of the richest woman in the county, shows us the power of friendship no matter the obstacles. I also love the metamorphosis of Phylicia Rashad's character as she adapts to having this bubbly young girl in her life and learns to welcome the advances of her old flame "Doctor Shannon", portrayed by Dorian Harewood. I really love this movie and I wish Disney would release it to DVD or video.