"Pollyanna" was a film directed by Herr Paul Powell which starred Dame Mary Pickford. This was a faithful first adaptation for the screen of the famous and best-seller novel written by Eleanor H. Porter. It was very difficult to understand for this German Count due to the strange concepts and feelings with which this silent film deals. They include such strange subjects for the aristocracy like kindness, merriment and solidarity (thanks Gott there is also in the film evil aunties, bad weather and illness, German earthly matters that this aristocrat knows well).
Obviously such film story with human sentiments (another orphan in trouble) was perfect for Dame Pickford. This film was her first work for United Artists, that Amerikan company founded by Herr Chaplin, Herr Griffith and Herr Fairbanks together with America's sweetheart. She's a glad girl who displays her charm and good intentions to anyone at hand. The film, as the book of which was based on, was a big success in those early silent times and many film critics considered this film as one of the best in Dame Pickford's film career, a statement with which this German Count doesn't agree.
Keeping in mind those kind-hearted and innocent characters ( Dame Pickford speciality ) and the context or even the taste of the popular audience in those early times, the film it is many ways, simplistic and predictable. That's not to the mention Herr Powell's direction which is monotonous and without risks. He seems to think that with Dame Pickford's talent on the screen, that is enough for succeed. Although Dame Pickford gives her best effort, the Amerika's sweethart has better performances, more elaborated, and the most incredible thing
credible.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count is glad to be again in Teutonic humour.
Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com/
