The History of Mr. Polly (1949)

58% of users liked it
(320 ratings)

H. G. Wells' non-fantasy efforts have, with the exception of Kipps, proven traditionally difficult to transfer to film. History of Mr. Polly occasionally suffers from too-close fidelity to its Wellsian source; one wishes that adaptor/director Anthony Pelissier could have "opened up" the story a bit… More H. G. Wells' non-fantasy efforts have, with the exception of Kipps, proven traditionally difficult to transfer to film. History of Mr. Polly occasionally suffers from too-close fidelity to its Wellsian source; one wishes that adaptor/director Anthony Pelissier could have "opened up" the story a bit more. Still, the film is impeccably cast: particularly good is John Mills as Alfred Polly, whose efforts to make a go in the business world continually come acropper. A humble draper's clerk, Polly is profoundly affected by a variety of personal relationships, most notably with colorful Uncle Jim (Finlay Currie) and his nagging wife Miriam (Betty Ann Davies). Ultimately, he finds happiness in an even humbler pursuit than the drapery business. Star John Mills' daughter Juliet shows up in a very minor role. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Anthony Pelissier
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 8, 1949 Wide

Critic Reviews

John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
It moves along at the leisurely pace of an English pastoral tone poem.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Parts of the movie are engaging, parts lightly amusing, parts awkward, and parts a little dull.

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Cast

            John Mills as Alfred Polly

            Sally Ann Howes as Cristabel

            Finlay Currie as Uncle Jim

            Betty Ann Davies as Miriam

            Edward Chapman as Mr. Johnson

            Diana Churchill as Annie

            Megs Jenkins as Plump woman

            Shelagh Fraser as Minnie

            Moore Marriott as Uncle Pentstemon

            Gladys Henson as Mrs. Larkins

            Wylie Watson as Mr. Rusper

            Miles Malleson as Old gentleman

            Doris Hare as May Pant

            Dandy Nichols as Mrs. Johnson

            Irene Handl as Lady on Left

            Lawrence Baskcomb as Mr. Rumbold

            Edie Martin as Lady on Roof

            Ernest Jay as Mr. Hinks

            Cyril Smith as Mr. Voules

            Dennis Arundell as Clergyman

            Juliet Mills as Little Polly

            David Horne as Mr. Garvace

            Wally Patch as Customer

            Michael Ripper
            
            Victor Platt
            
See full cast

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