I am with those who does consider this 2003 version better than the 1960 Hayley Mills film, which I still liked though it did have moments where it was sickly sweet and jarred in tone towards the end. This version is charming without being cloying and much more even in terms of overall tone. The writing has sweetness and wit, and the story as well as being faithful in spirit to Porter's story has plenty of charm and heart while never over-doing it. This version looks beautiful too, all very colourful and evocative as well as lovingly photographed. The music has Christopher Gunning's usual trademark of soothing, simple melodic writing, and is suitably unobtrusive. The cast are just wonderful. Georgina Terry is never less than effortlessly charming, and she is brilliantly supported by a sympathetic yet firm Amanda Burton. Kenneth Cranham is helped by the fact that Mr Pendleton(whose individual relationship with Pollyanna is expanded upon and very movingly) is far more interesting here, and Aden Gillet's Dr Chilton is a warm handsome presence. Pam Ferris also does a fine job as Mrs Snow, even if I did find Agnes Moorhead a little more memorable. The ending is very understated and did move me a great deal. My only criticism with this otherwise wonderful version is the length, I just wish it were longer. That aside, it is the superior version and highly recommended. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Pollyanna
