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The History of Mr. Polly

Play trailer The History of Mr. Polly 1949 1h 34m Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 2 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Bookworm Alfred Polly (John Mills) is a hopeless daydreamer who cannot keep his mind on the task at hand, hence his inevitable dismissal from his dreary job as a draper's assistant. He has no idea what to do with his life. Alfred's uncle (Finlay Currie) advises him to use the sum he inherited from his father to marry his cousin (Betty Ann Davies) and invest in a shop. He does all this, but does not find himself any happier -- until a stroll in the countryside leads him to a new opportunity.

Critics Reviews

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Josephine O'Neill Daily Telegraph (Australia) 03/26/2019
H.G. Wells' little shop-keeper... comes perfectly to the screen in the acting of John Mills. Go to Full Review John J. Puccio Movie Metropolis 09/17/2011
6/10
Parts of the movie are engaging, parts lightly amusing, parts awkward, and parts a little dull. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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03/15/2018 I found this a strange film but still quite entertaining. John Mills is always good and is one of my favourite actors. On a downside I don't think this film explains very well what is happening with Mr Polly and I was left wondering what was going on at times See more 10/19/2012 This is a really enjoyable film about a Victorian shopkeeper who becomes fed up of his lot, being married to a harridan and having few prospects. He contemplates suicide, but when it comes down to it he loses courage. It is a really sweet tale, and more people need to see it, judging by the lack of reviews below! See more 04/17/2010 i quite enjoyed this film, even though i only watched it as part of my research See more 01/11/2010 Mr Polly was a ne'er do well nobody, living a nobody's life, a dreaming of being a chivalrous knight rescuing fair maidens. He is left money by his father and decides to make big changes to his life, but his lack of thought means that his choices aren't wise ones... See more 10/05/2009 A truly great film of a wonderful story. John Mills portarys the sadness of the character perfectly, as well as the "I want to be popular and loved!" side of him. Full of great performances. See more 06/11/2009 A strange tale of finding oneself. John Mills puts in a purposely tentative performance as Polly and while it has low-key feel, the story is sweet. See more Read all reviews
The History of Mr. Polly

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Cast & Crew

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Anthony Pelissier

Director

John Mills

Alfred Polly

Sally Ann Howes

Christabel

Finlay Currie

Uncle Jim

Betty Ann Davies

Miriam Larkins Polly

Edward Chapman

Mr. Johnson
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The History of Mr. Polly

The History of Mr. Polly (1949) The History of Mr. Polly (1949) The History of Mr. Polly (1949) The History of Mr. Polly (1949) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Bookworm Alfred Polly (John Mills) is a hopeless daydreamer who cannot keep his mind on the task at hand, hence his inevitable dismissal from his dreary job as a draper's assistant. He has no idea what to do with his life. Alfred's uncle (Finlay Currie) advises him to use the sum he inherited from his father to marry his cousin (Betty Ann Davies) and invest in a shop. He does all this, but does not find himself any happier -- until a stroll in the countryside leads him to a new opportunity.
Director
Anthony Pelissier
Screenwriter
Anthony Pelissier, H.G. Wells
Genre
Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Oct 30, 2007
Runtime
1h 34m