Play the Glad Game Today

Pollyanna, Hayley Mill’s first movie, opened today in 1960. This is my favorite Hayley Mill’s movie even though I cry throughout the ending. (I won’t give any spoilers here, but wow! is it emotional.) Even with a tearful ending I still have watched this film dozens of times. Why? Because it has such a positive message. Pollyanna’s life is hardly perfect but no matter what happens to her and how many grumpy people she meets she always acts happy and turns everyone around. I think we need more Pollyannas in the world today.

So how can you celebrate the anniversary of this splendid movie? You could rent the movie and watch it with your entire family. You could also read the book. Did you know it was originally a book? The movie is pretty spectacular but I always like making comparisons between the two. You could also play the glad game. When something goes wrong with your day find the positive in the situation. In Pollyanna, she explains that she once got a pair of crutches when she wanted a doll. She decided she was glad she didn’t need the crutches.

Pollyanna is often considered a silly girl with her head in the clouds. I think she is actually a very insightful girl because she often has to take a close look at the people around her to find the good in them. We can definitely use more Pollyanna’s today. Happiness squared.

Goofy Quote: This is probably the most famous quote in the entire movie and it certainly has an effect on the Reverend.

Reverend Ford: [reading Pollyanna’s locket] When you look for the bad in mankind, expecting to find it, you surely will. – Abraham Lincoln.

Pollyanna Whittier: He was President.

Reverend Ford: Yes, I know… but I’ve never heard *that* before.