The History of Mr Polly

The History of Mr Polly is a period drama-comedy from the year 1949. It’s a British movie under the direction of Anthony Pelissier and featured renowned British actor John Mills, along with Sally Ann Howes, and Betty Ann Davies, among others. The narrative was based on a novel penned by H.G. Wells.

The story encompasses the life of the protagonist, Mr. Alfred Polly (John Mills), a charming yet floundering character suffering from the enfolding monotony and discontentment of his life. A genuine Wellsian character, he embodies the middle-class individual in early 20th century England, whose life is more about a frustrating routine than about living. A smart, bustling clerk, the dissatisfaction in his life compels him to strive to alter his life circumstances post-marriage.

Being married to his cousin, Miriam Larkins (Betty Ann Davies), he manages a small yet depleted shop in Fishbourne. Yet, the disenchantment in his life grows further. His marriage is far from being delightful due to the conflicting personalities of him and Miriam. The despairing drudgery leads him to continuously question his existent life and ponder upon the path his life has taken since childhood.

Throughout this period drama, Mr. Polly grapples with unanticipated escapades and his quest to break free from the monotonous life around him. The storyline effortlessly traverses from his impetuous misadventures during his school years to the trigonometry-filled adolescence. He finds his solace in daydreaming of 'romantic and beautiful' adventures he'd like to have in an ideal world.

One of the most intense facets of John Mill's portrayal of Mr. Polly was the unyielding battle he fought within himself. He's an introverted character who often avoided confrontations and ran headlong into dilemmas, often funny and sometimes disastrous. It's Mills' scintillating and convincing performance which makes Mr. Polly a character the audience could resonate with, in spite of his flaws.

Though facing multiple odds, he doesn’t succumb to the pressures but battles them in uniquely amusing ways. His failure in businessman endeavours and his botched attempts at heroism, introduce the audience to a person desperate to break free and live life on his terms, despite multiple comical disasters.

In Sally Ann Howes' character, we see the second lead, who is the character of Christabel, one providing a potential romantic interest and a ray of hope in Mr Polly's life. Contrary to his wife Miriam, Christabel seems to reflect the freedom and eccentricity that he yearns for in his own life.

The film smartly alternates between flashbacks and the present scenario. The flashbacks plot seamlessly merges with the main storyline, giving an interesting insight into Mr. Polly's past life and his personality. Although the movie is set in the early 1900s, it never loses its relatability, making the audience feel for Mr. Polly and his battles.

Another aspect that stands out about "The History of Mr Polly" is its clever use of English humour, which lends the film a light-hearted vibe. It's interspersed with heavy introspection about life and its meaning, which makes the ordeal of Mr. Polly much more intellectual than what meets the eye. It has the ability to connect with its audience emotionally, leading them to resonate with the lead character and his challenges.

The film creates an intricate narrative with every character exhibiting extensive detail of the time it represents. The vision of the director and the phenomenal attempt of the actors make the ordinary life of Mr. Polly an extraordinary tale. The drama, the comedy, the societal norms, the breaking away from those norms, the pursuit of one's dreams and the look into Mr. Polly's character, make this a charming period film which captures the audience's attention while taking them through different facets of human existence.

In conclusion, The History of Mr Polly is a timeless classic that presents a beautiful blend of comedy and drama. It captures the essence of struggling middle-class life in old England while maintaining an upbeat and light-hearted tone throughout. This movie is a childhood tale, an adventurous life journey, a romantic drama, and a social commentary all merged together, making it a classic worth watching.