The History of Mr. Polly (1949): Cast & Plot
The History of Mr. Polly is a 1949 drama directed by Anthony Pelissier, starring John Mills as Alfred Polly, Betty Ann Davies and Sally Ann Howes. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Director
- Anthony Pelissier
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Two Cities Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The History of Mr. Polly About?
The premise of The History of Mr. Polly without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Based on H.G. Wells’s novel, the film follows Alfred Polly, who inherits his father’s money and marries and opens a shop in a quiet small town. Unenthusiastic about both ventures, he resorts to desperate measures to escape their constraints. His aimless countryside wanderings eventually bring him to a chance that may finally offer the purpose he’s been seeking, hinted at by a handful of eccentric locals.
The History of Mr. Polly Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- based on the works of h.g. wells
- inheritance
- inherited wealth
- schoogirl
- married another woman
- unhapiness
- arson
- lie
- coincidence
- love
- reference to sir lancelot
- aunt nephew relationship
+38 more Show fewer
- marriage between cousins
- riding a bicycle
- bowler hat
- love at first sight
- cousin cousin marriage
- kissing cousins
- male cousin female cousin relationship
- funeral
- sister sister romantic rivalry
- jealous sister
- time jump
- cousins relationship
- park
- unexpected visitor
- older man attracted to a teenage girl
- london england
- fired from a job
- lazy man
- 15 years later
- climbing up a wall
- woman flirting
- steam locomotive
- overwhelmed
- pince nez
- schoolgirl
- bookworm
- gay nineties
- river thames
- straw hat
- man flirts with a teenage girl
- top hat
- female cousin
- meet cute
- horseless carriage
- uncle niece relationship
- bickering husband wife relationship
- family affairs
- cousin marriage
The History of Mr. Polly Cast & Characters
John Mills leads the cast as Alfred Polly, with Betty Ann Davies as Miriam Larkins Polly and Sally Ann Howes as Christabel. Directed by Anthony Pelissier; 12 actors are credited in all.
- Director Anthony Pelissier
-
John Mills as Alfred Polly - Betty Ann Davies as Miriam Larkins Polly
-
Sally Ann Howes as Christabel - Shelagh Fraser as Minnie Larkins
Also Starring in The History of Mr. Polly
· 8 more- Diana Churchill Annie Larkins
- Finlay Currie Uncle Jim
- Juliet Mills Little Polly
- Dandy Nichols Mrs. Johnson
- Edward Chapman Mr. Johnson
- Megs Jenkins The Innkeeper
- Gladys Henson Aunt Larkins
- Laurence Baskcomb Mr. Rumbold
More from Anthony Pelissier
More films directed by Anthony Pelissier: Meet Mr. Lucifer, Personal Affair, Meet Me Tonight and Encore.
The History of Mr. Polly Plot Summary
What happens in The History of Mr. Polly from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Alfred Polly, John Mills, is dismissed from a draper’s shop where his father had placed him as an apprentice, and he struggles to find another position. When a telegram arrives informing him of his father’s death, he returns to the family home with a mix of resolve and hesitation, weighing what the future might hold for him and those who depend on him. With a modest bequest of £500, Polly contemplates his options, and a trusted older friend of his father, Mr Johnsen, urges him to invest in a shop—a path Polly recoils from, preferring to carve his own, less conventional route.
Full summary
The whole story of The History of Mr. Polly, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The History of Mr. Polly?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who stars as Alfred Polly in the film?
Cars in The History of Mr. Polly
1 car on screen: the 1894 Benz Velociped.
-
1894 Benz Velociped Minor role
The History of Mr. Polly Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “The History Of Mr Polly” and “Mr. Pollys historia”.
- Also known as
-
- The History Of Mr Polly
- Mr. Pollys historia
- La Historia del Sr. Polly
- History of Mr Polly
Seen The History of Mr. Polly?
Movies Like The History of Mr. Polly
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The History of Mr Polly, Miss Polly and Polly of the Circus.
The History of Mr. Polly FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The History of Mr. Polly, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The History of Mr. Polly?
The History of Mr. Polly runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).
When was The History of Mr. Polly released?
The History of Mr. Polly was released on February 8, 1949.
Who directed The History of Mr. Polly?
The History of Mr. Polly was directed by Anthony Pelissier.
More films by Anthony Pelissier Who is in the cast of The History of Mr. Polly?
The History of Mr. Polly stars John Mills as Alfred Polly, Betty Ann Davies as Miriam Larkins Polly and Sally Ann Howes as Christabel, among 12 credited actors.
Does The History of Mr. Polly have a post-credit scene?
No. The History of Mr. Polly has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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