Pollyanna Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Pollyanna.
Pollyanna Ending Explained: When Pollyanna is orphaned, she's sent to live with her crotchety Aunt Polly. Directed by Paul Powell, this 1920 comedy film stars Mary Pickford (Pollyanna Whittier), alongside Katherine Griffith as Aunt Polly Harrington, Howard Ralston as Jimmy Bean, Helen Jerome Eddy as Nancy Thing. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Pollyanna?
When Pollyanna is orphaned, she's sent to live with her crotchety Aunt Polly. Pollyanna discovers that many of the people in her aunt's New England hometown are as ill-tempered as her aunt. But Pollyanna's incurable optimism - exemplified by her "glad game", in which she looks for the bright side of every situation - brings a change to the staid old community.
Paul Powell's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Mary Pickford (Pollyanna Whittier)'s journey. Pollyanna discovers that many of the people in her aunt's New England hometown are as ill-tempered as her aunt.
How Does Mary Pickford (Pollyanna Whittier)'s Story End?
- Mary Pickford: Mary Pickford's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Katherine Griffith (Aunt Polly Harrington): Katherine Griffith's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Howard Ralston (Jimmy Bean): Howard Ralston's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Pollyanna Mean?
Pollyanna's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Mary Pickford may feel rushed. Paul Powell's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.