Black in Period Films

I really like how while the main character was a child, the adult characters were still utilized effectively. My favorite adult relationship was between Dr. Shannon and Aunt Polly. Their relationship reminded me of the type that would appear in a classic period drama. We actually meet Dr. Shannon before we meet Aunt Polly. From the way he acts, we can tell that he still has feelings for her. He even mentions the fact that he misses Aunt Polly's smile. This sets us up to know where they are in their relationship. Though others and their own words we learn about their relationship. Five years before the movie takes place, Dr. Shannon and Aunt Polly were a couple. Everything was fine. That is until Dr. Shannon went away to Atlanta. Once settled there he wanted Aunt Polly to come so they could get married. But she refuses she feels responsible for her families businesses. We're not talking about the orphanage. We're talking about me and you. We...

I enjoyed this film very much. The reason I wanted to watch Polly is that its a musical, and anyone that knows me know I love musicals! I can't remember ever watching a musical period film with a majority black cast. I don't have anything bad to say about the film. Everything was in order. Keshia Knight Pulliam  is adorable. The acting from the whole cast is spot on. The musical numbers are brilliant and the costumes are beautiful. As this is a Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad  production, I expected nothing less. Because everything is in such great order I'll be posting specific things I loved about Polly in place of one mega review post. I will however do a quick post of my overall thoughts. Polly is inspired by the novel Pollyanna, there is also a film based on the novel. But as I have neither watched nor read these productions I am judging Polly on its own merits as a film. Pulliam as Polly is amazing....

As I stated in the introductory post , Polly is a musical. A fact that is extremely exciting to me. I can't say I've ever watched a musical period film with a majority black cast. So this is a breath of fresh air.  The movie is set in the 1950's so the music has that feel.  Polly was choreographed by the legendary Debbie Allen, so obviously the dancing is amazing! Polly was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography. Here is a list of the musical numbers: By Your Side- Polly Honey Ain't Got Nothin' On You- Polly, Nancy, & Girls Sweet Little Angel Eyes- Jimmy Bean, Polly, George, Nancy, & Children Something More- Aunt Polly Shine A Light- Mayor Warren, Dr. Shannon, & George Rainbow Maker- Polly, Nancy, & Aunt Polly Stand Up- Reverend Gillis, Dr. Shannon, & Congregation Finale- Company I really enjoyed the musical numbers and the dancing. I found myself wanting to dance while ...

The next film to be featured is Polly! Polly is a musical television movie. It originally aired in November 1989 on NBC. It is adapted from the book Pollyanna . This film was directed and choreographed by the talented Debbie Allen. It stars her legendary sister Phylicia Rashād and an adorable young Keshia Knight Pulliam. Pulliam plays the title character Polly.  Stay tuned!