The History of Mr. Polly

I'm a fan of Wells but not his novel on which this is based, though I think a decent adaptation is possible. This isn't it. The narrative and general execution are almost as clumsy as our protagonist, and the humour just doesn't work, often relying on badly executed slapstick. There's some occasional directorial flair, but nothing outstanding, and it often feels like a separate element to the rest of the film - something that's simply there, and rarely embellishing the action on screen.

The humorous tragic life of Mr. Polly where John Mills make the weakling come to life. Loved the satirical nature of this life story. Very British and very clever. And the way it uses slapstick humor for the dangerous moments only enhance to hilarity of the situations he gets himself in. This was totally my thing, and I probable ended-up relating more than I'd like to admit with the title character!

Excellent comedy (with unexpectedly dark undertones) is somewhat episodic which creates occasional lulls; glued together by Mills' superb, understated and multi-faceted performance which makes Polly's potentially repellent character flaws heartbreaking and endearing. A first-rate supporting cast only enlivens things; Currie is a scream as a sinister heavy ("I'll kick you ugly"; echoes of Magwitch!), Davies the perfect ugly shrew, and Jenkins no less impressive as the loving Mrs. Polly.

An interesting post-war film following the life of a troubled man who wishes to break free of the bonds which tie him into a life that he detests. As can be expected, John Mills makes an excellent performance.

Not bad.