Eleanor H. Porter, Gayle Hunnicutt (Read by), Full Cast (Read by)

Pollyanna

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Summary

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the classic American tale, starring Gayle Hunnicutt. When Pollyanna's father dies, she is sent to live with her only surviving relative, the rich but stern Aunt Polly. Pollyanna's joy soon turns to disappointment when her spinster aunt gives her a cold greeting and tells her she is to stay in the attic. It's not the welcome Pollyanna expected, but she soon regains her spirits, playing the ‘glad game’ her father taught her. Nancy, the maid, is charmed by Pollyanna and soon the girl's infectious optimism wins the hearts of everyone in town from the reclusive Mr Pendleton to the shy Dr Chilton. Everyone, that is, except Aunt Polly, who refuses to succumb to her young niece's charm. It is not until a tragic accident occurs, which leaves even Pollyanna struggling to find a way to feel glad, that her maiden aunt finally unwraps her heart from years of bitterness. This BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation retains the spirit of childlike innocence and optimism that has made Pollyanna a favourite amongst generations of children and adults.

About the author

Eleanor H. Porter

Eleanor H. Porter was born in New Hampshire in 1868. As a young woman she trained as a singer but after marrying in 1892 she turned to writing. During the course of her career she wrote many novels for children and adults, but her most famous book was Pollyanna. ‘Glad Clubs’ sprang up across America and the book was made into a Broadway show and a Hollywood movie, adding to the enormous popularity of Porter’s famously sunny character. As a result, Porter was a commercially successful and popular writer during her lifetime. She died in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1920.

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