Polly of the Circus
Polly of the Circus

Movie spotlight

Polly of the Circus

1932
Movie
69 min
English

When Polly Fisher, a circus aerialist, is hurt while performing, she is taken to the house of a nearby minister, John Hartley. As she recuperates, they fall in love with each other and secretly marry. But when the truth leaks out , John's congregation rebels at having a circus woman as their minister's wife, and he is fired. Polly decides to leave John in hopes of giving back to him the calling that means so much to him. But fate steps in and rearranges all plans.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Alfred SantellGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Polly, a young orphan, is taken in by a circus troupe and grows up to be a talented equestrienne. She falls in love with an American cowboy, but their relationship is complicated by societal prejudices and the circus environment. Polly must navigate her feelings and her place in the world, ultimately seeking a life beyond the sawdust ring.

Critical Reception

Polly of the Circus was met with mixed reviews upon its release. While Colleen Moore's performance was often praised for its earnestness, the film's melodrama and somewhat dated themes were noted by critics. Audience reception was also varied, with some appreciating the sentimental story and circus spectacle, while others found it less engaging than other contemporary dramas.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Colleen Moore's committed performance as the titular character.

  • Noted for its sentimental melodrama and circus setting.

  • Some found the story to be predictable and dated.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific film is not readily available. However, based on general audience reception of similar films from the era, viewers likely appreciated the romantic and dramatic elements, as well as the visual appeal of the circus.

Fun Fact

Colleen Moore, who played Polly, was a major star of the silent film era and this was one of her early sound films, marking a transition in her career.

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