I have always loved watching older movies – the giddier the better. And, if there happens to be a tear rolling down my cheek at the end, it is probably overdue.

I was channel surfing last weekend and caught one of my favorite movies with only 45 minutes remaining. I watched it anyway. The movie was “Pollyanna,” a Disney production with many stars of the day. But the one I remember most was Haley Mills’ character. I liked the fact that nothing much swayed her decisions. If she was going through a door, no one better be standing in her way.

She was so expressive with her British accent, especially when she said, “Gorgeous,” and she used that adjective often in the picture.

The prissy little girl Pollyanna has remained in my mind all week. Quite a pretty young lady she was, and she left an impression on everyone’s life she touched. She had a unique way of getting around the rough edges of cranky hypochondriacs and wise old men set in their ways. She said there had to be something to be glad about in any situation – a profound statement for a girl of that era. Yet as the movie progresses, she is haunted by her own words.

I love everything about the movie. The adults are faced with the brutal honesty that maybe their ways of thinking aren’t so righteous after all. Maybe the wealthy woman with her charitable ways never knew how to give. What is so amazing is that a little girl brought all of these obvious areas that needed some tending to the surface. While doing so, she taught them that the best thing they had to offer others was themselves. (I know it was in the script, but she did it so convincingly).

What a difference a child can make with one sentence. It is profound and perplexing that is takes the innocence of childhood to make things clearer and more meaningful.

I was having a very stressful day at work this week. Where was the “glad” Pollyanna said could be found in any situation? I was not feeling it. I came home feeling discouraged. Then when I turned on the television, the movie was on again. I figured it must be a sign, so I watched it again.

I cried again, and the word “gorgeous,” with a British accent, has been rolling through my head for more than a week.

T&D Correspondent Jan Jordan can be reached by e-mail at Jor8J@aol.com.

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