Watch Pretty Polly

Brittish actress Hayley Mills stars as Polly Barlett, a naive and innocent young woman who arrives in England to continue her education. Accompanied by her wealthy father, Polly hopes to escape the rigid constraints of her upbringing and experience life to the fullest. However, her hopes are quickly dashed when she discovers that her father has arranged for her to marry a boring businessman named David Dutton (Richard Wattis) in order to secure a lucrative business deal.

Despite her reservations, Polly reluctantly agrees to the arrangement and begins to settle into her new life as a housewife. However, she soon discovers that David is a controlling and emotionally distant husband who views her as nothing more than a trophy to be displayed to his business associates. Desperate for companionship, Polly begins to seek out new experiences and becomes involved with an eccentric group of bohemian artists.

Led by the flamboyant sculptor Henry Buckle (Shashi Kapoor), the artists introduce Polly to a world of creativity and passion that she never knew existed. However, her newfound sense of freedom and exploration eventually attracts the attention of David, who becomes increasingly jealous and possessive of his young wife.

As Polly struggles to balance her growing feelings for Henry with her responsibilities as a wife, she must navigate the complicated and often treacherous landscape of love, ambition and societal expectations. Along the way, she learns important lessons about herself and the nature of relationships, ultimately discovering the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment.

Directed by Guy Green and featuring standout performances by Brenda de Banzie, Dorothy Alison and others, "Pretty Polly" is a poignant and heartwarming coming-of-age story that celebrates the transformative power of self-discovery and the enduring strength of the human spirit. With its nuanced characters, witty dialogue and stunning cinematography, this beloved classic is a must-see for fans of classic British cinema and anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.