The cartoon Pollyanna, (original title to the Pollyanna monogatari shoojo) was produced in 1986 by Nippon Animation for the project World Masterpiece Theater, under the direction of Kozo Kuzuha and was broadcast in Italy on Italy 1 in 1987 involving young and old. From 18 June 2010, it has been broadcast on Italia 1 at 8.10 am
Pollyanna is a pretty eight-year-old girl who, together with her beloved father, Reverend John, leads a peaceful and peaceful life. Despite being orphaned by her mother at the tender age of four, little Pollyanna is a cheerful and lively child who savors every moment of life as a precious gift. In fact, thanks to the loving teachings of her father, everything for her is a reason for joy and happiness: running as fast as I can down the hills in the company of her dear Pon Pon (a rather lively but very nice little squirrel!), greetings from the people she met on the streets, eggs with bacon (her favorite dish), Mister and Miss Withe's lemon ice cream.

One day, however, the health conditions of the Reverend (heart patient) worsen until, despite Pollyanna's diligent care and the solidarity of the charity committee (made up mostly of ladies), Reverend John dies. Before dying, however, he expresses the will to entrust his dear daughter to the care of Aunt Polly (younger sister of his deceased wife), even though in all those years they had had no relationship. Aunt Polly blamed the pastor for her sister's death, as she opposed the family who did not accept the pastor for his humble origins, so he fled with him).
Shortly after her father's funeral, Pollyanna moves to the town of Beldingsville (near Boston), starting a new life. At first it will not be easy for her at all, since the cold and severe temperament of the beautiful aunt will dampen her enthusiasm more than once. But day after day Pollyanna's sweetness, her sincerity and her good humor, will be able to conquer the heart hardened by too much suffering of her aunt, awakening in her a feeling of benevolence and tenderness that is almost forgotten. Soon both will become everything for each other and every moment will be wonderful for them. Meanwhile Pollyanna, in addition to Aunt Polly, Tom (the faithful gardener) Nancy (the young and caring maid) and Timoty (the friendly handyman coachman) will meet new friends who will become fond of her and with whom she will be the protagonist of a thousand adventures.

The anime Pollyanna based on the novel of the same name (in 2 volumes "Pollyanna" and "Pollyanna grows") by Eleonor H. Porter, is not only appreciable for the drawings and animations, but also for the moral that can be drawn from it . Pollyanna teaches the joy of living despite difficulties, courage, altruism, loyalty. Over the course of the episodes we will understand through his eyes that every heart, even the saddest and most wounded one, can flourish and open up to happiness and that people are able to exchange mutual love and support, you just need to want it.

by Helga Corpino

All characters and images of Pollyanna are copyright Nippon Animation / Eleonor H. Porter and the right holders. they are used here for cognitive and informative purposes.