Adapted from Eleanor H. Porter's 1913 children's story, this Masterpiece Theatre film tells the story of 11-year-old orphan Pollyanna (Georgina Terry). Sent to live with her aunt (Amanda Burton), Pollyanna soon discovers that the town's adults are incredibly unhappy. Intent on raising everyone's spirits, the upbeat girl convinces the depressed adults to compete in a contest in which participants look for the bright side in everything that surrounds them.