Download Polly of the Circus (1932) Colorized HD | Marion Davies | Romantic Circus Melodrama | Clark Gable

High-Wire Romance and Small-Town Scandal: Polly of the Circus (1932) in Lush Color

Step under the big top and into the heart of a forbidden love story with “Polly of the Circus” (1932), now brilliantly colorized for a dazzling new viewing experience. Directed by Alfred Santell and starring the luminous Marion Davies alongside the iconic Clark Gable, this pre-code romantic drama blends the spectacle of circus life with the emotional stakes of small-town society. Whether you’re a classic film enthusiast or a fan of sweeping love stories, this HD download brings a forgotten gem of early Hollywood back to vivid life.

Polly of the Circus Storyline: Love on the Flying Trapeze

The story begins as a traveling circus rolls into a conservative small town. Polly Fisher, the star trapeze artist, is outraged to discover that her daring costume has been censored on local posters. Seeking answers, she confronts Reverend John Hartley, the town’s young minister, whom she mistakenly blames for the prudish edit. Their first encounter is anything but friendly, but fate has other plans.

During a performance, a heckler distracts Polly, causing her to fall from the trapeze in a heart-stopping accident. She is brought to the minister’s nearby house to recover, and over the weeks of her convalescence, a romance blossoms between the unconventional circus star and the upright man of the cloth. Against the odds, they marry, and Polly gives up her life in the circus for love.

However, their union is met with fierce resistance. John’s uncle, Bishop James Northcott, and the church congregation cannot accept a circus performer as the minister’s wife. John is forced out of his position and blacklisted from other churches. Witnessing her husband’s despair, Polly makes a heartbreaking sacrifice—she leaves John and returns to the circus, hoping to restore his reputation. In a dramatic climax, John and his uncle race to save Polly from a dangerous stunt, realizing too late the depth of her love and sacrifice.

Star Performances and Supporting Cast

The film’s emotional core is powered by Marion Davies as Polly and Clark Gable as Reverend John Hartley. Davies brings charm, vulnerability, and strength to her role, while Gable delivers a passionate performance as the conflicted minister. The supporting cast includes:

• C. Aubrey Smith as Bishop James Northcott, the stern but ultimately compassionate uncle

• Raymond Hatton as Downey, Hartley’s loyal servant

• David Landau as Beef, the circus manager who raised Polly

• Ruth Selwyn as Mitzi, Polly’s circus friend

• Maude Eburne as Mrs. Jennings, a local busybody

• “Little Billy” Rhodes as Half-Pint, a beloved circus performer

Keep an eye out for a brief appearance by Ray Milland as a church usher—a fun Easter egg for classic film fans.

Genre and Themes

“Polly of the Circus” is a romantic circus melodrama with strong elements of social commentary and pre-code Hollywood candor. The film explores themes of love versus duty, societal judgment, sacrifice, and the search for acceptance. Its unique blend of circus spectacle and small-town drama sets it apart from other romance films of the era.

Historical Context: Pre-Code Hollywood Meets the Big Top

Released in 1932, “Polly of the Circus” captures the last gasp of Hollywood’s pre-code era, when filmmakers could tackle mature themes and moral ambiguity. The film is based on a popular early 20th-century play by Margaret Mayo, which had already seen a silent film adaptation in 1917. This version, produced by MGM, capitalizes on the star power of Marion Davies and Clark Gable, both on the cusp of their greatest fame.

The movie also offers a fascinating look at circus culture and the role of women in entertainment during the early 20th century. Polly’s struggle to be accepted as both a performer and a minister’s wife reflects broader societal tensions of the era.

Colorization Details

This colorized edition of “Polly of the Circus” brings new vibrancy to the film’s circus sequences, dazzling costumes, and emotional performances. The restoration process involved careful digital enhancement, assigning authentic colors to the original black-and-white footage. The result is a visually stunning experience that highlights the film’s spectacle and period detail, making it accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Director: Alfred Santell

• Screenplay: Carey Wilson (adapted from the play by Margaret Mayo)

• Cinematography: William H. Daniels

• Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

• Distributed by: MGM

• Runtime: 70 minutes

Technical Specifications

• Download Format: MP4

• Resolution: HD (1080p)

• Compatibility: Works on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon release, “Polly of the Circus” was noted for its strong performances, particularly from Marion Davies and Clark Gable, though some critics found the screenplay formulaic. Today, the film stands as a testament to the star power of its leads and the enduring appeal of romantic melodrama set against the backdrop of the circus. For fans of classic Hollywood, this colorized version offers a fresh way to experience a lesser-known but charming entry in the MGM catalog.

FAQs

• Q: Is “Polly of the Circus” based on a true story?
  A: The film is based on a play by Margaret Mayo, inspired by the world of traveling circuses and early 20th-century social norms.

• Q: What makes the colorized version special?
  A: The colorization process revitalizes the film’s circus scenes and period costumes, making the story more immersive for today’s viewers.

• Q: Who are the main stars of the film?
  A: Marion Davies and Clark Gable headline the cast, delivering memorable performances as the star-crossed lovers.

• Q: What genre is “Polly of the Circus”?
  A: It’s a romantic circus melodrama with elements of pre-code social commentary.

• Q: What is the download format and quality?
  A: The film is available in HD (1080p) MP4 format, compatible with most modern devices.

Download Now in HD!

Experience the spectacle and romance of “Polly of the Circus” like never before—download the colorized HD version today!