Pollyanna Whittier goes to live with her wealthy but bitter aunt after the tragic death of her father. Pollyanna shares a game her father taught her — the ‘Glad Game’ — in which everyone can find a silver lining in even the darkest cloud, and her sunny nature, good humor and determination to look on the bright side of life prove to have an astonishing effect on those around her. With the help of her orphaned friend, Jimmy Bean, she casts her spell on the grumpiest townsfolk of Beldingsville — including the cynical shut-in Mrs. Snow, the morose millionaire Mr. Pendleton and the enigmatic Dr. Chilton. And Pollyanna masterminds the romance between her Aunt’s maid, Nancy, and the handyman, Tim. It is only Aunt Polly, who cannot bring herself to embrace Pollyanna’s innocence and joy. But all is not straightforward in Pollyanna’s war against pessimism, since she must overcome a personal tragedy that threatens to banish “glad” from her vocabulary forever.

Photographer Stephanie has just completed another round of treatment for chronic anorexia and is working hard to reconnect with her family. Her mother Susan is supportive but preoccupied by her forthcoming wedding to Annette. Stephanie’s teenage daughter, competitive swimmer Pearl, seems hellbent on refusing her a second chance. Stephanie will need all the strength she has.

A young man who was sentenced to 7 years in prison for robbing a post office ends up spending 30 years in solitary confinement. During this time, his own personality is supplanted by his alter ego, Charles Bronson.