Anne Of Green Gables - 1985 - 2 Parts Jun 2026
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved 1908 novel, Anne of Green Gables , has seen numerous adaptations over the last century. However, none have captured the hearts of audiences, or the essence of Prince Edward Island, quite like the 1985 television miniseries directed by Kevin Sullivan. Spanning two distinct parts, this adaptation stands as the definitive portrayal of Anne Shirley.
In the second part of the miniseries, Anne faces new challenges and experiences as she navigates her relationships with her adoptive family, friends, and community. Her rivalry with the condescending and snobbish Rachel Lynde (played by Kate Reid) leads to comedic moments, while her romantic feelings for Gilbert Blythe add a sweet and tender dimension to the story.
Faced with the choice to pursue her higher education at Queens College on her scholarship, Anne chooses love over ambition. She sacrifices her immediate dreams to stay in Avonlea and care for Marilla. This pivotal moment highlights her transition from a self-absorbed child to a deeply selfless young woman. Reconciliation and New Beginnings
In summer, elderly siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert (Green Gables, Avonlea) decide to adopt an orphan boy to help Matthew on the farm. Matthew goes to Bright River station. Anne of Green Gables - 1985 - 2 Parts
The 1985 Anne of Green Gables miniseries is widely considered the of L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel. Critics and fans alike praise it for capturing the "spirit" of the book through a combination of perfect casting, lush cinematography, and emotional depth. Key Features
To ground Anne’s high-flying energy, the production cast veteran actors Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla Cuthbert and Richard Farnsworth as Matthew Cuthbert.
Megan Follows was chosen from over 3,000 girls. Her ability to be "hilariously outspoken" yet deeply vulnerable perfectly captured Anne’s "inner fire". Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved 1908 novel, Anne of
The core of Part 1 lies in Anne’s struggle to win over the stern, pragmatic Marilla Cuthbert. While Matthew is instantly won over by Anne's whimsical chatter during the buggy ride from Bright River station, Marilla represents the hard reality Anne must face. The narrative beautifully tracks Anne’s integration into the community, marked by iconic mishaps, including:
Though set entirely on Prince Edward Island, much of the miniseries was actually filmed in southern Ontario due to logistics and preservation of period architecture. The cinematography by Rene Ohashi utilized soft, natural lighting and diffusion filters to give the entire production a nostalgic, storybook quality. Costume Design
As Part 1 draws to a close, Anne channelizes her passionate energy into her studies. Her fierce rivalry with Gilbert Blythe transforms from a bitter grudge into a mutual engine for academic excellence. The first part concludes with Anne winning the prestigious Avery Scholarship, proving her worth to the town and, most importantly, securing her place as a beloved daughter in the eyes of Marilla and Matthew. Part 2: Tragedy, Sacrifice, and Maturity In the second part of the miniseries, Anne
and in Ontario, the film used an Edwardian-era setting to create a "softer, brighter" visual feel. Part 1: The Arrival The first part covers Anne’s arrival at Green Gables and her struggle to belong:
Hagood Hardy’s musical score is iconic, enhancing the emotional peaks and valleys of Anne’s journey.
The massive success of the 1985 production led Sullivan to write and direct several sequels:
List between the book and this 1985 adaptation