The second part transitions Anne from a precocious, mistake-prone child into an ambitious, academically brilliant young woman. As Anne grows older, her fiery red hair tones down to an auburn hue, and her focus shifts from childhood fantasy to academic excellence. Key Narrative Beats of Part 2
Megan Follows was chosen from over 3,000 girls. Her ability to be "hilariously outspoken" yet deeply vulnerable perfectly captured Anne’s "inner fire".
The Official Anne of Green Gables Blog features behind-the-scenes looks at production locations.
Though filmed primarily in Ontario rather than Prince Edward Island due to budget constraints, Sullivan’s production design captured a flawless, romanticized Edwardian era. The soft, golden-hour cinematography by René Ohashi gave the entire two-part series the feel of a living painting. Accompanied by Hagood Hardy’s sweeping, whimsical musical score, the technical elements blended seamlessly to evoke a timeless sense of nostalgia and comfort. Why the 1985 Version Remains Supreme Anne of Green Gables - 1985 - 2 Parts
The first part of the series follows Anne's disastrous but endearing attempts to fit into the small, conservative town of Avonlea. Her temper gets the best of her when a classmate, Gilbert Blythe, teases her about her red hair by calling her "Carrots." In a fit of rage, she smashes her slate over his head, beginning a long-running rivalry. Anne also finds her "bosom friend" and "kindred spirit," Diana Barry, with whom she forms an unbreakable bond, though their friendship is nearly destroyed by the infamous "currant wine" incident, where Anne accidentally gets Diana drunk. By the end of Part I, Anne has won a tentative place in the Cuthberts' home and the community's heart.
You're referring to the beloved 1985 miniseries adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel "Anne of Green Gables"! This two-part production, starring Megan Follows as Anne Shirley and Richard Farnsworth as Matthew Cuthbert, is a cherished interpretation of the timeless story.
This was Anne Shirley, played with electric intensity by Megan Follows. From the moment she spoke, the screen lit up. The second part transitions Anne from a precocious,
Suggested one-paragraph blurb (for a program guide) When an imaginative, talkative orphan named Anne Shirley is mistakenly sent to siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, the quiet life at Green Gables is transformed. This two-part 1985 adaptation follows Anne’s journey from troublesome newcomer to beloved member of Avonlea, blending humor, heart, and the small-town charm of early-1900s Prince Edward Island.
The first part of the miniseries introduces viewers to the quiet town of Avonlea and the aging siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Residing at Green Gables, they decide to adopt an orphan boy to help with the farm work. Instead, a twist of fate brings them Anne Shirley—a hyper-imaginative, talkative, red-haired girl with a fierce temper and a heart desperate for belonging. Breaking Barriers at Green Gables
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. Her ability to be "hilariously outspoken" yet deeply
When Anne of Green Gables debuted on CBC on December 1, 1985, it wasn't just another television show; it was a cultural event that captured the hearts of millions. Split into two 90-minute parts, this Kevin Sullivan-directed miniseries brought Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved red-headed orphan to life in a way that defined the character for generations.
To keep Marilla from losing Green Gables, Anne gives up her scholarship to stay home and teach. In a legendary act of chivalry, Gilbert gives up his teaching position at the Avonlea school so Anne can work close to home, finally ending their feud and beginning their romance. The Magical Cast: Chemistry That Spanned Generations
Spanning two parts, the miniseries follows the journey of Anne Shirley, a fiercely imaginative orphan mistakenly sent to a farm on Prince Edward Island. The narrative masterfully balances the whimsical comedy of Anne’s "scrapes" with the deep, grounding emotional growth of her relationship with the elderly Cuthbert siblings.
Anne of Green Gables (1985) was a ratings juggernaut, drawing over 13 million viewers in Canada (one-third of the population) and becoming a PBS staple in the United States. It launched Megan Follows’ career, made Prince Edward Island a pilgrimage site, and gave the world a shared vocabulary: “kindred spirits,” “the depths of despair,” and “bosom friends.”
Brought a rigid, stern exterior that slowly melted into profound maternal warmth and dry humor. Matthew Cuthbert