Anne Of Green Gables - 1985 - 2 Parts | Confirmed & Ultimate
Anne of Green Gables
The 1985 television miniseries , directed by Kevin Sullivan, is widely regarded as the definitive adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s classic 1908 novel. Originally broadcast as a two-part event , it became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions with its lush cinematography, faithful storytelling, and a star-making performance by Megan Follows. The Two-Part Structure
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. Anne of Green Gables - 1985 - 2 Parts
- Critical Response: Overwhelmingly positive. Critics praised the fidelity to the novel, the lush cinematography (Hagen Biesler), the evocative score (Hagood Hardy), and the casting.
- Awards: Won the CableACE Award for Best Dramatic or Theatrical Special; won the Gemini Award (Canada’s equivalent of the Emmy) for Best Dramatic Miniseries. Megan Follows won a Gemini for Best Actress.
- Ratings: A massive success. In Canada, the broadcast captured over 5 million viewers (a third of the population at the time). In the US, it became one of the highest-rated programs on PBS’s WonderWorks, introducing Anne to a new generation of American children.
Anne of Green Gables (1985) — 2 Parts
Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert Blythe
deserves special praise. He turns a smug schoolboy into a patient, kind, and deeply romantic hero. The moment Gilbert gives up the Avonlea school for Anne, and the final scene where he calls her “Carrots” on the bridge—those moments have launched a thousand crushes. Anne of Green Gables The 1985 television miniseries
The 1985 version is considered a "kindred spirit" to the text. Anne is often highlighted as a proto-modern woman. Colleen Dewhurst's performance as Marilla is praised. Critical Response: Overwhelmingly positive
- Anne meets Mrs. Rachel Lynde, who calls her “homely.” Anne loses her temper. The Cuthberts make her apologize.
- Anne becomes “bosom friends” with Diana Barry (her “kindred spirit”).
- Anne accidentally gets Diana drunk with currant wine (mistaking it for raspberry cordial).
- Anne breaks her slate over Gilbert Blythe’s head after he calls her “Carrots” in school.
- Anne begins a fierce rivalry with Gilbert (refusing to forgive him for years).
- Anne tries to dye her red hair black → it turns green. She chops it off.
- Anne invites Diana for a “Sleep with a Breathless Interest” sleepover.
- Anne accidentally gets Aunt Josephine Barry locked in a bedroom.
- Climax of Part 1: Diana’s little sister Minnie May is gravely ill with croup. Anne saves her life through quick thinking (using ipecac). The Barrys forgive all past mishaps.
The production’s success was anchored by its "stacked" cast of talented Canadian and American actors: Anne of Green Gables (TV Mini Series 1985) - IMDb
Part One ends on a cliffhanger of emotional devastation: Anne, accused of losing Diana’s younger sister Minnie May (a scene of dramatic croup that features a surprisingly tense, race-against-time drive for medicine), has proven her worth. But the true heartbreak comes when Matthew, sensing his own mortality, gives Anne the "puffed sleeves" dress she always dreamed of. Part One closes with Anne declaring Gilbert her “enemy for life” and focusing solely on winning the Avery scholarship to Queens Academy.