The Premiere of Anne of Green Gables (1985)

Name: The Premiere of Anne of Green Gables (1985)
Start: 1985-12-01
Location: Unspecified

The Impactful Premiere of Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables: A Beloved Story Comes to Life

The television mini-series Anne of Green Gables, which first aired on CBS on December 17, 1985, brought Lucy Maud Montgomery's cherished novel to the small screen. Set in the idyllic Canadian province of Prince Edward Island, the story follows the adventures of an imaginative orphan girl named Anne Shirley, who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert instead of the boy they intended to adopt. Throughout the series, viewers are captivated by Anne's vibrant personality and her ability to find beauty and wonder in the everyday world around her.

Megan Follows: Bringing Anne Shirley to Life

Megan Follows's portrayal of Anne Shirley became iconic, as her performance captured both the whimsical nature and the poignant struggles of the character. The show not only highlighted Anne's journey through childhood, friendship, and imagination but also touched on themes of belonging and acceptance. Follows's chemistry with co-stars Martin Sheen and Colleen Dewhurst, who played Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, added depth to the series.

Legacy of the Mini-Series

Anne of Green Gables: A Cult Classic

Following its premiere, the mini-series quickly became a cult classic, resonating with audiences far beyond its Canadian roots. It inspired a continued interest in the original stories and led to several sequels and adaptations, reinforcing the enduring appeal of Anne's character. The lush cinematography of Prince Edward Island, combined with the richly drawn characters, made the series visually stunning and emotionally impactful.

The Music of Anne of Green Gables

The enchanting score by composer Hagood Hardy significantly contributed to the series' atmosphere, capturing the essence of the story's heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching moments. The music has become synonymous with the show's legacy, often reminding fans of their fond memories of Anne Shirley and the Cuthberts.

Fun Fact

Anne’s Transition to Screen

Interestingly, the casting process for Anne of Green Gables was extensive. Over 300 girls auditioned for the lead role, but it was Megan Follows's passionate audition that won her the part, which cemented her place in television history.