Playing a woman at the end of the 19th century would have been quite a departure for any actress in terms of the style of that era.  Dewhurst, who passed away in 1991, wrote the following passage in her autobiography:

“The first few days I was there were set aside for costume fittings and makeup and hair tests.  Anne is a period piece, set in the country in the nineteenth century.  I was given many books with pictures of Canadian farm women in order that I could study not only their clothes and hair but their attitude and how they carried themselves.”

Colleen goes on to talk about how inspiring it was to work with Megan Follows - who remained undaunted by what it takes to work on a period film—whether its constant costume changes, fittings, hair re-stylings or even new dye jobs!  She writes:

“Megan Follows played Anne and was incredible from beginning to end.  Many times she would be required in the middle of shooting not only to change costume—as we all expect—but to have her makeup changed and her hair redyed and styled, as she would jump back and forth in the shooting schedule from Anne as a young girl to a young woman.  One bit of temperament on that set would have finished us all.  Megan’s unbelievable study and concentration on the role, as well as her willingness to be a team player on Anne of Green Gables, was instrumental to the success of the film.”

The actress, who became iconic for her role as Miralla and was thereafter known to strangers on the street as Anne's mother, greatly appreciated the atmostphere surrounding the production of the films.  "Once in a while in film you will see a whole crew begin to move as one.  It is as if they develope a sixth sense that tells them that they are working on something special.  They are no longer just the crew doing a job; they know now that they are craftsmen, as responsible for the success of the material as anyone standing in front of the camera."

As part of this week's "Inspiration" theme, Shop At Sullivan has a number of specials on our most inspiring posters and products.  Take a look!