Anne of Green Gables
- Synopsis
- Cast
- Crew
- Trivia
- Quotes
- Locations and Sets
Matthew Cuthbert, an elderly bachelor farmer living with his spinster sister Marilla, had decided to adopt an orphan - a nice, sturdy boy to help Matthew with the farm. The orphanage mistakenly sent a girl instead - a mischievious, talkative redhead who would be of no use at all. She would simply have to go back. But the longer Anne Shirley was there, the more no one could imagine Green Gables without her.
When Anne Shirley arrives at the Cuthberts’ Farm on Prince Edward Island, called “Green Gables, she is a precocious, romantic child, desperate to be loved and highly sensitive about her red hair and homely looks. In her own unique headstrong manner Anne manages to insult the town matriarch, Rachel Lynde in a dispute over her looks; smashes her slate over Gilbert Blythe’s head - when he calls her “carrots” during her first day at school; and accidentally dyes her hair green in an effort to turn her red hair black and salvage her wounded pride.
Marilla Cuthbert is shocked and beside herself to know how she will ever cope with this sensitive, headstrong child so desperate to fit in. But shy, gentle Matthew is always there to defend Anne and hold her up on a pedestal.
It seems Anne is destined to cultivate disaster. She becomes “Bosom” Friends with Diane Barry from across the pond and succeeds in getting Diane drunk by accidentally serving currant wine instead of raspberry cordial, at a tea party.
Diana’s mother and the dour townfolk turn on Marilla for making the wine in the first place. Hence Anne moves from one mishap to the next as her wild imagination and far-fetched antics combine to constantly bring trouble onto her shoulders.
Anne finds her element in the academic world, ultimately, competing neck and neck with Gilbert Blythe who becomes her arch opponent.
Anne and Gilbert go on to win the highest academic accolades, constantly vying for honors at every level. Eventually their fierce rivalry turns to a secret affection, which blossoms into love.
Marilla tries to prevent Anne from seeing Gilbert because of an old war between the Cuthberts and the Blythes. In the end, however, when Matthew dies and Marilla is forced to sell Green Gables, Gilbert gives up a teaching post in the town so that Anne can stay at Green Gables and continue to support Marilla.
One is left with the impression that Gilbert’s and Anne’s lives will henceforth become intertwined. Anne gives up the romance of her youth and prepares to undertake the journey of becoming an adult.
Character Bio: Anne Shirley
Talkative yet delightful, 11-year-old orphan, Anne Shirley is sent to live with brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on Green Gables farm in Avonlea Village, Prince Edward Island. Her overactive imagination has a knack for getting her into trouble and along with her bosom friend, Diana Barry, she causes plenty of mischief around town. With an extensive vocabulary, fiery red hair and a temper to match, Anne's journey is met with many obstacles along the way. In search of like-minded kindred spirits, she manages to go from one adventure to another. She is determined to say and do anything to convince the Cuthberts to let her stay at Green Gables, all in an effort to fulfill her life-long goal of knowing that she belongs to someone.
Actress Bio: Megan Follows
Megan Follows was just 16 years old when she was chosen to play Anne, a role that earned her a 1986 and a 1988 Gemini Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actress. Megan Follows' many other credits include lead roles in the feature films Reluctant Angel, Deep Sleep and Silver Bullet. Her numerous television credits include guest appearances on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Cold Case; television movies Under the Piano, the Emmy Award-winning Inherit the Wind with Kirk Douglas, Clare's Wish and The Great Detective; and a lead role in the mini-series Champagne Charlie. Follows many stage credits include Stratford Festival's Romeo and Juliet and Amadeus as well as Atlantic Theatre Festival's Uncle Vanya and A Doll's House. She had the leading role of May in a production of Fool for Love by Sam Shepard, mounted at Toronto's Soulpepper Theatre Company where she is still a member of the company. Follows is married to fellow Canadian actor Stuart Hughes, and she divides her time between residences in Los Angeles and Toronto.
Character Bio: Marilla Cuthbert
Strong-minded and independent, spinster Marilla Cuthbert lives at Green Gables farm along with her unmarried brother, Matthew. Although she is not known for usually expressing her emotions, underneath she has a wry sense of humor and a loving heart. Anne eventually manages to break her frosty exterior to develop a meaningful and lasting relationship; one that manages to withstand the test of time.
Actress Bio: Colleen Dewhurst
On August 22, 1991, Colleen Dewhurst, one of North American's finest and most beloved actresses died of cancer at age sixty-seven. Active until the end, she was scheduled to do an episode of Road to Avonlea, the television which had her reprising the role of Marilla Cuthbert.
Born in Montreal on June 3, 1924, Colleen grew up in the United States and studied drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City in 1946. In 1947, she married James Vickery, a fellow acting student, and spent the next ten years doing mostly regional theatre and summer stock. While acting in the play Children of Darkness in 1958, she met George C. Scott. They fell in love, acquired divorces from their respective spouses and married each other in 1959. Colleen became an "overnight success" in 1974 after 27 years in the business, due to her outstanding performance in the play Moon for the Misbegotten. Although she became extremely successful in movies and television, her first love remained the stage, and she often returned to it, not only to perform, but to direct as well. She divorced George C. Scott in 1965, remarried him again, then obtained another divorce from him in 1972.
As well as appearing regularly on Road to Avonlea as Marilla, Colleen had a recurring role as Candice Bergen's mother on the CBS series Murphy Brown, for which Colleen won her third Emmy. Over the course of her 45 year career, she won a total of four Emmys, two Tonys and two Gemini Awards.
From 1985 to 1991, she served as president of Actor's Equity, the theatre union for actors in the United States.
During the last years of her life, Ms. Dewhurst lived on a farm in South Salem, New York, and had a summer getaway on Prince Edward Island.
Character Bio: Diana Barry
Always cheerful, Diana Barry lives next door to Anne at the Barry farm. The two quickly become bosom friends and enjoy many adventures together. Unlike Anne, Diana is quiet and reserved but the two girls manage to bond as like-minded kindred spirits.
When Mrs. Barry forbids the girls from seeing each other after an incident at Green Gables, the two become distraught fearing they may never be friends again. However, they eventually are able to see one another and pick up right where they left off.
Actress Bio: Schuyler Grant
Native Californian Schuyler Grant portrays "Diana", Anne's long time bosom friend. Grant's television credits also include the series Law & Order, the daytime drama All My Children and the TV movie Laura Lansing Slept Here, starring her great-aunt Katharine Hepburn. She also performed in the independent film Wrestling With Alligators, which was screened at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival.
On stage, Grant's numerous credits include Irish Rep productions of Major Barbara and The Importance Of Being Earnest, Century's Pillars Of Society, Western Union's Children Of A Lesser God, Lemon Sky and Tribeca Lab's Macbeth. She has also toured Europe with the Art & Progress production of La Leçon.
Character Bio: Gilbert Blythe
The handsome boy next door, Gilbert Blythe, manages to make a lasting impression on Anne Shirley the moment she arrives at the Avonlea schoolhouse. Intelligent and athletic, Gilbert is the object of affection for many of the young Avonlea girls. He makes the mistake of teasing Anne about her red hair, famously giving her the nickname "Carrots".
Although Anne swears never to speak to Gilbert again, she can't help but find inspiration in the academic rivalry he engages her in, finding a lasting bond with her fierce competitor.
Actor Bio: Jonathan Crombie
Jonathan Crombie's best known role is as "the boy-next-door" who torments Anne with his playful teasing but who becomes the man that ultimately wins her heart. Crombie also performed the role of "Gilbert" as a guest star in the Sullivan series Road to Avonlea. His additional television credits include the TV movies The Waiting Game, The Killing Fields and the series Earth: Final Conflict, Power Play, Matrix, 21 Jump Street and Alfred Hitchock Presents, among others. His feature film credits include Café Romeo, with Catherine Mary Stewart and The Jeweller's Shop, with Burt Lancaster.
On stage, Combie's numerous performances at The Stratford Festival Theatre in Stratford, Canada include the roles of "Romeo" in Romeo & Juliet, "Lucentio" in The Taming Of The Shrew, "Orlando" in As You Like It, "Bud" in Sweet. Bird Of Youth, "Antipholus of Ephesue" in Comedy of Errors, "Bertram" in All's Well That Ends Well, and "Guildenstern" in Hamlet. His performance in the role of "Valentine Coverly" at the Canadian Stage Theatre's Acadia earned Crombie a 1997 Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination for Outstanding Performance.
Character Bio: Rachel Lynde
Known as the town gossip, Rachel Lynde's blunt demeanor rubs Anne the wrong way the moment she arrives in Avonlea. Calling Anne ugly, she is the recipient of a tongue-lashing from the young girl. Although she has the reputation of being a busybody, she has a strong friendship with her neighbour, Marilla. She is outspoken in almost every topic, and although her and her quiet husband Thomas are childless, she has plenty of advice to give Marilla on how to raise Anne.
Actress Bio: Patricia Hamilton
A dynamo with limitless energy, Patricia Hamilton created the role of the self-righteous Rachel Lynde "Anne of Green Gables". She continued to delight audiences with this character in the long-running television series, Road to Avonlea and recently in Sullivan's animated feature film Anne Journey to Green Gables and Anne: The Animated Series on PBS. Over the course of her career she has worked with the Seattle Repertory Theatre, Circle in the Square, New York City; the American Shakespeare Festival, the National Shakespeare Festival, Neptune Theatre; Festival Lennoxville and the Stratford Festival.
Miss Hamilton's stage credits include the Canadian premiere of MOO with Factory Theatre; 1949 with Canadian Stage Company; Bordertown Café with Centaur Theatre Plus and Albertine in Five Times with the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto. She was the recipient of a Dora Mavor Moore Award as Best Supporting Actress for her role in I Am Yours with the Tarragon Theatre.
Her film and television credits include appearances in Night Heat; A Bridge to Silence; Echoes in Darkness; Fight for Life; Skate; and The Last Detail. Her role in A Bird in the House garnered her a 1975 Canadian Film Award.
Hamilton has served as the Head of Drama at the Banff School of Fine Arts, which holds intensive professional workshops every summer. She is also the founder and Producer of Masterclass Theatre, and was honoured with a Brenda Donohue Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Toronto Theatre in 1987.
Character Bio: Muriel Stacey
After taking over the Avonlea School from Mr. Phillips, Ms. Stacey's impact on a young Anne Shirley's life is immediate. Acting as a mentor, her unique teaching style finds favor with her young students. Her attention to each of their abilities are evident by the amount of time she spends with them helping them to accomplish their best. She especially bonds with Anne while helping her prep for her entrance exam to Queens University.
Actress Bio: Marilyn Lightstone
Muriel Stacey is a well-known name to anyone who was a devotee of Sullivan Entertainment's Anne of Green Gables mini-series. The effervescent Miss Stacey, having satisfied her wanderlust, returns to Avonlea and purchases the General Store in the television series Road to Avonlea.
As a two-time ETROG award winner as Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Avco Embassy release, In Praise of Older Women, and as Best Actress for her superb performance in the Columbia Pictures release, Lies My Father Told Me, films which were both critical and commercial successes, Miss Lightstone has gained recognition as an actress of international stature.
Her film and television credits include the sensitive portrayal of a French Canadian working class mother in the television adaptation of Gabrielle Roy's The Tin Flute, as well as the her principal role in The Wild Pony, as the shrewd and determined mother, Nora Fellows. Also notable are leading roles in NBC's Joseph and Mary and The Trojan Women, produced by David Susskind, Blind Justice and Disaster in Time, with Jeff Daniels.
She has also starred in such highly rated television series as The New Avengers, Witness To Yesterday, in which she portrayed Emma Goldman, and CBC's King of Kensington with Al Waxman.
Character Bio: Matthew Cuthbert
A life-long bachelor, Matthew, and his sister Marilla, decide to adopt a young boy to help with chores around Green Gables farm. However, the moment he meets the young girl sent from the orphanage by mistake, he is smitten and decides that they should keep her. Despite being terrified of women, he instantly likes Anne and pressures Marilla to adopt her. Painfully shy and a little eccentric, Matthew grows to love Anne, treating her as though she were his own daughter.
Actor Bio: Richard Farnsworth
Two-time Academy Award nominee Richard Farnsworth began his career in show business as a stuntman. He left school at age 15 to work as a stable boy at a polo barn and within two years he was riding horses in films.
In 1986, Farnsworth stepped into the role of the shy, awkward bachelor, Matthew Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables, immortalizing the role for millions of Anne fans worldwide, and winning a Gemini Award for his performance. More recently Farnsworth had appeared in Stephen King's Misery, The Two Jakes, Lassie, The Getaway, and Best Friends for Life.
In 1999, Richard Farnsworth came out of semi-retirement for a tour-de-force performance in David Lynch's The Straight Story. In the touching family film, Farnsworth portrayed Alvin Straight, a 73-year-old farmer from Iowa who drove his lawnmower across the American heartland to Mt. Zion, Wisconsin to reunite with his dying brother. Lynch remarked on the star and his performance: "Richard Farnsworth is one of the most special people I've ever met. So much comes through from deep inside. I've never seen anything like it. He gives layers upon layers of meaning to every word, every sentence. His face says so much."
That role earned Richard Farnsworth his second Oscar for his role in The Straight Story. At 79, he became the oldest male actor to be nominated for a best actor award. Richard Farnsworth died in October, 2000.
Character Bio: Josephine Barry
"Aunt Jo" to Diana, Josephine Barry is perhaps the nicest "old ogre" Anne contends with in town. Intrigued by the vivacious young orphan's tenacity and intelligence, the senior Mrs. Barry readily accepts her as being more than just another of Diana's friends.
Offering Anne the opportunity to stay with her and experience some of the opulence that wealth can bring, the senior Mrs. Barry takes equal delight in the presence of two vibrant young girls to brighten the room.
Actress Bio: Charmion King
Actress in film, television, and radio, Charmion King's springboard was the stage. Her professional stage debut was in Anton Chekhov's "Three Sisters" in Toronto. The first time she played opposite her future husband, Gordon Pinsent, was in a 1962 production of "The Madwoman of Chaillot". Her final stage appearance was in "Our Town" in February 2006.Mrs. King was involved in a British television rendition of Anne of Green Gables in 1952 - over thirty years prior to the release of Kevin Sullivan's sweeping vision in 1985. She has also appeared in Wind at My Back - playing Daisy Whitney.
Character Bio: Amelia Evans
Introduced to us by way of her rousing delivery of H.W. Longfellow's Wreck of the Hesperus, Amelia Evans is one of the town's best travelled and most respected eccentrics. Well-to-do, Anne looks to her as an example of dignified grace and poise, despite her oddities, and respects her obvious education and intelligence. Enigmatic as one can be in such a place as Avonlea, Mrs. Evans is nonetheless an important fixture amongst the upper crust.
Actress Bio: Jackie Burroughs
Perhaps best known for her role as Hetty King in Sullivan Entertainment's Road to Avonlea series, Burroughs is an accomplished actress with a long list of credits to her name. An alumnus of Ontario's Stratford Festival, Burroughs has performed on both stage and screen, and is herself a filmmaker - having written, produced, directed as well as starring in her 1987 release A Winter Tan. Amongst her numerous distinctions, it is for this film that she received a Genie Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Burroughs has since been involved in many projects, including Willard, Fever Pitch, and Sullivan Entertainment's 2003 release Rhinoceros Eyes. Her continuing efforts and contributions to the art have earned her the Earle Grey award - a lifetime achievement award granted by The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
Character Bio: Elizabeth Barry
Mother to Anne's best friend Diana, Elizabeth Barry is quick to disapprove of Marilla's new boarder. After accidentally serving Diana current wine, Mrs. Barry reacts vehemently, casting Anne from her house and declaring that she and Diana are barred from friendship.
Subsequently, when Diana takes ill, Mrs. Barry is quick to reverse her temperament, having seen the care and quick-thinking Anne exhibits in taking care of the ailing child. Henceforth, Mrs. Barry shows Anne the highest favour, and treats her almost as royalty in her home.
Actor Bio: Rosemary Radcliffe
With her breakthrough role on Canadian sitcom "King of Kensington", which also proved a springboard for such notable Canadian actors as Mike Myers and Saul Rubinek, Radcliffe established herself as a versatile and whimsical actress. Her recurring presence in the Anne of Green Gables films as Elizabeth Barry has shown her strong character-acting abilities and excellent understanding of working with young actors.
Character Bio: Josie Pye
Vain, self-absorbed and perpetually seeking attention, Josie Pye plays both foil and friend to Anne. Initially rubbed the wrong way by Anne's un-witting attraction of Gilbert Blythe, Josie levels judgment after judgment in Anne's direction, hoping to un-seat her self-confidence. Thematically, Pye serves to contrast Anne's good nature and conscience - the Pye family having a dubious reputation about Avonlea, Josie follows suit and makes her way through cheating and gossip.
Despite her misgivings, Josie nonetheless shows Anne her softer side upon their arrival at Queen's - in part out of earnest respect of her academic prowess, and in part to snub Gilbert, having at this point declared there to be other "far more dashing" young men about the college.
Actress Bio: Miranda de Pencier
Only seventeen upon the filming of Anne of Green Gables, it was her first major credit. Not only returning to play the role of Josie Pye in the subsequent Sullivan Entertainment Anne sequels, de Pencier has gone on to establish herself as both a talented actress, and more recently, as a writer and producer. Her television series, Wild Roses, is a 2009 production airing on CBC.
Not only a film and television personality, de Pencier has also appeared on stage in Canadian productions of Les Miserables and Aspects of Love. Her theatre company Northwood Productions, saw the success of the critically acclaimed one-woman show Frida K.
Character Bio: Alice Lawson
Alice is the ever-present keeper of shop at Lawson's Mercantile - with a smile on her face and a helpful hand, she provides the residents of Avonlea with not only wares, but also wisdom. Anne is un-wittingly indebted to Alice, as it is through her clever machinations that Matthew ends up buying Anne the puffed-sleeve dress she wants so badly. Alice goes on to encourage Anne to perform at the White Sands Hotel - playing coy, Alice suggests that she's only an amateur, where Anne, now standing first with her entrance exam to Queen's, can do no wrong.
Actress Bio: Mag Ruffman
Mag Ruffman has graced the screen, both big and small, ever since her appearance in the first Anne of Green Gables film. Serving as a strong basis on which to launch her career, Ruffman went on to play Olivia Dale in Sullivan Entertainment's own Road to Avonlea series. Ruffman has gone on to establish herself as a home-improvement guru, bringing her sense of humour to bear on a subject often left for men to handle. She has hosted two series on W Network - A Repair to Remember, and more recently, Anything I Can Do. She has further provided her talents to The Toronto Star, holding a home-improvement column Tool Girl, which has also provoked her to launch a blog by the same title at toolgirl.com.
Character Bio: Rev. Alan
Reverend Allan is Avonlea's spiritual and community leader - not a dour or particularly grave clergyman, Rev. Allan serves as a point of moral reference for the town all the same. Quick to praise Marilla's current wine at his garden party, it is through this show of favour that Anne ultimately decides to serve Diana the "cordial". In her defense, whilst being accused by Mrs. Barry, Marilla notes that the Reverend himself is prone to having a drink from time to time, and shows compassion to Anne for his remarks.
Actor Bio: Cedric Smith
Cedric Smith has been involved with film and television productions since his first role as Dr. Zvarich in the 1977 film adaptation of Who Has Seen the Wind? Since, his credits numbering over a hundred - representing a wide variety of roles in differing styles. He played the pivotal male character Alec King in Sullivan Entertainment's Road to Avonlea as well as the productions Butterbox Babies and Sleeping Dogs Lie. His voice talent has provided character to many animated features - perhaps best known for his acclaimed performance of Professor Xavier in the animated series X-Men.
Kevin Sullivan: Executive Producer, Writer, Director
Kevin Sullivan is the President of Sullivan Entertainment Inc. which he and his partner, Trudy Grant, founded in 1979. Internationally recognized as one of the leading producers of high quality entertainment and renowned for his directorial ease with children and top performers, Mr. Sullivan has achieved myriad accolades and awards over the past two decades. His ability to consistently produce top-notch entertainment as well as to attract big name stars has enhanced the image of Sullivan Entertainment throughout the world.
Under Mr. Sullivan’s guidance Sullivan Entertainment has developed a distinctive brand of story-telling. Lavish productions that are emotionally compelling and entertaining have become the hallmark of the company Mr. Sullivan founded more than 20 years ago.
Mr. Sullivan recently produced the TV-movie “Sleeping Dogs Lie”, starring Joel Keller and Wendy Crewson. He is also in production on the fifth season of his critically-acclaimed television series, “Wind At My Back”.
Sullivan Entertainment is currently in pre-production on a new feature film based on Timothy Findlay’s “The Piano Man’s Daughter”, which Mr. Sullivan adapted and will direct. He is also the Executive Producer of “P.R.”, a new half hour series, starring comedienne Diane Flacks. Other projects in the works include two new children’s series: “Space Trap” and “Super Hero”. Mr. Sullivan has also written an adaptation of another Timothy Findlay novel, “Famous Last Words”, set for production in 2000.
Kevin Sullivan: Executive Producer, Writer, Director
Trudy Grant is the President of Sullivan Entertainment International, which she founded in 1981. Through her leadership, the company has emerged as a major player in the world marketplace and particularly in the television arena.
Her involvement in distribution prompted her to form Sullivan Entertainment International to better administer the Sullivan product. The company’s penetration into many of the world’s less accessible markets makes it one of the few companies that can truly be considered international, having developed key relationships with buyers and financiers for various co-productions. One of Ms. Grant’s main achievements is the sale of the mini-series “Anne of Green Gables” to more than 120 countries around the globe.
Ms. Grant has evolved into the guiding light behind the company’s financial success. By strategically maximizing financial opportunities, Ms. Grant has built a very successful international business around the Sullivan brand.
Martha Mann: Costume Designer
A designer with over 40 years in the stage and film industry, Martha Mann first began designing as a student at the Art College. Director Kevin Sullivan has collaborated with Mann on numerous projects including Anne Of Green Gables, Anne Of Green Gables—The Sequel, Anne Of Green Gables—A New Beginning, Lantern Hill, Wild Pony, Road To Avonlea and Looking For Miracles. She has also designed costumes for stage productions such as Aida (Boston Lyric Opera), Julius Caesar (Stratford Festival of Canada), and even the theatrical version of Anne Of Green Gables in Calgary. Her work has also been recognized by critics and is the recipient of six Gemini awards for best Costume Design for Anne Of Green Gables and Road To Avonlea.
Hagood Hardy: Composer
"I think in general we're all going too fast. It's time to slow down, re-examine, and reflect. If this is the message people get from my music, then I've succeeded." - Hagood Hardy
Hagood Hardy was truly one of Canada’s greatest composers and citizens. Hardy was born in Indiana but taken to Oakville, Ontario as an infant where he would discover his love of music. As a child Hagood studied piano and in the 1950’s he began playing the vibraphone while attending the University of Toronto. Hagood’s performing career began as a jazz vibist in New York City during the 1960's, playing with such greats as Herbie Mann (on "Comin' Home Baby"), Martin Denny, and George Shearing. Hardy also toured with a pop group called the Montage until the early 1970’s. During this period, he began composing commercial jingles for companies such as Kelloggs, General Motors, London Life, and Canadian Pacific. He also began to concentrate on composing and recording music for TV, radio, and films. In 1975, Hardy released “The Homecoming”, a piece originally composed as a Salada Tea jingle and it became an international hit.
“The Homecoming” would go on to sell over a million copies. Hardy composed many scores for Canadian and US television productions, most notably “Anne of Green Gables” (for which he won a Gemini Award for best musical score) and “Anne of Green Gables – The Sequel. He also composed music for several episodes of “Road to Avonlea”. In addition to being a celebrated and successful musician, Hagood Hardy was a humanitarian, a politician and a proud Canadian. Hardy dedicated his time to many worthy causes and in 1992 he was awarded the Order of Canada, the greatest honour a Canadian citizen can receive. Hardy continued to compose and perform until the mid-nineties when he was stricken with stomach cancer. Sadly, after battling the disease for 18 months, Hagood Hardy passed away January 1st, 1997 at the age of 59.
Rene Ohashi: Director of Photography
“If I put my heart and soul into a project, I like to know it will be there for future audiences and not disappear from the face of the earth." – Rene Ohashi
With a career spanning over 25 years and still going strong, Rene Ohashi’s work will definitely not “disappear from the face of the Earth”. His love of all things photographic began while still in high school when he got a job working at a Toronto photography store. Cinematography became his passion after working with a documentary film maker while attending film school. Since then, his stunning cinematography has been seen around the world and he has won 16 awards including CSC, ASC and Gemini Awards. Ohashi’s vast body of work includes “The Wonder Years”, “To Catch a Killer”, “Gold Fever”, “Shades of Black: The Conrad Black Story”, “Jesse Stone: Thin Ice“ and of course, “Anne of Green Gables” for which he received his first Gemini Award. Rene Ohashi continues to be a much sought after Director of Photography creating beautiful, cinematic images for audiences to enjoy for years to come.
Carol Spier: Post-Production Designer
Carol Spier is without a doubt one of Canada’s most respected and sought after Production Designers. After beginning her career at the Manitoba Theatre Centre in the 1970’s, Spier moved to Toronto to start what would become a long and illustrious career in the film business. She initially worked as an Assistant Art Director on several feature films but her talents soon earned her the Art Director position on such notable films as Norman Jewison's “Agnes of God” and John Schlesinger's “The Believers”.
In 1985, Spier landed the job of Production Designer on Kevin Sullivan’s “Anne of Green Gables”, for which she won a Gemini Award for Best Art Direction. Carol has established an association with director David Cronenberg that has spanned decades and includes films such as “Videodrome”, “The Fly”, “Crash”, “History of Violence” and “Eastern Promises”. Other feature film credits from her impressive career include “Passchendaele”, “Silent Hill”, “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” and “The Santa Clause”. Recently, Spier designed the look for J.J. Abrams’ television series “Fringe” and she certainly shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
Joe Wiesenfeld: Writer
Joe Wiesenfeld won a Gemini Award, shared with Kevin Sullivan, for his writing in Anne of Green Gables in 1986. In the same year, he was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Miniseries or Series for the show. He has since then been nominated three times for Geminis and won a Best Screenplay award at the Montreal World Film Festival in 1990 for his Princes in Exile. Born in 1947 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Wiesenfeld has spent his life writing for the stage, film and television.
Katherine Hepburn originally suggested that her niece Schuyler Grant play the role of Anne. Schuyler gave quite a good audition but Kevin Sullivan ultimately decided to cast Megan Follows as Anne and Schuyler as Diana Barry.
Colleen Dewhurst jumped at the chance to play Marilla because Anne of Green Gables was the first story her Mother ever read to her. She wanted to do it so badly that she insisted upon it even after her agent recommended that she turn down the part.
Kevin Sullivan initially didn't consider Megan Follows a contender for the role of Anne because she was 16 years old and came across as quite modern and sophisticated in her first audition.
Dawn Greenhalgh, who plays Mrs. Cadbury the Orphanage Director is Megan Follows' mother.
Morgan Capman, who plays Minnie May, is Kevin Sullivan's niece.
Jackie Burroughs who played Mrs. Amelia Evans went on to play Hetty King on "Road to Avonlea"
Cedric Smith who played Reverend Allen went on to play Alec King on "Road to Avonlea".
Mag Ruffman who played Alice Lawson went on to play Olivia King on "Road to Avonlea"
Mrs. Hammond's "EAT!" line was totally improvised!
The scene when Matthew drives Anne home after saving Minnie May was actually shot in the summer.
For budgetary reasons, very little of Anne of Green Gables was shot in Prince Edward Island. Most of the film was shot in Southern Ontario at locations not far from Toronto.
At some locations, roads were actually painted red to simulate the red soil of PEI.
Kevin Sullivan's favorite scene is when Marilla comforts a crying Anne after Matthew's death. This scene wasn't originally in the script but Colleen Dewhurst convinced Kevin to add it.
Richard Farnsworth had to have a stand-in for a number of scenes because he was only available for a short period of time. Kevin Sullivan found an excellent photo double and got away with shooting him from various angles. For instance, Richard's photo double was used in the scene when Anne arrives at Green Gables for the first time.
The scene between Marilla and Gilbert at the bridge was the very first scene that Jonathan Crombie filmed... and he was extremely nervous.
It was so windy during the filming of the sunset scene with Anne and Diana, Trudy Grant had to lie on the ground and hold their dresses down.
A photo double for Megan was used in many of the wide, fall and winter establishing shots because Megan had not actually been cast yet.
The opening scenes (Anne walking through the woods to Mrs. Hammond's, etc.) were actually some of the last scenes filmed.
The night scene at the orphanage when Anne talks to Katie in the window, was actually shot in broad daylight.
Kevin Sullivan performs the voice of Mr. Lynde.
Trudy Grant doubles for Colleen Dewhurst during the drive back to the orphanage because Colleen wasn't available.
Anne's apology to Mrs. Lynde was one of the first scenes shot. The first scene shot for the movie was that of Anne and Marilla walking back from the Lynde's after the apology.
Colleen Dewhurst absolutely hated wearing a corset. In many scenes she simply refused to wear one. In fact, she never wore a corset when she appeared on "Road to Avonlea".
The line, "I'll forgive you if you forgive me" was ad-libbed by Colleen Dewhurst.
During the scene in the woods when Diana tells Anne they can't ever be friends again, it was raining. A tarp was kept above the actresses so they wouldn't get wet.
Anne's puffed sleeves were stuffed with paper to make them look puffy enough.
Colleen Dewhurst improvised the line, "Twenty pounds of brown sugar."
During the Lily Maid scene, the props people had to pull Anne's boat from underwater so that it would move along the otherwise still pond water. The portion of the scene where Gilbert takes Anne to shore was actually shot on a different day at the pond that would ultimately be seen many times on Road to Avonlea.
Anne Shirley: You don't want me. You don't want me because I'm not a boy. No body ever did want me. I knew this was all too good to be true.
Anne Shirley: Oh Marilla! I thought nothing could be as bad as red hair. Green is ten times worse.
Anne Shirley: I shall never forgive Gilbert Blythe. The iron has entered my soul, Diana. My mind is made up. My red hair is a curse.
Gilbert Blythe: Anne Shirley. What in heck are you doing here?
Anne Shirley: Fishing for lake trout.
Gilbert Blythe: Well, I figured you can give me a hand with my work, and we'll call it a fair exchange.
Anne Shirley: Aren't you worried? I'm liable to break another slate over your head.
Gilbert Blythe: I'm more worried I might break one over yours, carrots.
Anne Shirley: Please, Matthew. You need help. We've got to get a doctor.
Matthew Cuthbert: I've worked hard all my life. I'd rather just drop in the harness. I got old; I never noticed.
Anne Shirley: If I'd been the boy you sent for, I could have spared you in so many ways.
Matthew Cuthbert: I never wanted a boy. I only wanted you from the first day. Don't ever change. I love my little girl. I'm so proud of my little girl.
Gilbert Blythe: Look, I’m sorry I ever said anything about your hair. You have no idea how sorry. But it was so long ago. Aren’t you ever going to forgive me?
Anne Shirley: You hurt my feelings excruciatingly.
Matthew Cuthbert: Puffed sleeves.
Anne Shirley: The puffiest!
Anne Shirley: Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.
Marilla Cuthbert: I'm afraid for her, Matthew. She'll be gone so long. She'll get terrible lonesome.
Matthew Cuthbert: You mean, we'll get terrible lonesome.
Marilla Cuthbert: I can't help wishing that she'd stayed a little girl.
Matthew Cuthbert: Mrs. Spencer made a lucky mistake, I guess.
Marilla Cuthbert: It wasn't luck; it was Providence. He knew we needed her.
Matthew Cuthbert: Even with her queer little ways.
Marilla Cuthbert: I loved her for them.
Gilbert Blythe: Psst! Carrots! Carrots!
Gilbert Blythe: Anne Shirley. What in heck are you doing here?
Anne Shirley: Fishing for lake trout.
Gilbert Blythe: Well, I figured you can give me a hand with my work, and we'll call it a fair exchange.
Anne Shirley: Aren't you worried? I'm liable to break another slate over your head.
Gilbert Blythe: I'm more worried I might break one over yours, carrots.
Gilbert Blythe: I only said it because I…Because I wanted to meet you so much.
Gilbert Blythe: Look, I’m sorry I ever said anything about your hair. You have no idea how sorry. But it was so long ago. Aren’t you ever going to forgive me?
Anne Shirley: You hurt my feelings excruciatingly.
Anne Shirley: Please, Matthew. You need help. We've got to get a doctor.
Matthew Cuthbert: I've worked hard all my life. I'd rather just drop in the harness. I got old; I never noticed.
Anne Shirley: If I'd been the boy you sent for, I could have spared you in so many ways.
Matthew Cuthbert: I never wanted a boy. I only wanted you from the first day. Don't ever change. I love my little girl. I'm so proud of my little girl.
Marilla Cuthbert: I'm afraid for her, Matthew. She'll be gone so long. She'll get terrible lonesome.
Matthew Cuthbert: You mean, we'll get terrible lonesome.
Marilla Cuthbert: I can't help wishing that she'd stayed a little girl.
Matthew Cuthbert: Mrs. Spencer made a lucky mistake, I guess.
Marilla Cuthbert: It wasn't luck; it was Providence. He knew we needed her.
Matthew Cuthbert: Even with her queer little ways.
Marilla Cuthbert: I loved her for them.
Matthew Cuthbert: Puffed sleeves.
Anne Shirley: The puffiest!
Anne Shirley: Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.
The red soil and sweeping ocean are images that are tied to the heart of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne Shirley. While Anne of Green Gables is known for taking place on picturesque Prince Edward Island, Canada, very little of the actual production occurred there. Locations and other establishing shots were filmed, often with photo doubles, on P.E.I. to give the film the authentic natural charm of the island. The main cast never even went to P.E.I. Back in Ontario, locations were carefully hand-selected to match the establishing shots that had been filmed in P.E.I. Locations like the shimmering orchard that Anne and Matthew ride through – called “The White Way of Delight” – were filmed in Ontario but perfectly capture the feel of the east coast.
Location scouts in Ontario could only do so much, making room for other creative measures to be implemented. For example, the roads on many locations had to be dyed red to match the iconic soil of Prince Edward Island. The exteriors of buildings also provided a challenge. Even the most historical sites possess traces of a modern influence. Whether distinctive paint, power lines or nearby signage; many elements had to be hidden or transformed.
Sullivan Entertainment’s team was incredibly thorough and paid attention to every detail. The final product is full of vibrant imagery that is true to the time period and location in which the plot takes place.
In a period film, set design requires incredible knowledge and decisive problem-solving. Frequently an appropriate historical room can not be found, or isn't available, for filming. In other cases, it is just more convenient to build a set instead of shooting on location. When designing a period set, the Sullivan team had to ensure ever item and wall covering had an authentic period feel.
No one knew it at the time, but every decision made during the filming of Anne of Green Gables would impact the visual style of the rest of the film series. The meticulous attention to detail became a signature of Sullivan Entertainment films.
Anne of Green Gables was awarded a Gemini award for Best Production Design.