It feels like some stories weren't just watched on television back in the day; they were invited into our living rooms, becoming part of the family furniture for a few cherished hours. For countless viewers in the mid-80s, the arrival of Kevin Sullivan's Anne of Green Gables felt exactly like that – a warm, captivating visitor promising breathtaking scenery and a heroine bursting with imagination. Forget explosions and car chases for a moment; this was an adventure of the heart, a journey to Prince Edward Island that felt incredibly real, unfolding across those coveted double VHS tapes many of us practically wore out.
### Finding Anne (and Marilla and Matthew)
Adapting L.M. Montgomery's beloved 1908 novel was no small feat. The character of Anne Shirley is so vivid on the page, so full of fiery spirit and poetic rambling, that casting her felt like searching for a real person, not just an actress. The extensive search across Canada for the perfect Anne became legendary, with director Kevin Sullivan reportedly auditioning hundreds of young women. When Megan Follows finally landed the role, it felt less like casting and more like destiny. She was Anne – embodying the orphan girl's whirlwind emotions, her dramatic flair, her vulnerability, and her fierce intelligence with a conviction that remains breathtaking. It wasn't just mimicking the book; it was channeling Anne's very soul. I remember being utterly captivated by her performance, feeling every triumph and every "depth of despair" right along with her.
Equally perfect were the choices for the Cuthberts, the stern-but-loving siblings who accidentally adopt Anne instead of the boy they requested. The formidable Canadian stage legend Colleen Dewhurst brought an unforgettable gravitas and hidden warmth to Marilla Cuthbert. Her portrayal wasn't just stern; it was layered with unspoken affection and gradual softening, making Marilla's eventual embrace of Anne deeply moving. Opposite her, Richard Farnsworth (who charmed audiences in films like The Grey Fox (1982) and later The Straight Story (1999)) was the embodiment of gentle kindness as Matthew Cuthbert. His quiet presence, shy smiles, and unwavering support for Anne provided the story's gentle anchor. The chemistry between these three actors formed the undeniable heart of the entire production.
### Avonlea on Screen
Kevin Sullivan, who also co-wrote the teleplay with Joe Wiesenfeld, clearly had immense respect for the source material. While some minor changes were made for pacing and visual storytelling (as is necessary in any adaptation), the 1985 miniseries remains remarkably faithful to the spirit and narrative of Montgomery's book. Originally broadcast on CBC in Canada as a two-part event totaling over three hours, it felt epic, allowing the story room to breathe and the characters space to grow. Sullivan captured the idyllic beauty of Prince Edward Island – even though much of it was actually filmed in Ontario, clever location scouting and cinematography created a convincing Avonlea that felt plucked right from the pages. The production design, the costumes, the gentle, evocative score by Hagood Hardy – everything worked in concert to transport viewers back to the turn of the 20th century. It looked beautiful, even on those fuzzy CRT screens.
The narrative itself, following Anne's arrival at Green Gables and her subsequent adventures, mishaps, friendships (hello, Diana Barry!), and academic rivalries (looking at you, Gilbert Blythe!), is pure comfort viewing. We see Anne smash her slate over Gilbert's head, accidentally dye her hair green, get Diana drunk on currant wine (mistaking it for raspberry cordial, of course!), and slowly win over the initially skeptical Avonlea community. These moments weren't just plot points; they felt like shared memories for those of us growing up alongside Anne. Who didn't desperately want a "bosom friend" like Diana or secretly admire Gilbert's charming persistence?
### A Television Event, A VHS Treasure
It’s hard to overstate the impact Anne of Green Gables had upon its release. It was a ratings phenomenon for CBC in Canada and later a massive hit on PBS in the United States and internationally. It won numerous awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Program. In an era dominated by louder, faster entertainment, this gentle, character-driven story struck a profound chord. It proved that thoughtful, well-crafted family drama could captivate millions.
For many of us in the VHS generation, owning the Anne of Green Gables tapes (often bulky, double-cassette affairs) felt essential. It wasn't just a rental; it was a permanent fixture in the home library, pulled out for rainy days, sick days, or just when you needed a dose of Avonlea's charm. It became a tradition, something shared between generations. Its success naturally led to sequels, most notably Anne of Avonlea (1987), which continued the story with the same principal cast and creative team, further solidifying its place in television history.
### The Verdict
Revisiting Kevin Sullivan's Anne of Green Gables today is like opening a cherished photo album. Yes, the pacing might feel leisurely compared to modern productions, but that's part of its enduring charm. The performances, particularly from Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, and Richard Farnsworth, remain absolutely stellar – pitch-perfect interpretations that defined these characters for a generation. The production values hold up remarkably well, capturing the beauty and spirit of L.M. Montgomery's world with genuine affection and skill. It’s a faithful, heartwarming, and beautifully realized adaptation that respects its source material while creating its own screen magic. For its pitch-perfect casting, faithful storytelling, enduring emotional resonance, and its status as a definitive adaptation that brought Avonlea into countless homes via the magic of VHS, it earns top marks.
Rating: 9.5/10
It’s more than just a miniseries; it's a portal back to Green Gables, proving that some kindred spirits, once discovered on screen, stay with you forever. A true gem of 80s television that feels like coming home.