Anne of Green Gables

The beloved L.M. Montgomery characters live on in this acclaimed BBC adaptation of the sequel to "Anne of Green Gables." Now 16 years of age, Anne Shirley (Kim Braden) begins a new job as a schoolteacher while her relationship with Gilbert Blythe (Christopher Blake) deepens in unexpected and dramatic ways. The lavish family drama also stars David Garfield, Barbara Hamilton, and Madge Ryan. 5 hrs. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; interviews; trailer.The maturation and coming of age of a young woman is a difficult and often confusing journey for any young girl, but the road for Anne Shirley (Kim Braden), an orphan taken in as a child by Marilla Cuthbert (Barbara Hamilton) and her deceased brother Matthew, is littered with unique challenges that test her own beliefs, talents, dreams, and sense of self-worth. Based on the "Anne of Avonlea" and "Anne of the Island" children's books by L.M. Montgomery, this 6-episode, 5-hour 1975 BBC mini-series (not the popular PBS version directed by Kevin Sullivan and starring Megan Follows) opens with a bright and ambitious Anne as she prepares to begin teaching in the local school and actively serves as an advocate and secretary on the newly formed Village Improvement Society in Avonlea. A highly principled young woman, Anne's idealistic resolves are quickly tested as is her limited knowledge of small town politics. The death of a neighbor leads Anne and Marilla to welcome two young orphans into their household, resulting in Anne's selflessly setting aside her dreams of attending college. Formal schooling aside, Anne's education regarding marriage, politics, and human nature continues right there in Avonlea. Eventually, Anne's dreams of attending college are realized and she quickly discovers how much she still has to learn about friendship, love, and self-sufficiency. This BBC production features convincing talent and a sense of intimacy that is reinforced by a sparseness of set and music and a tendency toward up-close photography. (Ages 9 and older) --Tami Horiuchi