Francesca says: Whether you have read the books or not, get thee to your local video store (or Amazon) and watch the Sullivan Entertainment versions of the Anne of Green Gables series! Do not bother watching these films with a man. Get thee together with a girlfriend (or the preteen girl in your life) and some popcorn and just melt. (Has Francesca mentioned lately that Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert is yum yum yum yummy?)
The first film is based on the first novel, Anne of Green Gables, and is extremely true to the book!
The second film is loosely based on Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, and Anne of Windy Poplars. Although several subplots from those books are collapsed together, and the film does not follow the books exactly, it is still faithful to the general story arc and “feel” of the novels. A lovely, lovely and romantic film. The scene where Gilbert is sick makes Francesca cry every time.
Yes, it is cheesy. Blissfully, wonderfully so!
However, Francesca says: Do not bother with the third film. It veers ridiculously from the novels — it even breaks from the proper time line, jumping ahead to World War I without aging Anne and Gilbert appropriately — and is exceedingly melodramatic and boring. Stay away.
But from films 1 and 2 – do not stay away!
Happy weekend!
xoxo
I loved these movies so much growing up and I read all 8(?) of the books over and over with my sister. I haven’t seen them in a long time, but you’ve inspired me to watch them again!
Comment by sarcozona — December 19, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Don’t know if there are sharks in PEI or not.
If there are, Anne has jumped.
http://www.anneofgreengables.com/anneClassicmovies/anne4/index.php
Comment by Mrs. Millur — December 19, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
One of the best movie adaptations of a book hands down. Thanks for reminding me. I think that goes on my wish list!
Comment by Linda — December 19, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
Those movies are so on my wish list! I love, love, love them.
Comment by Sarah Fowler — December 19, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
I clicked on Mrs. Mulur’s link and I am aghast. Wha? I don’t understand but I’m pretty sure I don’t like it. I loved Anne growing up and still do, but I must admit that unlike Anne in the second film I would have married Morgan Harris in a heatbeat. That man was fine! And also rich! It would have been too much for me to resist! ;)
Comment by Jassy — December 19, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
Oh my goodness that will just destroy all of my wonderful childhood memories of Anne of Green Gables so I’m not seeing New Beginnings… EVER! There are very few movies and books that take me back to at particular feeling of childhood faster than Anne of Green Gables. Definitely the Little House on the Prairie series of books (not the TV show) and Little Women (the one with Winona Ryder). They all have that sense of warmth and coziness, and looking back the strong female characters don’t hurt either. Thanks for reminding me of these movies! They’re going straight to the top of my Netflix list.
Comment by Heather — December 21, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
Man I loved when these movies came on public tv when I was little. *sigh* gilbert was oh so fine! Im sorry to hear 3-4 sucked. I only watched 1 and 2.
Comment by Serena — December 22, 2008 @ 2:52 am