The Definitive Guide to Anne of Green Gables (1985): A Two-Part Masterpiece of Canadian Television

Why it stands out

"I’m so glad to see you," she breathed, not giving the stunned Matthew a moment to speak. "I was beginning to be afraid you weren't coming."

The first part covers roughly the first 16 chapters of the novel. It opens in the fictional town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. We meet elderly siblings Marilla (Colleen Dewhurst) and Matthew Cuthbert (Richard Farnsworth), who live at their picturesque farm, Green Gables.

Unlike many British period pieces, which can tend towards stuffiness, the Sullivan adaptation offers a cozy, Canadian perspective that feels charmingly authentic.

Unlike many television productions of the mid-80s, Anne of Green Gables felt cinematic. The lush landscapes of Prince Edward Island (and locations in Ontario) were filmed with a golden, nostalgic hue that made Avonlea feel like a place out of a dream. The score by Hagood Hardy, featuring its soaring woodwind themes, is instantly recognizable and evokes the pastoral beauty of the Canadian Maritimes. Why It Still Matters

If you have never seen the original 1985 two-part broadcast, find it. Watch Part One on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Wait a day. Then watch Part Two with a box of tissues. You will emerge not as the same person who entered. You will be, as Anne would say, a kindred spirit.

The cast delivers strong performances, bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters.

Gilbert Blythe gives up his teaching position at the Avonlea school so Anne can work close to home. This selfless act finally breaks the ice, ending their years of rivalry and cementing the beginning of their romantic future. The Masterstroke of Casting

Do you have a special connection to this adaptation or the novel itself?

The story began not with Anne, but with the quiet, winding roads of Prince Edward Island. The camera panned over lush green fields and red dirt paths, accompanied by a sweeping, orchestral score that felt like a breath of fresh air.

The 1985 2-part Anne of Green Gables set the standard for adaptations of classic literature. Its impact was so profound that it led to sequels, including Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (which covers Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island ) and later, less closely aligned stories. The film's enduring popularity is attributed to its emotional depth, high production values, and the timeless nature of Anne's quest for belonging.

The 1985 miniseries adaptation of Anne of Green Gables remains the definitive screen version of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel. Produced by Kevin Sullivan and CBC, this four-hour masterpiece captured the hearts of a generation and continues to find new fans through its timeless charm and stunning production quality. A Perfect Adaptation

Composer Hagood Hardy created a sweeping, orchestral score that relied heavily on woodwinds and strings. The main theme became instantly recognizable, evoking the rolling hills, coastal winds, and emotional highs and lows of Avonlea life. Cultural Legacy and Impact

Introduces Anne’s arrival at Bright River, her struggle to fit into the quiet community of Avonlea, and the beginning of her legendary rivalry with Gilbert Blythe.