Of Green Gables - 1985 - 2 Parts Updated: Anne

The Spirit of Avonlea: Revisiting the 1985 Anne of Green Gables Miniseries For many, the name Anne Shirley is synonymous with one face: Megan Follows

  • Part 1 — Arrival and Adjustment: Introduces Anne’s backstory, her arrival at Green Gables, and the initial shock and eventual softening of Marilla and Matthew. Shows Anne’s early misadventures at school and in Avonlea, the development of her close friendship with Diana Barry, and the beginnings of conflict and eventual rivalry-turned-respect with Gilbert Blythe.
  • Part 2 — Growth and Trials: Follows Anne through more mature challenges—academic ambitions, personal losses, social misunderstandings, and tests of character—leading to reconciliations, community acceptance, and an affirmation of Anne’s place at Green Gables.

2. Production Background

  • Production Company: Sullivan Films (Kevin Sullivan's independent company) in association with the CBC, the Canadian government's Telefilm Canada, and PBS/WonderWorks.
  • Director: Kevin Sullivan
  • Screenplay: Kevin Sullivan and Joe Wiesenfeld
  • Producer: Ian McDougall
  • Filming Locations: Primarily in Ontario, Canada, including the town of Uxbridge (as Avonlea) and the historic house known as "Green Gables" in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island (used for exterior establishing shots).
  • Original Release Date: The two parts aired on CBC Television on December 1 and December 2, 1985.

Why “Two Parts" Matters More Than Ever

In today’s streaming environment, miniseries are common, but in 1985, the six-hour runtime was a bold statement. The two-part structure serves a narrative purpose that a single film or a modern 10-episode season sometimes misses: Anne of Green Gables - 1985 - 2 Parts

Report: Anne of Green Gables (1985) - 2 Parts The Spirit of Avonlea: Revisiting the 1985 Anne

The 1985 adaptation of "Anne of Green Gables" has become a beloved and iconic production, widely regarded as a faithful and engaging interpretation of Montgomery's novel. The two-part adaptation has been praised for its thoughtful pacing, strong performances, and attention to period detail. Part 1 — Arrival and Adjustment: Introduces Anne’s

Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert Blythe deserves special praise. He turns a smug schoolboy into a patient, kind, and deeply romantic hero. The moment Gilbert gives up the Avonlea school for Anne, and the final scene where he calls her “Carrots” on the bridge—those moments have launched a thousand crushes.