L.M. Montgomery Research Group

Anne of Avonlea (1975)

Cast and Credits

Produced by BBC Television. Running time: 6 episodes x 55 minutes. BBC airdates: 26 Jan., 2, 9, 16, 23 Feb., 2 Mar. 1975.

Kim Braden (Anne Shirley), Barbara Hamilton (Marilla Cuthbert), Madge Ryan (Rachel Lynde), Christopher Blake (Gilbert Blythe), Jan Francis (Diana Barry), David Garfield (Mr. Harrison), Nicholas Lyndhurst (Davy Keith), Annabelle Lanyon (Dora Keith), Sabina Franklyn (Philippa Gordon), Anthony Forrest (Roy Gardner).

From L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island. Dramatised by Elaine Morgan. Producer: John McRae. Directed by Joan Craft.

Commentary and Synopsis

Like the 1972 miniseries Anne of Green Gables, this BBC miniseries was believed to be lost, but it was released on DVD in 2006. Based on Montgomery’s novels Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island, it follows Anne’s trials and tribulations as a young adult in Avonlea, from her first experiences as a teacher, her involvement in the romantic lives of others, and her university career, which is wrapped up in the final two episodes. The London Times claims the series “promises much” (25 Jan. 1975: and pronounces it “delightful” (1 Mar. 1975: 8), but it does not offer a more detailed review. Rebroadcast on BBC between 2 Jan. and 6 Feb. 1977.