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HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF caught in a pickle, or at least a sticky situation? Well, take some pointers from the pros in the heart-warming witty tale of Anne Shirley, the princess of predicaments.

Momentary shock and disbelief engulf Mathew Cuthbert (Richard Farnsworth), a soft-spoken bachelor. After careful deliberation, the older gentleman and his sister, Marilla (Colleen Dewhurst), had decided to adopt a sturdy boy old enough to help with the chores on their farm, yet young enough to be raised with their values. However, when Matthew arrives at the train station to pick up the orphaned lad they requested, all he finds is a skinny red-haired girl accompanied by a worn out carpetbag and a huge imagination.

Shuffled between institutions since infancy, Anne Shirley (Megan Follows) had been taken in by numerous homes only to be a servant. Having existed in the most dismal of circumstances, the thirteen-year-old is looking forward to her new life. When the news that she is the victim of an unfortunate mix up is finally broken, her melodramatic heart is vanquished. Somehow Anne's irrepressible quirkiness manages to worm its way into the Cuthbert's hearts, and they soon prepare to let her stay -- if she can avoid trouble. This proves to be a daunting task, as the headstrong quick-tempered girl has a remarkable knack for attracting calamity.

Based on the novel that established Lucy Maud Montgomery as an important Canadian author, Anne Of Green Gables wonderfully illustrates the picturesque innocence of Prince Edward Island during the early 1900s. Although a silent film, a musical, and even an animated series have tried to capture the childlike charm of her writing with varying degrees of success, Kevin Sullivan's made-for-TV production has become the definitive version, thanks to fabulous performances by Follows and Dewhurst.

For those in a gift-giving dilemma for Mom, or perhaps another girl in your family, may we suggest sharing a trip to the island? Dust off your imaginations, put on your puffiest sleeves, and share this beloved movie with one of your 'kindred spirits."

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Talk about the movie with your family...

Both Anne and Marilla have struggled to forgive beaus who offended them. How does this affect their lives? What things might have been different if they had been able to overlook past wrongs?

How do Matthew and Marilla's child-rearing approaches differ? Who loved Anne more?

The traditional orphanages depicted in this movie are relics from the past. How are children without families cared for today?

Video Alternatives...

A Little Princess and Fly Away Home also tell tales of children adapting to new environments. Children Of Heaven follows the misadventures of well meaning impoverished siblings who share a pair of shoes. All of these films are told from the child's perspective. Fans of Richard Farnsworth may also enjoy The Straight Story. For other Mother's day viewing ideas, check out Something To Share With Mom.

Melanie Law

© 2002 One Voice Communications. All Rights Reserved.

Follow the link to Making The Grades for additional information on this film's content.