L.M. Montgomery's works have a lasting legacy and live on today in many forms. The continued appeal of her stories in Canada and around the world is evident in the widespread popularity of the countless adaptations of her works across television, film, animation, and theater.
Television
L.M. Montgomery's novels and short stories have been adapted for television in memorable productions with devoted global fanbases. This section includes pages on Sullivan Entertainment's beloved 1985 Anne of Green Gables miniseries, which starred Megan Follows as Anne Shirley, and its sequels Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987), Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000), and Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008). Learn about the BBC's Anne of Green Gables (1972) and Anne of Avonlea (1975) miniseries, which starred Kim Braden as the charismatic Anne Shirley. Explore pages on Lantern Hill (1989), Emily of New Moon (1998-2000), and the long-running Road to Avonlea television series, which ran for seven seasons from 1990-1996. Discover the Sri Lankan television drama Anne (2007), which adapted Anne of Green Gables for the screen. In 2016-2017, a trilogy of TV movies titled L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables was released. Most recently, Anne with an E (2017-2019), a modern, socially relevant re-telling of Anne of Green Gables starring Amybeth McNulty as Anne Shirley, popularized the character among a new generation of dedicated fans.
Film
The magic of Anne of Green Gables has also been presented on the silver screen. Learn about the 1919 silent film Anne of Green Gables starring Mary Miles Minter as Anne Shirley. Explore pages on Anne of Green Gables (1934) and Anne of Windy Poplars (1940), two films by RKO Pictures that starred an actress who renamed herself "Anne Shirley" in real life.
Animation
L.M. Montgomery's stories have also been brought to life through the artistry of animation. This section includes a page on the classic Japanese anime series Anne of Green Gables (aka Akage No An), directed by the acclaimed Isao Takahata in 1979. Discover Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series, an educational children's series by Sullivan Entertainment, and Anne: Journey to Green Gables, an animated film that imagines Anne Shirley's days before she reaches Green Gables. Explore pages on Emily of New Moon (aka Kaze no Shoujo Emily), an anime series based on L.M. Montgomery's Emily of New Moon trilogy, and Konnichiwa Anne: Before Green Gables (aka Hello Anne: Before Green Gables), an anime that tells the story of Anne's early life.
Theatre
L.M. Montgomery's stories have charmed audiences in plays, musicals, and even ballet. In this section, explore pages on the long-running Anne of Green Gables — The Musical and discover the romance of Anne & Gilbert: The Musical. Learn about Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet and the musicals versions of Emily and The Blue Castle. L.M. Montgomery's own life story has inspired stage productions, including The Nine Lives of L.M. Montgomery and Maud of Leaskdale. Stay tuned for upcoming productions that extend L.M. Montgomery's theatre legacy, such as the Stratford Festival's new Anne of Green Gables play, which will premiere as part of its 2025 season.
Created September 9, 1999. Last Updated November 24, 2024.
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