Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, an elderly bachelor and spinster sister, have decided to adopt an orphan -- a nice, sturdy boy to help Matthew with the farm. However, the orphanage mistakenly sends a girl instead. Anne Shirley is a romantic, mischievous redhead desperate for a place to call home. She is also afflicted with an exhausting habit: she cannot stop talking. "She simply has to go back," says Marilla.

However, the longer Anne Shirley remains, the harder it is for Matthew and Marilla to imagine Green Gables without her. Despite Anne's frequent misadventures, which include insulting the town matriarch, dyeing her hair green, and unwittingly getting her best friend drunk, the Cuthberts grow to love the free-spirited young lady.

Once Anne starts school, she meets her classroom rival and sometime enemy, Gilbert Blythe. Through a series of occurrences, Anne swears that she will never tolerate the likes of Gilbert. Eventually, though, their battle of wills turns to affection as the pair became fast friends.

One evening, Matthew suffers a fatal heart attack and dies in Anne's arms. With Matthew gone, Marilla and Anne have to face the prospect of selling Green Gables. Anne decides to forego University, putting her dreams of becoming a writer on hold. Gilbert, hearing of Anne's decision, gives up his position as the teacher at Avonlea's school so that Anne can take care of Marilla and her beloved Green Gables.

Awards

• Emmy Awards: Emmy for Outstanding Children's Program
• Gemini Awards: Gemini for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress, Best Performance by a Supporting Actor, Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Single Dramatic Program or Mini-Series, Best Music Composition for a Single Program (Dramatic Underscore), Best Costume Design, Best Photography in a Dramatic Program or Series, Best Production Design or Art Direction, Best Dramatic Mini-Series, Best Writing in a Dramatic Program/Series (TV Adaptation)
• Peabody Awards: Peabody Award

Nominations

• Emmy Awards: Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Miniseries or a Special
• Gemini Awards: Gemini for Best Direction in a Dramatic Program or Series, Best Picture Editing in a Dramatic Program or Series

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